Some gospel songs are not for worshipping God… —Nosa

Nosa Omoregie, popularly known as Nosa, is a Nigerian recording artiste, singer and songwriter. He has released inspiring and record-breaking singles such as ‘Always Pray for You’, ‘Why You Love Me’ and ‘Always on My Mind’. In this interview with FAVOUR BOLUWADE, he reveals plans for a new single to be produced and released before the year ends which he believes would be impacting and amazing. Excerpt.

How has your experience been so far in the Nigerian music industry?

My experience so far in the music industry has been good. It has been fairly good and it’s getting better as I make progress in my career and my work .

What can you say about present-day gospel music, with so many genres insert in the lyrics and beats?

Gospel music being diluted… I don’t think that’s based on the style of the music or the beat. Well, maybe sometimes because of the lyrics. I wouldn’t say it is diluted in itself. I would only say there are some individuals who do not have an understanding of what the gospel is about and are trying to express the gospel in their own way. There are even ‘gospel sounding – church sounding’ music where the intention is not genuine to worship God, but to make a hit. So, yes, I wouldn’t say it has been diluted per say, but there may be a number of songs that are not deeply rooted enough, which is not out of the ordinary.

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 How have you harnessed your music to meet the needs of the your listeners?

Well, I’ve written about a few things that have to do with lives, emotions, and our soul as a nation in general. So I think I have harnessed my music to meet the need of the nation at large. You know, talking about things that concern our everyday lives – from a christian perspective.

 What challenges have you faced in the industry and how have you sustained your music over the years?

The challenge of acceptance and of platforms are the two major obstacles. Acceptance and platform in terms of how the media, corporate bodies accept gospel music. Also in terms of sponsorships, it’s not been easy. I don’t know why mainstream Nigeria has decided to push gospel music away. It wasn’t like that way back in the mid-nineties The major challenge, really, has been being accepted outside of church, being accepted in the mainstream. We seem not to get enough air time and attention in the media space and church, in my opinion, shouldn’t be a platform, but a place to give back.

 Do you think gospel artistes are paying enough attention to the state of our country with their music?

To be honest, I don’t think gospel artistes are paying enough attention to the state of the country in music

 Looking ahead, what do we expect from the brand ‘Nosa’ as the year is rounding off?

I have a project coming that is almost done. It’s a worship album. This one is to give back to God to say thank you to God. Then, I’ll continue with the usual Nosa’s style of gospel music.

 What would your new single revolve around?

It will be revolving round the goodness of God, the nature of God, who God is.

Can you tell us briefly about yourself?

I am Nosa Shadrax Omoregie, born in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. I attended St. Mary’s Nursery and Primary school and attended University of Benin Demonstration Secondary School.  I also studied Electrical /Electronics Engineering at the University of Benin. I started my journey into the world of music at the young age of seven as a chorister in my local church and from there, resumed actively and started writing choir pieces in 1999.

As I grew, I tried hands on writing rap lyrics and immersed myself in the popular culture. I was aware of my  talents and soon experimented on different genres of music; doing this, I was able to transform my rap lyrics into fluid melody and substance.  Driven by spirituality,  my talent found its purpose in inspiring audience with words of hope and promoting awareness to inspire change. I have not stopped since my first song in 2003, I still sing to inspire change.

Nigerian Tribune