Why many gospel singers are not thriving —Iyanda

The music industry is very challenging and equally demanding especially for gospel musicians, who are expected to do things differently based on their calling. But we have seen a lot of gospel singers trying to infuse different sounds are beats into the songs to make them appealing. How do you react to this?

Yes, I have been doing the same, as in putting different sounds and beats into songs to make it appealing and interested for both young and old.  My new single “My Life” is an Afro-Hip-hop song of prayer because we need to reach out to people in this 21st century using a right tool or style of music to preach the gospel. The music industry is changing one must continue to evolve so as to appeal to the audience. So, it is not new.

When you look at the beginning of your music journey, would you say you are fulfilled?

I can say I am feeling so happy and fulfilled because I am doing what the Lord asked me to do. Using my talent to bless souls across the globe and using music to change lives make me feel o fulfilled because that is the essence of the gospel. We could not have come this far without the grace and fulfillment from God. I have been a gospel singer for over ten years. Gospel career is interesting at times it can also be challenging but I can say that it is better now than when I first started. We have grown over the years and we are not where we used to be. We are trusting God that his job will keep progressing.

With a fast-growing industry, do you think gospel singers have done enough over the years to be reckoned with as one of those who have contributed to the growth of the industry?

I am happy about the success gospel singers have achieved over the years, but we believe can still cover more grounds. The gospel music singers have done well over the years to be reckoned with as one of those who have contributed to the growth of the industry but we need to do more exploits in the industry. There is room for more and we should always seek knowledge and work hard. There is no end to innovations. So, the job must keep going.

You have been around for a while, but you seem not to have fully pushed your career to the level that level where you can compete with some of the best in the industry?

I am living my dream for singing gospel songs because that is what God has called me to do. He told me that I have chosen you be my minister to praise Me. That is the reason I’m singing His praise.

You have been around for a while, but you seem not to have fully pushed your career to the level where you can compete with some of the best in the industry?

There’s a place for healthy competition that will propel you to bring out the best in you and that is what I like to be involved in and right now the Lord is leading me to that level that I will be able to stand with the best in the industry.

What do you think is responsible for the seeming restriction that is placed on gospel singers in the industry?

The restriction is all about the religious mentality of the people. Everybody is very careful. They prefer to relate or sign up a secular artiste because they believe that they can gain more with secular artiste. Not many investors want to put their money on gospel artistes but the narrative is changing now and we are conquering. If you look at the trend in the industry today, you will agree with me that gospel singers are setting trends. More people take a cue from our songs because they are loaded with powerful spiritual messages that everybody needs.

There is always a connection with gospel singers and their childhood churches.  They seem to be the preparing ground for many to make a career out of music in the gospel way. How did this prepare you for the career path you have chosen?

My childhood in church prepared me for music career. Actually, being a gospel singer now was as a result of my encounter and love for Jesus in which I had from my childhood in the church. It remains the preparatory ground for many musicians, not just gospel singers. Many secular artistes started from the church they worshipped while they were young. The church still plays that role till today.

Those years many people come from church and became big stars even in the secular world, what do you think of the church now and the role it played in moulding people and helping them to build a career?

Some churches now help in molding and helping us to build a gospel music career. That is why you now see some secular singers singing gospel music because some gospel singers are building a great career that secular singers now emulate.

At what point did you feel it was time to make this a professional job that could earn you money?

Right from school, I know that I will do gospel music professionally, because the Lord told me that He had given me this gift and that it will be profitable for me. For me, It is not really not all about the money making but blessing and impacting people’s lives at same time the financial blessing is also expedient. You need to be blessed to show people that you are blessed because you serve a living God.

• Gospel music is taking over from secular music —Rozey, gospel music singer

For you, it started from the church and you have managed to still remain in the church despite the torrents of challenges you have encountered over the years. How hard has it been for you to keep doing this and not be forced to quit the church music for something else?

I can’t quit church music because that’s my calling and that is my primary reason for being alive. Even as a music minister, I’m currently working in a school. And like I said, it’s not all about the money but about blessing people’s lives even though the financial blessing and other blessings are needed. All those things will be added by God.

You have about two albums to your name, tell us about the inspiration behind the albums?

I have been performing at many musical programs concerts over the years. I have done a number videos and even ministration where people have been blessed and are still blessed. I released my second album in 2016 and now my new single ‘My Life’ which featureed Mike Abdul. The journey has been great and eventful but God has been faithful to me. I am blessed to have come this far and I have a lot of stories to share about my career and albums. Right now, the focus is on my new single and I want people to learn a lot from the messages I am preaching with the song.

What kind of vision did you see for your career and how far have you gone with making the dreams come true?

My vision is the world praising God in African way. I have been trying my best and God has been of tremendous help to my music internationally. Though it has been challenging keeping the band together and promoting my songs but I am thankful to God and the people He has used to bless my life. Right now, I believe God that there will be great manifestation and breakthrough in my ministry.