A gospel musician from the UK, Adeoluwa Boluwajaiye, shares with FAITH AJAYI his path into music and details about his upcoming album.
Can you share your personal history and explain how it shaped your path into gospel music?
My exploration of gospel music stems from my family’s deep-rooted Christian tradition and their musical practices. Raised in a committed Christian home, I was surrounded by worship and celebration since childhood. My parents were instrumental in guiding my musical direction. My dad, once a choir director at Christ Apostolic Church and subsequently ordained as a minister, gave me a firm grounding in spirituality and melody. Meanwhile, my mom, an engaged participant in her church choir, added vibrancy to our familial ambiance through song. Through this nurturing environment, I encountered various forms of gospel music; notably, my father frequently shared works by revered artists such as the late Baba Ara and Tope Alabi. Such early inspirations molded not just my preferences but ignited a passionate dedication towards gospel music. A harmonious blend of religious conviction, melodic artistry, and service developed within me due to these formative years, setting the stage for my vocation as a gospel musician. The robust legacy of music and unwavering morals passed down by my parents persistently motivate and direct my pathway in gospel music.
Were you always certain about pursuing music, or did you contemplate taking a different professional route at first?
Since childhood, I have been passionately engaged with music and worship activities such as joining church choirs and bands and performing various musical instruments. My initial ambition was to pursue law studies. Nevertheless, life steered me towards a distinct route; I delved into philosophy before earning a master’s degree in business administration. After much contemplation through prayer and deep thinking, I realized my genuine vocation lay within music ministry. A profound feeling urged me to use my abilities to spread the message of salvation and foster belief among others. This chosen path has proven to be immensely fulfilling, characterized by ongoing development, education, and steadfast devotion.
Walk me through your educational path and how it has shaped your professional life.
My educational path took many turns, guiding me across different disciplines. Although I originally planned to pursue law, my studies eventually steered me towards philosophy, where I honed my critical thinking, analysis abilities, and comprehension of human behavior. Later, obtaining an MBA provided me with essential insights into leadership, sales strategies, and entrepreneurial ventures. Despite appearances, this varied scholarly foundation profoundly influenced my musical career in numerous ways. The philosophical education sharpened my lyric-writing prowess, message interpretation capabilities, and capacity for profound audience engagement. Additionally, the competencies gained from business school were indispensable when handling the logistical facets of my music profession—such as promotion, image building, monetary oversight, and contract discussions within the sector. Thus, blending these imaginative and logical aptitudes cultivated during my academic tenure enables me to tackle music creation from both artistic and tactical angles.
When did you realize that gospel music was your true vocation?
My realization that gospel music was meant to be my vocation emerged via several pivotal moments and reflective phases. Since childhood, being immersed in gospel music both at church and at home cultivated within me a strong affection and admiration for the style. Amidst a difficult period in my personal journey, gospel music provided immense comfort and fortitude. Upon introspecting about these instances and recognizing their transformative effect on me, I started feeling a clear call to leverage my abilities to propagate the message of the gospel and uplift others spiritually. With prayers and counsel sought from esteemed mentors like Apostle Bernard Antwi along with other revered religious figures, I gained assurance that pursuing gospel music was part of my divine mission. Driven by devotion and an earnest wish to contribute, I took a firm resolution to embark upon the gospel music ministry pathway, placing trust in God’s direction and support toward achieving this aim.
How did you create your musical blend of traditional and modern gospel styles?
The evolution of my distinct musical approach emerged naturally over time and through various explorations. During my childhood, participating in traditional gospel services at church laid down solid foundations for my musical background. Upon maturing, I delved into contemporary gospel tunes, attracted by their innovative tones, varied genres, and lively spirit. By testing new ideas and working alongside other artists, I commenced blending classic and current components, striving to produce an original vibe that respects where I came from while incorporating today’s musical trends. Faith and personal spiritual journeys were crucial in molding this particular blend of music because I continually aim to share themes of belief, optimism, and salvation within my tracks so they connect deeply with many listeners.
You've mentioned Don Moen, Tope Alabi, Nathaniel Bassey, and Dunsin Oyekan as inspirations. In what ways has their musical style and spiritual leadership influenced your own take on gospel music?
