Adesola Adelayi, popularly known as Desy Rae, is a fast-rising gospel musician and a successful fashion entrepreneur. In this interview by SEYI SOKOYA, the graduate of Economics from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, (AAUA) Ondo State, speaks on her career and her vision.
What is the distinctive thing you have brought into the gospel music industry?
I have over the years enjoyed listening to many unique songs and church songs by Christians; I feel they have improved over the years. I have some kind of feeling that I can have my own input to further add beautiful colours to the global gospel music world by bringing a unique sound and style, I believe there should be a kind of happy vibes while praising and worshiping God.
How did you discover your passion for music?
My mother told me I could be by myself singing in my room. Then at age six, she felt it was time I joined the choir. I find fulfillment doing music.
At what point did you take it up professionally?
I got my first features in 2013, and then recorded my very first track in 2016, and the experience has been awesome.
Why gospel music when other young people like you opt for secular music?
Gospel is the message I understand, I don’t want to sing songs for just amusement. I want souls to be blessed by it also. That is more like the only foundation I grew up to know. I can only produce what I have inside out.
What are the challenges like?
My process through music is from a transcending life of glory to glory. I believe if God has brought you into a place He will equip you. Learning through the process cannot be categorised as a challenge. God has been faithful to me and turning all obstacles to a pathway of success. So, I cannot identify any challenge categorically.
Do you have the support of your parents in this career?
My parents are my number one fans; my mum made me join the choir in the church at a very tender age and has been nurturing me with the word of God, which has prepared me for a time such as this, I must say. As you all know the prominent Loveworld Nation Christ Embassy, and their key role in creating platforms and supporting the course of gospel music; yes, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has been a major support. I am grateful to be a beneficiary.
How many works do you have to your credit?
I have had a couple of songs, including ‘In This Place’, ‘He Never Fails’, The Name ‘Jesus’, but my new work is entitled, ‘New Song’.
The competition among the female folks is very high, how do you intend to break in?
My message is the gospel. On this side of Zion, we have a mandate with the same message. I don’t see any competition or reverie in the gospel world. I strongly believe every single part of the body has its place and has importance to one another. We are, therefore, working together to ensure maximum preparedness for the return of the Father. Even though our sound is unique, I don’t see anything competitive amongst us. Neither am I seeing anybody breaking in, Jesus already did a major breaking. We are here to dominate by extending these works to the end of the earth.
Who is your role model in the industry?
I love and admire every single minister/artiste’s contribution to the gospel music ministry, but I would mention my strong regards/love for Ada, Evangelist Kathy, Sinach, Tasha Cobbs, to mention a few.
How have you been able to combine education with career?
I’m thankful to God for His grace and ability to work in me. The Holy Spirit helped me identify and plan better. That is how I can best answer that.
What other things do you venture into aside music?
I’m also a fashionpreneur if there is any word like that (laughs). I own a fashion house and I am also into some other industrious ventures.
Are you satisfied with the state of things in the gospel music industry?
Over the years it has improved I must say, so many new faces and new sounds have evolved, which I am part of. I believe the glory of the latter is far greater than the former. I believe things will keep getting better.
How do you intend to impact lives through your talent?
I am working on redefining the mind of the world to bring a positive and healthier thinking generation. If you consider the general sound out there today, they are toxic and erotic message everywhere. I believe this is not good for the children and even some adults, hence we need a lot of positive sound and energy to suppress these negative messages and my role here is to be part of the positive sound force. I just need to make good music consistently available for people to hear.
Even as a gospel musician, temptations are bound to occur, and there would be admirers from all around. How do you intend to handle all these?
There is a clear focus and a goal; I can’t trade that for mere distractions. God first and then every other thing follows.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
We Have Not Had Water Supply In Months ― Abeokuta Residents
In spite of the huge investment in the water sector by the government and international organisations, water scarcity has grown to become a perennial nightmare for residents of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. This report x-rays the lives and experiences of residents in getting clean, potable and affordable water amidst the surge of COVID-19 cases in the state…
Selfies, video calls and Chinese documentaries: The things you’ll meet onboard Lagos-Ibadan train
The Lagos-Ibadan railway was inaugurated recently for a full paid operation by the Nigerian Railway Corporation after about a year of free test-run. Our reporter joined the train to and fro Lagos from Ibadan and tells his experience in this report…
and then