Quest for fame has made many gospel musicians to go astray —Akiode

How did you discover your passion for music?

I started singing in the choir at the then Zion African Church, Alaagba, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos State, and I later proceeded to Lads and Lasses Brigade where I learnt how to play the trumpet and organ in 2004. I have been in music since I was nine, but not professionally. I eventually had headway when it was time for me to practice music professionally. Music is all I do for a living. I have a recording studio called 3A Studio and this part of my vision in promoting the gospel industry and the up-and-coming musicians.

Why did you choose gospel music?

Gospel music is an unquestionable truth. In all we do, truth is paramount. I decided to do gospel music because it is enriching to the ear, soul, heart and mind. It is a closer walk with the Lord. I am a versatile musician, but I put God above all.

What do you mean by the gospel music being an unquestionable truth?

Gospel itself is ‘good news.’ It refers to the story of Jesus Christ’s birth, death and resurrection. Gospel music is basically heard in and outside the church. It is a tool to propagate the good news to many audiences. So, being an unquestionable truth in this context is categorically talking and passing out the nature of God, the reason for the birth of Christ, the reason for His death and resurrection and the reason for the second coming through songs.

How are you a versatile musician? Do you mean you sing secular songs too?

I mean I play more than one instrument. I started with these two, then proceeded to alto, tenor and soprano sax.  I don’t have issue with secular musicians. Music is wide, it’s a language, the same way we have diverse languages, same way we have different genres and styles of music. I may choose to play gospel music and that doesn’t stop any secular musician from being my colleague. We are all one in Christ. We can even win more souls in the secular world through our works and lifestyle.

How many works do you have to your credit?

Though I may not have been led to release any album, I have some singles. I released my first work in 2014 entitled: “Ijo”. I have since then released seven more tracks: In His Name, Give Thanks (sax cover), My Faith, Olori Ijo, Hill Far Away, Fill My Cup and Baba Fagbara Re Han.

How has the experience been since you started singing?

Music is a great tool of communication. So, the experience has been fantastic and also rough and tedious, but when you do what you love doing, it makes it look stress-free. It wasn’t easy from the start, but now, music has made me dine with kings. I have been to places that I never imagined. I have met people that I would not have met. There are challenges in the music industry, especially in the gospel music ministry, from getting known to raising funds for studio sessions and getting the right set of like minds to work with. Devil has taken over the music industry and that is why you see gospel musicians do ungodly things to thrive and contend with the things of this world. Secular musicians bring themselves up, while reverse is the case in the gospel world. The quest for fame has made some gospel musicians go astray. I would rather make impact and build potential rather than be famous.

Your educational background

I studied Music Theory after my secondary school and then I proceeded to Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ogun State, where I bagged Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication in 2013. I’m presently doing an online Masters course in music production.

Would you accept any collaboration even with a secular musician?

It needs the leading of the Holy Spirit. I could remember my second track, “IN HIS NAME”, I was led to feature one of my bosses in the industry, Oluwalonibisi. I told him and he said the same song dropped in his mind three days before.  Featuring a fellow musician is spiritual. The only gospel musician I will love to feature is Don Moen if God permits.

Who is your role model?

Pastor Nathaniel Bassey. I am awed by his simplicity, dexterity and way of life. If I’m asked to pick one Nigerian gospel musician, I will pick him above all.

What makes you stand out among other gospel artistes?

My music is simple but skillful. I have always prayed for the anointing to make a difference and so far, my brand has showcased my distinct.

Do you think gospel musicians are seen as more Godly than secular musicians? 

I know just myself. Most gospel musicians have gone too far in the quest of getting known or projecting themselves to the world. You’ll hear them sing gospel music but it will not reflect in their lives. Some sing love and don’t practice love, some sing healing and do not believe in the healing power of God. The main difference between gospel and secular music is that gospel music first speaks to the soul, glorifying and praising God, while secular music first speaks to the body. This is why you cannot simply take good lyrics and put them with secular music and expect to glorify God. But talking as a musicologist, we both play music just that we choose the part to play. There are some great musicians that sing secular songs, but their song has done a whole lot in shaping people’s lives, healing wounds, fixing broken marriages, among others. We have heard great musicians like Kenny Rogers, Luther Vandros, Lionel Richie, composers like Beethoven, Scot Joplin, Mozart.  These great musicians sing songs that have done a whole lot in transforming people. The contents of their lyrics are Godly. Most gospel musicians don’t act what they preach.