‘It’s sad gospel musicians don’t get promotions like secular musicians’

Oyeronke Olusi is a gospel musician. She is a graduate of Communication and Language Arts of the University of Ibadan, Oyo State. In this interview with OLAIDE SOKOYA, she speaks about her life and career.

How has life been as a gospel musician?

It has been awesome. Although there have been ups and downs, yet we have every reason to thank God. This is not a profession, but a call. Even it is not an ordinary call, but a divine one. So, I am mindful of who sent me. I have had the high point of my career and it was encouraging. Many people embraced my works which gave me a clear picture that I am indeed sent on a mission. However, I have not allowed the challenges I have witnessed, especially financing the production of some of my works, to discourage me because God has always been there to see me through.

You are an entrepreneur, gospel musician, actress, among others. How have you been able to combine all these?

I am a woman of grace, a singer of hymns and happily married to Adewole Olusi. I sing to exalt God and I find unlimited joy in doing what I know how to do best. Though it may not be easy to combine all these, but I have been able to define my passion. My husband had been supportive of my music career. We work together as a team on this mission and he doesn’t make me feel the pressure of combining the roles. I am also an instrumentalist. I have been into acting since 2013. I perform with DHR Film in Ibadan till date.

What made you venture into gospel music?

The Holy Spirit encouraged me to reach out and minister to people, especially to remind them of the power and inspiration in hymns. I developed my talent in singing over the years through voice training sessions and choir activities. I have been into gospel music for a long time, but this is my first year of coming out as a professional gospel artiste. I was a member of the choir for many years. Everything I know about music was learnt from the church. Singing in church gave me a platform to improve my voice, exposed me to music, musical instruments and boosted my confidence when singing on stage. This call has taken me to places I cannot imagine to propagate the gospel and I am also open to bigger opportunities as they come.

What is your greatest challenge?

The challenge is not peculiar to me alone. Gospel musicians don’t get enough sponsors and promoters for their works compared to secular musicians. Many musicians have taken to social media platforms to project their works. Personally, social media has helped my music to reach more people at a faster and more reliable way. It has provided a platform for international reach.

Is it true that music works as a tool in winning soul for Christ?

It is not an exaggeration. I know that through hymns, there is salvation and deliverance. Also, many people have given testimonies after listening to hymns. God works mightily through music because He feels exalted and appreciated through music.

How was your growing up like?

I was born into the royal family of Oba Oloyede Asanike in Ibadan. In 2004, I concluded my secondary school education at Yejide Girls’ Grammar School, Ibadan, Oyo State. I am a graduate of the Communication and Language Arts, University of Ibadan. However, amidst this academic journey, my passion to render hymns to God has always reigned supreme. Though an entrepreneur in hair style and soap making, my passion has always been music all the time.