I plan to take gospel music all over the world —Owojori

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6 years ago

Rachael Owojori is a gospel singer, who started singing at the age of eight. In this interview by Gbenga Olumide, she speaks about her sojourn into music and other issues. Excerpts:

How and when did you start singing?

I started singing from the tender age of eight in the children’s choir. I later joined students choir in a group called Gospel Students’ Fellowship. I was not a good singer before. When I joined the student fellowship, I prayed to God for a beautiful voice. I promised God I would give it back to Him. And He did! I continued to develop myself in church choir and personal voice training. I’ve been singing God’s praises ever since.

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How do you get inspiration?

I get inspiration from God through personal experience, the word of God, dream, nature, situation and what is going on around me; listening to messages and Christian music.

It is believed that gospel songs are meant to evangelise but most of today’s singers have commercialised it. What do you say about this?

I won’t say “most singers” because I believe there are true gospel ministers out there. Some gospel artistes prioritise money over the message of Christ. It is not right to favour money or fame over the calling. It is important for everyone who is truly called by God to follow God’s direction and pass the message of God to the people without looking back. Luke 9:52 states that “No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God”.

What do you think you can do or what do you do to be different from other gospel singers?

I try to be myself and follow the leadings of the Holy Spirit in my ministry. If I am seen to be different or the same with another gospel minister, that for me doesn’t matter. I believe in fulfilling God’s purpose for my life.

How many songs/albums are to your credit?

By God’s grace I released my first single album entitled, “Odun tuntun” (New year) in December 2016 and my first album entitled “Let’s Praise Him”, containing eight songs, in August 2017. I have ‘Odun tuntun’ and Let’s praise him Video on Youtube. I released a video in February 2019 entitled “The Name of Jesus.” It is also on Youtube. I am working on three singles at present, and hopefully to release a new album in 2020.

Any challenges? What are they and how do you surmount them?

Yes, there are challenges, but God has been faithful. In this kind of ministry, as the Bible says, money is the vehicle of evangelism. To produce an album and to promote or market it cost a lot of money of course. We are praying for financial breakthrough to propagate the gospel. We are also trusting God for volunteers and sponsors to help spread the gospel of Christ. Another challenge that we are facing is getting gospel songs to the public forum in Canada but thanks to God for opening doors in this area. God is helping us to extend the gospel of Jesus beyond the four walls of the Church.

Where do you see your music ministry in five or 10 years?

By God’s grace, other anticipation for the future also includes how to work more on helping the orphans and the needy in Africa. We also plan to tour other African countries, Europe, and U.S next year, while we are trusting God for an open door in Asia and the Middle East.

Aside singing, what other things do you do?

I am a registered nurse by profession. I also volunteer for humanitarian services here in Nigeria and Canada. I am a volunteer in children’s church and by God’s grace, I am the unit leader of the drama team of RCCG Jesus House for all Nations, Saskatoon, Canada. Some of our movies are on Youtube (RCCG Jesus House Saskatoon). I also love gardening.

Who is/are your role model(s)?

Jesus Christ is my role model. The Bible says in Philippians 2:5, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” My parents, Elder and Deaconess Akintola are great inspiration to me. I do appreciate the gift of God in the life of ministers like Pastor E.A Adeboye, Bishop Oyedepo, Pastor Lekan Ayodele, Evangelist Dupe Olulana, Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, Evangelist Bola Are, Evangelist Bukola Bekes, Lara George, Evangelist Tope Alabi, Sinach, Evang. Gloria Bamiloye to mention just a few.