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“I am inspired by a burning passion for music” — Award Winning Gospel Jazz Act, Biodun Ajanaku

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Popular Nigerian Jazz gospel singer, Biodun Ajanaku, talks about her music and passion for classic sounds. Excerpts…

Why did you decide to pursue a career in gospel jazz music?

I am a gospel performer, composer and a singer. I have singing ever since I was a child. I studied Mass Communication at the University of Lagos and I also have a master’s degree in Public Relations and International Affairs. I caught the singing bug from my mother and decided to pursue a career in gospel music while I was on temporary secondment to Africa Independent Television. While listening to a popular American gospel singer, the song she sang struck me. On the realisation that we sounded alike, I decided infuse some elements of jazz to my style of music.

What did your job at AIT entail?

I was posted to Ray Power to direct and coordinate the daily operation at the station. I also organised music choices, callers for the phone-in programmes, promotional, commercial audio clips and jingles.

Tell us about some of your works.

My first gospel hits were titled Thank God and Joshua and they were released about three years ago. The former was shot in Washington D.C and Maryland in the United States of America. The track is a powerful, unique and classic tune, which was borne out of a desire to show my gratitude to God for helping me to surmount numerous challenges through the years. The lyrics of the song are so strong that many testify that it has a life-transforming effect.This year, I released another single titled Tofunmi (Jesus is enough for me). It is a classic tune with an African touch. I was lucky to have been nominated for awards in different categories.

Have you performed overseas yet?

Recently, I was invited to perform at the South African Jazz festival and I was the only gospel jazz artiste at the event. For me, the experience was quite humbling. I performed two of my tracks; Joshua and Thank God, to a teeming audience.

What is the inspiration behind your songs?

I am inspired by a burning passion for music cultivated during my childhood and my love for the conservative music tradition of hymn singing. The bible, personal experiences, my environment and most importantly, my response to creative beats and tunes inspire me.

What makes you different from other gospel singers?

My singing style; I have a strong and deep voice which reveals the influence of jazz. My songs are also laced with deep lyrical content.

Your voice is rather very unique, is it inborn or acquired?

It is inborn; I think I inherited it from my mother.

Why did you decide to become a jazz gospel artiste and not explore some other popular genre of music?

It is a way of carrying out God’s plans for me as a gospel musician. My personal convictions have not led me to consider delving into secular music. My voice is God’s gift to me to deliver, heal, and give hope to the hopeless.

Is jazz music appreciated in Nigeria?

It is very impressive and growing at a steady pace.There are a number of established Nigerian jazz gospel artistes like Mike Aremu, Kunle Ajayi, and Mobola who are doing well. However, the genre has yet to gain its desired pride of place in the gospel industry. I would appreciate if the genre is allocated more airtime and airplay in the media. Jazz singers also need to raise the standard because the media houses will only air their songs to drive viewership.

Do you play any musical instrument?

I play the piano fairly well as it gives me the opportunity to perfect my craft, song structure and interpret the right key. Playing the piano also helps me express my emotions and improvisation techniques that would aid a better performance.

If you were not a musician, what other profession would you have considered?

My love for fashion and broadcasting are the only two things that can seemingly compete with my music career.

How do you juggle your music career and family life?

My family comes first while my career follows. I take care of all my day-to-day responsibilities during the day while I write and record my music at night. Every minute of my life is well planned and I plan my week ahead of time. With the help of my loving, caring and supportive husband, I am able to put a lot of things in order.

What do you consider to be the turning point in your musical career?

I guess it was my decision to go into full-time gospel music. I’m still discovering and rediscovering my music, myself and the Nigerian audience.

culled from PUNCH

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“If You Don’t Like the Life You’re Living, Change It” By Prudent Ludidi

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Prudent Ludidi on Consequences of Unhealed Emotional Pain and Trauma

“If You Don’t Like the Life You’re Living, Change It” By Prudent Ludidi

 

Let’s talk about a simple yet powerful truth, if you don’t like the life you’re living, change it.

These five words hold the key to unlocking a happy and fulfilled life.

But how often do we forget that we have the power to create the life we want?

We get stuck in routines, relationships, and careers that drain our energy and dull our spark. We convince ourselves that this is just the way life is supposed to be. That we’re supposed to struggle, stress, and settle. But I’m here to tell you that’s not true. You have the power to change your life.

Think about it. You wake up every morning with a choice. A choice to stay in bed or get up and start anew. A choice to complain about your circumstances or take action to change them. A choice to let fear hold you back or push past it and take a leap of faith.

But change can be scary. It’s uncomfortable. It’s uncertain. And that’s exactly why most people don’t do it. They’d rather stick with what they know, even if it’s not working, than risk the unknown. But I ask you, what’s the cost of staying stuck? What’s the cost of living a life that doesn’t align with your values, passions, and dreams?

The truth is, you have the power to create the life you want. You have the power to pursue your passions, nurture meaningful relationships, and live a life that truly reflects who you are. So, what’s holding you back? Is it fear? Doubt? Comfort? Whatever it is, let me tell you, it’s not worth it.

You deserve to live a life that makes you feel alive. A life that makes you feel proud. A life that makes you feel fulfilled. So, take the first step today. Take a deep breath, let go of your fears, and start creating the life you want.

