Aragbaiye
Veteran gospel artiste, Evangelist Funmi Aragbaiye, has urged gospel musicians to desist from imitating what she described as patterns of secular artistes. According to her, even though secular songs are reigning, gospel singers should not conform with the world.
The musician, who turned 60 on July 5, added that, ‘‘Even though secular songs are what most people now prefer, as gospel musicians, we should do something different in a way that God’s name will be glorified. Whatever many people prefer is necessarily not what God wants. Nigeria is a free country where artistes can do what they like but it is important for those who claim to be propagating God’s word to live up to standard. I always advise gospel singers close to me not to follow the crowd in the name of money. If God calls a man,
He will make a way for him. I also tell them that I did not start my calling by singing secular music when I received the call to sing gospel.’’
He will make a way for him. I also tell them that I did not start my calling by singing secular music when I received the call to sing gospel.’’
Aragbaiye also identified piracy and marketing among the problems facing musicians in Nigeria.
She added that some marketers would ask for master tapes of musicians with a pledge to market them appropriately only to renege on their promises.
‘‘This development is what is making many musicians establish their own record labels. It is not healthy for a marketer to collect the master tape of an artiste, make money from it and continue telling the artiste stories that nothing is coming forth. I have such a case on my hand but as a gospel singer, one needs to ask for God’s wisdom to handle such situation. Piracy is also part of the problem. Pirates are hell-bent on reaping where they never sowed. They are everywhere. They make all the gains meant for artistes. I have my own record label and it is doing well but as a professional singer, it is not ideal to handle everything. One needs to allow experts to handle their own parts after the production of an album, ’’she noted.
It is a six-track album released to commemorate my 60th birthday and bring to the attention of Nigerians the problems facing Nigeria. Some of the tracks are Ayele (Times Are Hard), God Save Nigeria, Peace in Nigeria, Ohun Oluwase (What God Has Done) and A Thousand Tongue. It will be a selfish venture if I only celebrate my birthday without remembering that things are not as they used to be in my country. I feel good at 60 especially for how God is using me to touch people’s lives but I am not happy with the situation of things in Nigeria.’’
A thanksgiving/reception service held in honour of Aragbaiye in Ibadan, Oyo State yesterday attracted eminent persons including Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda.
