Graceforte music studio launched in Ibadan 

A modern music and creative studio, Graceforte, has been launched with state-of-the-art equipment in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

Graceforte Music Studio, an offshoot of Graceforte Creative Academy located at 48, Ganiyu Bello Street around Omo Gafo Hall, Felele area in Ibadan, was unveiled on Saturday 25th May by Reverend Dr Abel Adeleke, a lecturer from the music department, The Polytechnic Ibadan and General overseer of the Zion Global Mission, Ibadan. 

Speaking with our correspondent, the founders; Reverend Louis Oladunmoye, a creative artist, music minister and pastor; and his wife, Architect Dr Oluranti Oladunmoye, explained that the idea of a studio was conceived during their courtship but resuscitated in marriage and nurtured for over 21 years before coming to fruition. 

Speaking on their motivation, Reverend Oladunmoye said they dreamed of having a studio that can influence society positively while also promoting musical careers and nurturing talents whose songs will glorify God and change lives positively in all areas of life. 

Continuing, he said though the studio is open to everybody, including secular music artists, he however affirmed that they would refine the outputs from the studio to ensure it contributes positively to society. According to him, music is more powerful than books in terms of influencing people and shaping moral values.

On her part, Architect Dr Oladunmoye, said the studio, which has a music academy, creative art and vocational training school, is established to ensure anyone with musical and creative talent has a platform to build a career and impact lives in a Godly way. 

She said, “If you look at some secular music nowadays, they’ve been helping in degrading moral values in the society. 

“What we’re out to do is that whatever form of music (either gospel or secular) that will come out of this studio is not the type that would demoralise people or reduce the moral values. 

“If anybody comes to this studio, we’ll help them to repackage their music in a way that will influence both the youth and adults to have good moral standards. We’re not going to promote any secular music that will not uphold good moral standards even if it’s not gospel.”

When asked about the connection between Architecture, Art and music, Architect Oladunmoye said they all work simultaneously, adding that there’s no Architecture or Art without music, “it’s been right there throughout our training. Music gives inspiration to Architects and Artists.”