Start small. Make one change. Take one risk. Have one conversation. And watch how your life begins to shift. Watch how your confidence grows. Watch how your happiness increases.

Remember, if you don’t like the life you’re living, change it. You have the power. You have the strength. And you have the resilience. So, go out there and create the life you deserve!

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Star Entertainers Set for Angel Global Promotions ‘Our Night of Heritage’ Show in UK Nov 29

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Star Entertainers Set for Angel Global Promotions ‘Our Night of Heritage’ Show in UK Nov 29

London city will be agog on Friday, 29th of November 2024, as A-List Nigerian entertainers stage performance at this year’s edition of ‘Our Night of Heritage’ (Ale Asa Wa) show.

 

Aimed at recognizing outstanding achievements in concerts, shows, and cultural events, the event which promises to be a talk-of-the-town, will be held at LOG Hall Abbey Quilting Selinas Lane, Dagenham, RM8 1ES, London SE16 2BD, United Kingdom.

 

 

According to Princess Adetutu Jakande, the chief organizer of Ale Asa Wa and CEO of Angel Global Promotions UK, the 5th edition of the AfriCulture tradition and entertainment awards event serves as a platform for celebrating African culture and entertainment while highlighting the exceptional talents of individuals who have contributed to the growth and development of the industry.

 

 

An array of entertainment performers have been lined up to give the night the touch of glamour and class while the event streams live in the media across the globe. They include Gospel star, Biyi Samuel; Alhaji Lateef a.k.a. Student Fuji; Kemi Alayo a.k.a. Idi Ope; Poly Mr Correct; Ekundayo Mr Manna; Alhaji Wasiu Adekunle Classical Fuji; MC Loko a.k.a. Omo Woli; Omoba Ademola a.k.a. Demo Performer, and a whole lots of other stars and side attractions.

 

 

With 30 Pounds entry fee, the organizers have announced that Ankara fabrics are available for smooth access to the event venue and numbers to call are +44745382120, +447960892460, +447308779733. Seasoned Nollywood actor, Kunle Afod, will feature as special guest artiste.

 

 

According to the organizers, there will also be presentation of awards where selected individuals will be recognized for their impactful contributions to the entertainment industry.

Star Entertainers Set for Angel Global Promotions 'Our Night of Heritage' Show in UK Nov 29

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Oil Cabals crippled Govt Refineries, now working against Dangote Refinery – Pastor Adeboye

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How Prophet Kingsley Predicted The Rumble In Pastor Adeboye Led RCCG

Oil Cabals crippled Govt Refineries, now working against Dangote Refinery – Pastor Adeboye

 

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has urged Nigerians to pray for divine intervention in the face of efforts by unscrupulous oil marketers to thwart the operations of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, following the previous sabotage of Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries.

The respected clergyman made the call for nationwide prayers during the November 2024 Abuja Special Holy Ghost Service themed ‘Total Restoration’, which held in the capital city. While Adeboye did not explicitly name the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, his remarks echoed the ongoing attempts by oil marketers to prevent the refinery from functioning as it was designed to.

The Dangote Refinery based in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos is the only facility currently refining petrol in Nigeria, and Adeboye’s comments reflected the dispute between the refinery and oil marketers, who seek to continue importing fuel for personal gain.

Pastor Adeboye reminded the congregation that it was God who raised Aliko Dangote to establish a refinery after years of failed attempts to revive Nigeria’s four public refineries, which had consumed billions of Naira with little result. He questioned the persistence of fuel imports despite Nigeria’s status as a major crude oil producer.

“Are we under a curse?” he asked. “We have four refineries, we poured all kinds of money into them, none of them is working. But God raised someone to build a refinery that works. He is not my relative, he is not from my village. He is not even a Christian, but he is a Nigerian who says, ‘Why should my people suffer when I have the means to build a refinery that can work?’ Now he is refining petrol, and some people want to stop him from selling it, so they can keep importing.”

Adeboye also pointed out the damage caused by the fuel subsidy, describing it as a significant drain on Nigeria’s resources, contributing to the country’s mounting debts and corruption. He stressed that when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the end of the subsidy in 2023, Nigerians largely welcomed the decision, but oil marketers, who benefitted from the subsidy regime, were furious.

These marketers, the renowned pastor claimed, have formed alliances with some International Oil Companies (IOCs) and other powerful interests to obstruct the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. This includes restricting access to crude oil, forcing Dangote to import crude from countries like the United States, among others.

He called for prayer for the total restoration of the country, noting that the Nigerian people are suffering the consequences, as the prices of essential goods have soared, pushing many items beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. “The masses are the ones suffering because these marketers, who are bent on keeping imports alive, already have more money than they can ever spend,” he said.

Despite the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s capacity to meet Nigeria’s entire demand for petroleum products – and even to export surplus fuel – oil marketers continue to pressurise the government to allow ongoing petrol imports. This has placed additional strain on the Naira, which has continued to depreciate.

Recently, the Crude Oil Refineries Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) urged the government to protect local refineries from unfair competition posed by importers and international petroleum traders, in line with provisions in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

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