I have no regret dumping Fuji for gospel music —Senwele Jesu

Renowned gospel minister, Evangelist (Mrs) Racheal Olubukolami Akinade, better known as Senwele Jesu, who recently celebrated her 50th birthday, shares her experiences and reflects on how she has remained strong and excelled in the music industry for the past 25 years with SEYI SOKOYA.

Congratulations on your recent 50th birthday celebration! How do you feel about reaching this milestone?

I am so grateful to God for His faithfulness. I am still overwhelmed by how people celebrated me. It was a grand occasion, and I can’t thank everyone enough who celebrated with me in one way or another. When I turned 40, I wondered if I would reach 50, and here I am today, by His grace.

Reflecting on the last 50 years, how has the journey been?

All glory to God! Like any normal human being, I have experienced both ups and downs. There have been moments of laughter and tears, and I have often masked my scars with smiles for those who look up to me. I strive to remain strong, but above all, God has been my help. Despite my scars, He has given me victory and joy throughout my 50-year journey in life.

Would you say you have achieved your main aspirations?

Haaaaa! No, I can’t say that I have. Nonetheless, I am still grateful to God because my present is far better than my past. I will continue to work and pray for my best days to come.

You are a woman of many talents: a respected gospel minister, wife, mother, and advocate. How have you managed to balance these roles without a clash?

Honestly, it has not been easy! As a human being, I have my limits. Sometimes, I need to stretch beyond those boundaries to make things work. There are moments when I lose sight of myself while taking care of others, whether it’s caring for the sick or rushing from a long trip to the kitchen. Yet, above all, God has been my strength.

Your music brand remains unique and has won many souls. How do you draw inspiration for your music?

I don’t have a specific method for drawing inspiration. God can inspire anyone, anywhere. It is essential to recognise the voice of the one speaking to you, and it has truly been the guidance of the Holy Spirit that has led me.

Many people are unaware that you started with Fuji music. At what point did your transformation occur, and how do you feel about it now?

(Smiles) Yes, when I was younger, I didn’t like following the crowd; I always wanted to be unique. I believed that what a man can do, a woman can do even better. I excelled in football and table tennis. During my time in the predominantly male Fuji music industry, I was determined to prove that women could succeed in this field. I achieved that successfully in the early ‘90s. When the transformation occurred, I felt immense happiness and fulfillment, knowing that I was a vessel of honour for my Maker; this remains my greatest achievement.

You have been a sought-after gospel minister for 25 years. What has that experience been like?

My 25 years in the field have taught me many unforgettable lessons, both physically and spiritually. One needs to prioritise God to succeed in the gospel music industry. I realized that we can’t be the same; you have to relate to people at their level of understanding.

The music ministry has not been easy, but God’s grace has been sufficient for protecting my home, raising my children despite tight schedules, and navigating family challenges, competitive spirits from the opposite gender, and more. Above all, God has been my strength. My marriage is now 22 years old, and God continues to be my strength.

What are your goals after 50?

Every human being has aspirations in life, but God has a divine plan for everyone. I am grateful to God for how far He has brought me. We humans are like Oliver Twist; we will continue to ask for and desire more despite having enough. God has His way of doing things. I pray for the grace to continue to enjoy God’s divine purpose for my life.

Many have described your simplicity as your unique feature. Do you subscribe to this?

I believe I can’t assess myself accurately. It’s the perception of others, especially my fans, that matters. I do not take their love for me for granted; I cherish my simplicity dearly. I love to serve God with everything in me, enjoy the company of others, especially young people, and engage in new experiences. I don’t believe in impossibilities. However, I am also a disciplinarian.

You receive an abundance of love from fans worldwide for your 50th birthday celebration, illustrating how cherished you are. What would you like to say to your fans?

I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank them all and appreciate God for granting me good health and a sound mind. I am grateful that this celebration is happening in my lifetime. I am overwhelmed by the love, support, and prayers. At one point, I was concerned about how the news reached nearly every corner of the world. On this note, I would like to express my appreciation to the chairman of Fresh FM, Asiwaju Yinka Ayefele (MON), for airing the jingle without asking for payment. May God bless him, and may he rise as others fall, in Jesus’ name.

May the Lord bless all the fans, families, and friends of Senwele Jesu around the globe. I pray that celebrations will never cease in your lives.

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