celebrity radar - gossips
“I am inspired by a burning passion for music” — Award Winning Gospel Jazz Act, Biodun Ajanaku
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
celebrity radar - gossips
Adron Homes Celebrates Visionary Chairman, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, at 51
Adron Homes Celebrates Visionary Chairman, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, at 51
The management and staff of Adron Homes and Properties Limited have joined family, friends, associates, and well-wishers across the globe to celebrate their Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, as he marks his 51st birthday.
In a statement released by the company, the milestone was described as a celebration of an exceptional leader whose vision, resilience, and entrepreneurial brilliance have not only transformed Adron Homes into a household name in Nigeria’s real estate sector but have also redefined affordable housing across the country.
Under his dynamic leadership, Adron Homes has continued to expand its footprint, delivering value-driven residential solutions while empowering thousands of Nigerians with opportunities for home ownership. His commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction has remained the driving force behind the company’s sustained growth and industry leadership.
The statement further highlighted Aare EmmanuelKing’s passion for nation-building and community development, noting his significant contributions to job creation, youth empowerment, and the promotion of socio-economic development through real estate investments.
“As a leader, mentor, and visionary, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing has consistently inspired a culture of excellence, integrity, and dedication within the organization. His ability to turn bold ideas into reality continues to position Adron Homes as a trailblazer in the industry,” the statement read.
The company expressed profound gratitude for his steadfast leadership and prayed for continued wisdom, strength, and sound health as he embarks on another year of impactful achievements.
As he celebrates his 51st birthday, the entire Adron Homes family proudly honours a man whose legacy continues to shape the future of real estate in Nigeria.
Happy 51st Birthday, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing!
Oba Ara Releases Emotional Tribute to Late Taiwo Adegbodu
Taofik Afolabi
The gospel music community continues to grieve the painful loss of Taiwo Adegbodu, a beloved figure whose sudden departure left a deep void among fans, colleagues, and loved ones. In response to this loss, renowned gospel minister Rotimi Onimole, popularly known as Oba Ara, has released a moving tribute song that captures both the sorrow of the moment and the enduring legacy of the late singer.
Oba Ara, a proud son of Isale Eko, channels raw emotion throughout the song, using heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melodies to reflect on his personal connection with Taiwo Adegbodu. In the tribute, he openly expresses how deeply the news of Adegbodu’s passing shook him, describing it as a painful and unexpected loss that is difficult to come to terms with.
The song goes beyond mourning, it celebrates the life, ministry, and impact of Taiwo Adegbodu. Oba Ara highlights the late artist’s dedication to spreading the gospel through music, his inspiring voice, and the spiritual influence he had on many within and beyond Nigeria. Through powerful verses, he paints a picture of a man who lived for God and touched countless lives through his ministry.
Listeners have described the tribute as both comforting and deeply emotional, as it resonates with the collective grief of the gospel music community. It serves as a reminder that although Taiwo Adegbodu is no longer physically present, his music, message, and legacy will continue to live on.
In honoring his late colleague, Oba Ara not only pays his respects but also offers a source of healing for fans and fellow ministers, using music as a tool to process grief and celebrate a life well lived.
celebrity radar - gossips
Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch
Buratai, Fagbemi , Shagaya, Olofa, Others Eulogise Olowu Kuta’s Olori On 60th Birthday, Foundation Launch
Eminent personalities across the Nigeria stormed the TFK Event Centre, Bala Mohammed Way, Guzape, Abuja, to celebrate the 60th birthday of Olowu Kuta’s Olori, Queen Jumai Amoke and her Foundation Launch on Saturday 28, March 2026.
From former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai rtd, to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Olofa of Offa, HRM Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi. Even top businesswoman and socialite, Chief (Mrs) Bola Shagaya, was in attendance.
Other dignitaries were newly promoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police and former AIG Zone 2 , Lagos , Adegoke Fayoade, Major General Abdumalik, Major General Samuel Adebayo rtd (Fmr CDI);
Major General Anthony Omozoje rtd (Fmr Copp);
Alhaji Tajudeen Owoyemi (Asiwaju of Offa and CEO Radisson Hotel Nigeria;
Dr Waheed Olagunju, former managing director of Bank of Industry, Oniba of Iba, Lagos State, HRM Oba Dr Suleiman Raji ;
Justice Falola, Olu of Ile-Ogbo , Oba Adetoyese amongst many traditional rulers and captains of industry too numerous to mention.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Host, Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Adekunle Oyelude Makama, CON , Tegbosun iii, who is also the husband of the celebrant commended Queen Jumai for ‘ her slender arms full of kindness’ to establish such humanitarian Foundation, ‘Amoke Children and mother in Need Foundation’ at a time Nigerians are going through economic crisis occassioned by the global meltdown.
Olowu also commended her steadfastness and love for the less privileged and downtrodden.
The monarch refrenced the task before his wife’s humanitarian gesture said her best is yet to come.
” Olori Amoke Jumai, I celebrate you. You will celebrate 70, 80, 90 and continue to shine as you continue to put a smile on people’s faces. I love you, “Olowu Kuta added.
To Lt Gen Buratai, a former army chief and former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, the reward of hard work is more work.
Buratai, who also doubles as Balogun Agba of Owu Kuta, a chieftaincy title reserved for a generalismo congratulated Queen Jumai for attaining the age of 60 in good health.
The retired army General said he’s not surprised by the turn out of eminent personalities across the country to celebrate the Olowu Kuta’s Olori because she merited it through her hospitality to all, adding that Allah the most merciful, most beneficial would accept all her act of ibadah.
The minister of Justice, Prince Fagbemi, was full of praises for Queen Jumai for deeming it fit to have a place in her heart to accommodate the needy and less privileged in ‘our society.’
Prince Fagbemi urged the guests to contribute generously to support the Foundation in order to continue to alleviate poverty and put a smile on the faces of the people.
” I congratulate you on your 60th birthday and Foundation Launch. I wish you many happy returns of the day and many more fruitful services to the country and motherland”, Prince Fagbemi added.
The celebrant, Queen Jumai who was grining from ear to ear thankfully said she was excited by the turn out and the response of the people to her foundation.
Queen Jumai, however, promised to continue to use her resources and donations received for the good of the needy and less privileged in the society.
” I want to appreciate my own Kabiesi Olofa of Offa , for his presence and im I’m using him as a point of contact to all other Kabiesis present here, the minister of justice and Attorney-General, you’re welcome, sir; Mrs Bola Shagaya, I salute your enterprise, Lt Gen Buratai, I’m grateful, sir; DIG Fayoade, Justice Falola and other dignitaries too numerous to mention, I thank you, all. To my darling husband, Kabiesi Olowu , I thank you immensely for your support. And to my family and friends, I thank you , all. E se pupo!”, she said.
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