MOMENT WITH MINISTER ABAYOMI

Most times, the first impression you have about people usually last longer. My guest today is a quiet gentleman. His gentility is affectacious. You see, when you meet a truly gentleman, you will covet his brand of gentility. Without wasting time, welcome with me, Minister Abayomi Aina.

Good afternoon sir. Thank you very much for your time. 

Our discussion will be centered on Gospel music and acceptability but before then, let's begin with an introduction.

Who is Abayomi Aina? How will you describe yourself sir?

Abayomi is a writer, blogger, songwriter, leadership coach and gospel music minister.I am also a minister in the R.C.C.G. That sums it up.

That is quite a handful. How do you combine all of them together?

I believe it's the grace of God. People have asked me this question, all I could say I have the grace to combine all of these and do it with great delight.

Good.

So, in the world today, there are many so- called gospel music. However, most are more secular than spiritual. How will you describe gospel music? Is it just a song that has the name of Jesus in it?

Gospel Music is a class of music that expresses the power, works, way and life of God.It's not just a song with Jesus in it but a song inspired by God.The bible says all scripture is given by inspiration of God. So it follows to say all gospel music must be given by the inspiration of God and to be a means of expressing thanks to God or for drawing people to God.

I love that!

Thank you.

Let's go a little deeper. Talking about acceptability of gospel music, I have often read and heard of artists who started out with gospel music but swerved to secular music or from gospel to inspirational and finally to secular. Does it mean that gospel music is less lucrative compared to secular ones? Also, in my own observation, it seems secular music enjoys wider acceptance than gospel. Why is that ?

I think acceptability boils down to the qualities of a song whether it is entertaining, inspiring, thought provoking, delightful etc.And just to set it straight, a gospel artist shouldn't primarily focus on the financial benefit of the Gospel music ministry, The driving force should be doing the masters will as inspired of God. Just like when the bible says seek first the kingdom of God and it's righteousness.And all the trimmings and blessings will accompany it.

Good.

If the focus is on money as a motivator, the temptation exists that an artiste will swerve into secular music or put out a mix of gospel and secular just to draw interest and a great following.

Hmmm...

Some gospel  artists do not charge fees for their ministry. Do you share a similar idea or it should be a personal dealing with God?

It boils down to personal decisions. I will prefer to offer God's gift as a service.

In my view, that will not be applicable for an invite to minister in songs. However, certain work products or intellectual property can be monetized. For example an album sale etc. 

Now, let's go to your own songs. Let's begin from when you knew there was a call to be a gospel artiste. Was there a stiff resistance with God at first or obediently complying?

I knew this in my twenties. But never knew how it will commence or kick off. No resistance except for that I was clueless.

But one thing led to the other. I found myself in the middle of a wilderness.

And God caught my attention while in the wilderness after having shown me a picture of the ministry.

Now, your first album. Truthfully, I never knew there was a first. Your latest was what I deemed as the first. Kindly tell us the title and the inspiration behind it.

The first single is titled Behold His Face

It was released this year on my birthday. Both video and audio.

Wow!

Thank you.

The inspiration behind it was that God drew me into a wilderness where I could devote time to listen to Him and get inspired. During the wilderness experience, He reminded me of the gift to sing. while I was beholding His face, I wrote a couple of songs with lyrics drawn from the bible, as inspired by God.

During the same period, my wife also confirmed by revelation that God wants me to use the gift of music which He had bestowed on me.

Excellent. Let's proceed to your latest song. Let's Praise God. I hope I am correct?

Yes

Tell us about it.

Let's Praise Him is one of the songs I wrote when I was going through a rough patch but refined it when I was anticipating an increase. It's a Psalm of David, Psalm 67 specifically.I believe we can experience increase if we praise God in advance. 

The lyrics say, "and the earth will yield her increase as we praise God".The song is a call to worship with a promise of increase.

Great. This second to the last question. What  impact or role should the church play in nurturing individuals who have been called to the music ministry? I am asking this because some artists complain of lack of support for their dream by the church. To bring further down, the way and manner Christ Embassy church supports their gospel artistes is phenomenal. Can other churches replicate this?

The Church should throw its weight behind those who genuinely have the passion or call of God for the music ministry.The church should also stimulate the passion for people to use their talents for God.

The support could range from providing upcoming artiste with a platform to minister, express their gift or a platform to display their intellectual property and up to supporting financially and prayer-wise.

Thank you. So, finally, any word for gospel artists both upcoming and established?

Keep your eyes on the Kingdom! Keep cultivating God's presence for more inspiration to write and sing more. 

Keep steaming ahead in spite of discouragement or criticism. Fame, distraction and money etc will come, however, the ultimate goal is to win as many as possible to the kingdom and remain rapturable.

Thank you so much for your time.

Thank you. The pleasure is mine.

So, we have come to the end of this insightful interview. You can follow my guest on the following social media handles:

Facebook: @officialabayomiaina

YouTube :  @officialabayomiaina

I want to say a very big ThANK YOU to you for journeying with me since the beginning of this year. God bless you indeed!  And so, as we prepare to enter the new year, stay safe, make God your focus and I pray, the new year 2023 will favour you. I remain Yours Truly,

Julius Topohozin.