‘Where I draw my inspiration from’

Olubusayo Akande is a Nigerian based in the United States and one of the gospel musicians, who just made a grand entry into the industry. In this interview with Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare, the Ogbomoso-born electrical engineer, speaks on his foray into music. Excerpts:

ou are regarded as one of the new entrants into gospel music industry in Nigeria; can you please tell us your journey into music?

I leant playing piano before I left Nigeria to study in Michigan. Before this period, I used to sing in the choir, both Methodist Church at home and later at Redeemed Christian Church of God Campus Fellowship choir while I was an undergraduate student.  In addition, I started writing poems in 2002 when I was as an undergraduate; this consciously and unconsciously inspired my foray into song composition to glorify God.

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By 2009, I had several gospel poems that needed musical notes. At the same period, I joined Nestle Nigeria Plc, Agbara. This brought me close to a “powerful” RCCG, Rose of Sharon Parish, Agbara and I became a chorister there and within a space of short time, I became the men’s choir leader in the parish from 2009 to 2011 before I left the shores of Nigeria for further academic studies in the US. When I got to the US in 2011, I worked more on piano lessons with a friend from the Music major. I was also part of the Faith Reformed Church and City Church Traverse city, MI in 2012 and 2014 respectively.

How has life been as a professional gospel music artiste?

This does not happen in a day; my music journey has been happening in various stages which God has been dealing with me to improve. It has been a lot of work and time-consuming writing lyrics and notes to be able to teach the choir/backup singers. As a professional musician, you are at the central of making decision on songs and beat depending on what that instrumentalists/producers feel based on their experience in the industry.

What inspires your music?

My inspiration is from the word of God. I wait on Him each day to have the word, sometimes it is a song. I listen to Don Moen, Ron Kenoly, and other gospel songs that are inspired by the deep understanding of the words of God. I see everything in life, whether good or otherwise as a beautiful moment. He created us in His image and wants us to go forth and display His beauty. Everything He created is beautiful!

You just launched your first album in faraway United States titled “Divine Love”. How was the experience and are you planning to have this album lunched in Nigeria soon?

It was a wonderful experience. The launching day was awesome. God saw us through and did what no man could do. We are presently working with a producer to launch the album in Nigeria soon. As of now, we have the album available for downloads on online platforms.

What was the inspiration behind the album?

The inspiration behind this album is very simple; God’s love. I think of His awesome love for me and indeed for everyone always, despite all we have done wrong yet, this great God still loves us in a very awesome way. That sincerely was my inspiration for my album.

What is your assessment of gospel music in Nigeria and United States of America on comparative basis?

Generally, many producers in Nigeria are easy to work with due to the understanding of the music system and result/output and I will love to see that too in the US.

There is a growing acceptability of secular music industry and it seems artistes embrace this genre more often than not. Are you likely to dive into secular music at some point in the future or you will like to carve a niche for yourself as a gospel artiste?

We are focusing on all songs that lift hope, elevate depressed heart, and show the love of God to human kind.

What should your fans and lovers expect as you make your debut into the gospel music industry?

Be God’s representative and ready to stand in the gap. He called the father in John 11 vs 42 to intervene in the case of Lazarus. Our songs and music will only be like mere oratory (noise) with no impact if there is no Gods power in it. We pray that God should continue to use the ministry to write songs that minister healing and uplift the depressed.

What would you like people to know about you and your music?

The ministry is named after my parent; Jitayo Music. Jitayo Music vision is to reach the world by standing in the gap and using the songs to minister the saving love of God. At every point in time when He gives out vision, He will surely send help and all materials we need to accomplish.

What is your advice to upcoming gospel artistes like you in Nigeria?

Have vision, be determined, focus on your passion and do not be weary or give up easily. In Joshua 5 vs 12 when the manna ceased to come for the children of Israel, we realised that despite that, God was still capable of sending the manna; He stopped sending it because there was no need for it anymore. God expects us, as His image carrier, to cultivate the land, act where we are supposed to play our part.

Who is Olubusayo Akande outside music?

I am a soccer fan and participate in playing for body flexibility.  I love fitness; being in the gym to workout. Outside that, I am presently working on my graduate school research work in: Sustainable Environment Development and Disparities in Healthcare Systems – Healthy Living focusing on Rural Area at Campbell University, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, USA.