How I was Initiated into Music Ministry – THISDAYLIVE

Gbenga Akinfenwa is a music minister, producer, and speaker who has blessed the world with some popular gospel songs. In this interview, the IT guru turned gospel singer bares his mind with Kayode Tokede on his journey into the music world. Excerpts:

When did you receive the call to sing gospel music?

I was not called to sing gospel music. I was covenanted as a child by my parents, so serving God has always been part of my identity. But when I was 10 years old, our then Pastor, Pastor Gbolahan of the Apostolic Church, by divine leading, called me out as well as my younger brother in the middle of service and laid hands on us and prophesied that God wanted to ‘use us’ in the music space. That was my initiation into music ministry as we know it now.

Can you share how your faith influences your choice of music?

My faith is the bedrock of my life, and my music is usually a byproduct of my walk with God or a revelation from studying His word. I don’t just release songs for the sake of it. It is an intentional curation of my walk with God.

Have you always wanted to be a gospel singer, or did your path change over time?

I didn’t set out to be a gospel singer. I was a tech guy for years and worked as an IT pro for some of the biggest companies in Nigeria, from Telcoms to FMCGs, although while working 8 to 5 (it was 8 to whatever time all IT issues had been resolved). In those years, I also functioned in my role(s) as a bass guitar player and music director in church and campuses, until God pushed me out of my comfort zone and told me, ‘There is more!’

What was the first gospel song you ever recorded, and what did it mean to you?

I received the song titled ‘Di Mi Mu’ in 1999 as a student. We sang it then, and it became very popular across campuses in Nigeria and youth churches. It is still widely sung today. It was a song of consecration as a young Christian student. The message I still carry with me to this day.

What are the inspirations behind your songs, “Aanu Lo Nsoro”, “Aanu Ni Mori Gba”?

‘Aanu Ni Mori Gba’ came the day after we had our son. My wife had asked God for a son, praying at the Redemption camp. After some challenges, God mercifully answered us. There are many other very personal testimonies that I have encountered the mercies of God.

What message do you want people to take away from your songs, “Aanu Lo Nsoro” and Aanu Ni Mori Gba”?

The mercy of God is a master key. Whatever you may be going through, once mercy speaks and God steps in, you are sorted. One of my anchor scriptures for life is Romans 9:16 that says, “..it is not of him that willeth or of him that runneth, it is of the Lord who shows mercy”.

“Aseyi o wu” by Evang. Dr. Bola Are is one of your outstanding songs. Tell us the inspiration behind the song.

I was working in the studio one day and took some time to pray. The song came while I was lying on the studio floor, praying and worshipping God. Now, Dr. Bola Are is one of my major musical influences as a child, so it was a dream come true to feature her on that special song.

You also ft Yinka Alaseyori to deliver “Mii O Sin O Lasan”. Take us through the story behind the song.

I was on a prayer walk while in the UK sometime last year, and I was reminiscing about the goodness of God. While praying and singing in of the song to my lips and I recorded it to my phone. Now, I am very intentional about who I feature on my songs. So while just singing the song casually one day, it was like I heard Yinka (Alaseyori) singing. Guess what? We chatted about it the next day, and the rest, they say, is history.tongues, God downloaded the words and melody

How do you stay spiritually grounded as a gospel artist?

After God, it is very important to have a robust spiritual community and authority to which you are accountable. I am fortunate to have a strong spiritual community of people. From my biological parents, Overseer and Deaconess Akinfenwa, to spiritual assets in men and women of God, friends, and partners who keep you accountable and grounded.

Who are your biggest artistic influencers in the gospel genre?

I grew up with the music of Dr. Bola Are, Dupe Olulana, and co. I cut my bass playing and arranged teeth from Dr. Ron Kenoly, John P. Kee, Kirk Franklin, and others. Tye Tribbett is a huge influence as well.

What advice would you give to emerging gospel artists?

Let your production be excellent, don’t be afraid to be original or different. Learn the business side of things, too.