Female gospel singer and song writer, Isabella Mellodies, has been building a name for herself in the music industry with huge fans within and outside Nigeria. In this interview by Segun Adebayo, she speaks about her calling, challenges and new single, ‘Omeriwo’.
Most people started singing at an early age, how did singing start for you?
I started writing songs, stories and poems at an early age but I didn’t actually start singing till much later. I’ve always loved music and grew up surrounded by music. However I never dreamt of being a singer or performer as a child. Worship is my calling and music/ singing for me is a means of expression for my worship to God.
What drives your passion for music?
My passion for worshipping God drives my desire to sing and make music.
Music in itself is diverse with many genres. Why did you settle for gospel music?
As much as I loved and still love music, it was never my aspiration to become a singer. My childhood dream was to become a lawyer and help set women free from oppression. Worship is my calling and gospel music is an integral part of worship so really there was no room to consider other options.
Are there challenges you have faced while building your career? How have you overcome such challenges?
To be honest, music is a calling and not a career for me. Before going into full-time ministry, I had a thriving career in the UK as a Business Manager. As a married woman with four young children at the time, one of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing home, work and ministry. As with everything else in life, overcoming challenges requires God’s grace, planning, personal discipline, resilience, and support from friends & family.
Many gospel artistes have one thing that is unique to them; what makes you different from others?
Just being Isabella is my uniqueness. God anoints us all differently and by His grace, He has anointed me to carry His presence in a tangible way. The seal of approval from God on each and everyone of us makes us individually unique and special.
Many people draw inspiration from different things or situations around them.What inspires you to write songs?
I am inspired by my passionate love for God, my encounters with Him and my life experiences generally. I constantly receive songs. Rarely do I plan songwriting. I am very blessed to enjoy a ceaseless flow of melodies from God’s Spirit to my spirit in every season.
What’s the inspiration behind you, new song ‘Omeriwo’?
It is to testify of God’s greatness and my desire to see Jesus glorified. OMERIWO, which means ‘He has prevailed’, is a declaration of the victory we have in Jesus Christ. It is based on Revelations 5:5 Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed…
Among all the songs you’ve written, which one stands out for you? Are there more songs on the way?
With over 100 songs released, I could try to maybe pick top 10 that stand out to me but I would find it impossible to pick one. And yes there are definitely more songs on the way as I prepare for the release of my 10th album entitled ‘Melodies From The Secret Place’.
What are your hopes about the gospel music industry ?
My hope is that we continue to fill the earth with songs of love, joy, hope and healing. Despite the distractions out there, my prayer is that we stay focused on the ultimate goal, which is to glorify God and to draw men to Him.
Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
Serving Jesus, enjoying grace and impacting lives.
and then