I’m always in the spirit whenever I handle sax —Tife Sax

How did you discover your passion for the musical instrument, especially saxophone?
The musical instrument is what I got fascinated with. Initially, I thought it was out of sight, but my spirit kept telling me that I could be perfect at it if I pick it up as a hobby.  I had more knowledge about sax through my dad’s friend. He works with silverbird in Abuja. I do feel inspired and motivated anytime I see him play the saxophone. It is always a task for me to give attention to his performance or rehearsals. At a point, I fell in love with sax and I summoned courage that I could handle it. The passion grew overtimes and I eventually picked it up as a talent.

We never endorsed any candidate for 2019 presidential election — CAN

How has it been since you took it up professionally?

It has been interesting and fulfilling because I always feel I am in the spirit whenever I’m carrying or handling my saxophone. I do connect with it and it takes me to a different realm I cannot imagine or explain in plain language sometimes. I knew God is behind this and I am grateful that I made myself a vessel onto honour. This was why I said the experience has been fulfilling.

Is this because you do more of gospel?

Yes. Aside the fact that I see this as a divine mission, I feel more comfortable with gospel. This is my core area and I am delighted that I am already fulfilling my mandate. I love Gospel. I don’t like to get myself involved in secular world, because that is not my focus. So, it is ideal for me to channel my path in the right direction.

How have you been able to carve a niche for yourself in the industry?

I know that I am very young, but I am not too young in the hands of my creator, rather I am a useful instrument in God’s hands. I am doing my best to unleash my talents and affect lives positively. So, I don’t want to be distracted with the rush of carving a niche for myself in the industry. I leave all to God and I know he will take me to where He wants me to be. I only pray and ask for grace, because that goes a long way. This was why I based the theme of my concert early this year as ‘Grace has kept me’. Grace does speak in places where humans have not even been. I believe with the grace of God, I’m going places.

Don’t you feel threatened among the young emerging saxophonists in the industry?

I don’t have to feel threatened. Instead, I am optimistic to join the league of professionals both the young and the elderly to exhibit our talents, as well as populate the kingdom of God. I salute the intellects of Beejay Sax, Demilade, Temidayo among others. They have been a source of inspiration to me. Seeing them performing has been so inspiring and I know that we can always improve on our game to take over the industry.

What are your aspirations?

I want to become a well-known gospel saxophonist and agent of soul-winning. I have designed my plans and God is the master key to execute them respectively.

What is the experience like holding a concert?

It was tasking, because it was my first experience. I actually held the concert, because I want to use it as a platform to showcase my talent and also motivate other young people like me. We are the future of the nation and we have to do something differently from what the older generation has been going. I know we can make things happen and change the face of the industry with new innovations and music that will make lives more meaningful.

What has been your greatest challenge as a saxophonist?

It is the lack of acceptability and confidence in the up-and-coming artistes. But I know all these will become a story. Though, it makes one sad sometimes, I will not be dejected irrespective of whatever challenges I face now. I believe I am currently paying my dues and I know that my time will come soon.

Where would you like to see yourself in the next five years?

I want to see myself in a high position and the deserved place God wants me to be.

How have you been able to combine your academic and your talent without clashing?

It is through God’s wisdom and my parents. My manager has also been supportive. The two are not affecting each other. I have rehearsals time and my studies are my priorities.  I don’t joke with my education. I want to become a medical doctor, though I have no plan to dump sax for my certificate. It is possible to use sax to heal people instead of pre-description of medicines. My ministration can heal people and make things happen positively without any stress. I want to use this medium to appreciate my parents for their support for believing in me and supporting my career. I was able to convince my dad that I could do this and he got me a saxophone. I am confident that I will make them proud. I also want to thank my fans for their earnest support over the years. I want them to look out for more from me in 2019 and subsequent years.