Don Moen’s ministry has emphasized the critical role of fostering closeness and respect during worship via music. Similarly, Tope Alabi’s contributions have stressed the necessity of staying culturally relevant and genuine in gospel expressions. Nathaniel Bassey’s efforts have shown how merging strong spiritual understanding with top-notch musicianship can be incredibly powerful. Lastly, Dunsin Oyekan’s style has motivated me to adopt impromptu and inventive elements in my own musical creations. In sum, their collective influence has steered me towards producing music that both glorifies God and deeply connects with various listeners, sparking significant transformations.
Evangelical musicians frequently encounter difficulties when trying to gain acknowledgment and secure financing for their initiatives. What strategies have you used to overcome such hurdles?
Steering through the world of gospel music demands perseverance and a clear strategy. My main aim is to produce music that encourages faith, promotes worship, and deepens one's relationship with God. I've had the privilege of receiving essential backing from both my pastor and friends, making many obstacles easier to overcome, such as achieving acknowledgment and obtaining funds. In essence, I entrust myself entirely to God, considering Him as my supreme provider, who meets all my requirements. This allows me to stay committed to sharing the gospel via my musical endeavors. I hold immense gratitude for the assistance I’ve garnered and persistently depend on God’s provisions for my ministry in music.
As an evangelical musician based outside Nigeria, do you believe there are specific national obstacles hindering the development of gospel music? And if such hurdles exist, what strategies have you used to surmount them?
I think the core of the gospel goes beyond geographic limits. Being in the UK serves a specific purpose for me. I feel that God has positioned me here to spread his message via music to a broader public. Instead of seeing national boundaries as obstacles, I see this setting as a chance to reach a varied and global audience with the gospel.
Your music draws heavily from the Scriptures. Could you share how you make sure your lyrics stay spiritually fulfilling as well as sonically captivating?
To make sure my lyrics are spiritually uplifting and sonically appealing, I focus on praying over scriptures for inspiration. Through my daily devotions and listening to teachings at my church—Faithway Global Ministry in Coventry, UK—I aim to deeply grasp God’s messages. Then, I work hard to convey these insights artistically using tunes and beats that amplify their resonance and recall value. The objective is to strike an ideal equilibrium between spiritual richness and musical charm, maintaining fidelity to my beliefs while producing songs that connect with people profoundly across various dimensions.
Your upcoming album, 'The Word,' is generating significant excitement. What can audiences anticipate, and what message do you aim to communicate?
This work embodies a considerable effort of commitment, and I look forward to presenting it to everyone. The upcoming tracks are intricately woven around biblical texts, primarily aimed at uplifting faith, encouraging devotion, and deepening one's connection with the divine. It mirrors my own spiritual path, and my aim is to deliver a message of optimism, salvation, and the life-changing impact of sacred writings. I trust in the global reach of musical expression, recognizing how melodies can bridge divides between nations and customs. My wish is for this record to bring solace and inspiration worldwide.
Listeners can anticipate a distinctive blend of traditional and contemporary styles, with an emphasis on creating an intimate yet uplifting worship experience. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of my wife, mentor, friends, and family. I am excited to share this new chapter in my musical journey with everyone.
Apart from your musical pursuits, do you engage in any other forms of outreach or ministerial activities?
In addition to my work in musical ministries, I also function as a worship leader and an assistant choir coordinator at Faithway Global Ministry. Guided by Apostle Bernard Antwi, I engage in youth leadership development with the aim of equipping the upcoming generation of leaders so they can achieve their fullest potential.
What impact do you aspire to make within the gospel music sector, and what does your professional journey look like over the coming half-decade?
I aspire to create a lasting impact in the gospel music industry, fostering enduring faith, sincere worship, and a stronger bond with God that transcends generations and cultural boundaries. My commitment lies in producing genuine, influential, and unforgettable music capable of deeply touching people’s hearts. Additionally, I aim to nurture upcoming leaders in the gospel sector by guiding and motivating them as they take up the mantle of sharing the gospel through their artistry. Over the coming half-decade, I foresee launching further album releases and singles aimed at inspiring and elevating spirits, partnering with global gospel musicians and organizations, and broadening my outreach via live performances, educational sessions, and digital channels. It remains important for me to actively serve and support both my local congregation and wider community. With divine favor, I look forward to witnessing how these endeavors unfold.
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