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