With the right support, Christian artistes can do better —Babanla

Daramola Oluwaseun Adebowale, popularly known as Babanla, a gospel artiste, who has honed his art over nine years, speaks with RITA OKONOBOH on his journey into the ministry, how he thinks gospel artistes can compete with their secular contemporaries favourably and what artistes must note before deciding on taking music professionally. Excerpts:

Brief about background

I am a native of Ilaramokin, Ondo State. I grew up in Ibadan and had my primary and secondary education in Ibadan as well. I studied Biology/Chemistry at the Osun State College of Education and I am a graduate of Chemistry Education from Ekiti State University. At present, I work with the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission.

Passion for singing

I developed my passion for singing when I was much younger. However, as I grew, I took the decision to work more on my passion. I was a chorister at Christ Faithful Church. However, it was at Rebuilding in Holiness Bible Church (RIHBC) I had the opportunity to really feature professionally. RIHBC was instrumental to my becoming a full gospel artiste today. I began my music journey professionally in 2008. Every time I look back at how my life has been, all I say is thank God. There were times I would scout for posters for concerts and I attended these concerts with the hope that if I appealed, I would be given the opportunity to perform my songs as special numbers. However, now, the story is different and I owe everything to God. I have two albums to my credit.

Why gospel?

Apart from music being a talent, I chose gospel because of the way I was groomed. I was brought up differently in the way of God and my love for God led me to the decision to become a gospel artiste.

What church do you attend now?

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Support from parents?

At a point in my life, my father didn’t really seem to support my decision to become a gospel artiste, but my mum has always been supportive. However, now, my father is also very supportive.

Would you describe yourself as a pastor?

I am not a pastor, but people refer to me as a pastor or evangelist. Although, as a gospel artiste, I am also a music minister – I minister through my music.

Stage name

My stage name is written as SEUNdaramola, and I am also well known as Babanla.

Testimonies

There have been many testimonies from various quarters. However, the most moving testimonies I have heard are from Muslims telling me how much my music have inspired them. I have heard from parents who tell me that their children insist on listening to my music. For all the testimonies, I give God the glory. I am glad that by God’s grace, my music has had meaningful impact within and outside Christendom.

Are gospel artistes appreciated enough in Christian communities?

I would say yes they are, although to an extent.

Can Nigeria’s gospel music industry make as much impact as the secular?

Nigeria’s gospel music industry can get to that point where secular music if we do the right thing. If we support ourselves the way secular artistes, and even Muslim artistes, support up-and-coming talents, we will get there. Gospel artistes also need to do more in terms of featuring other gospel artistes in their performances.

Advice for those new in the industry

I’d tell them it is not all about money. The important thing should be the message they intend to pass across in order to make meaningful impact in the society.