Business

”I would rather quit singing than going into secular music” – Gospel artiste, Ryta Ritche

Published

9 years ago

June 8, 2016

Ryta Ritche, a gospel singer based in Lagos, comes from a strong Christian home and is following her passion. In this interview, she talks about offers in secular music she has had to turn down, and about a track she has that is prominent on You Tube, radio and television stations. She also talks about another track which will be out very soon, and much more

Q: Why did you choose gospel music?

R- It has always been a passion, right from childhood. I come from a very strong Christian home and I have five brothers, four of which are pastors, and a sister who is a pastor, too. That is not the point actually. The point is, this race is a personal thing. It’s a calling on its own. I’ve had so many offers to do secular, clubbing etc , but it has never been me. Even one of the days I was like I should do it. The voice I heard from God was, ‘If you try it, I will take away that voice from you.’ So from there I become so scared. But the truth of the matter is this: where God has called me to and I’m holding onto it, nothing can take it. It’s better for me to stop singing than leaving the line I’m in now.

A lot of people believe gospel singers are not well compensated. What’s your take on that?

Yes, I agree, but one thing I’ll say is this: If a church invites you, you can’t compare Gospel and secular, because secular artistes do their thing the way they like but this one has to do with God

R- When I was little. That song titled ‘Kpami’ has been in my mind. The meaning is praise & the lyrics say, ‘wherever you are, in whatever situation, always remember it will get better’. I was passing by somewhere in delta &I saw beggars begging & I saw another who was crippled but wasn’t begging, he was praising God in church when I saw that I was like these are others on the other side & they don’t really have a serious defect but a crippled man is praising God. That song came to me that wherever you are, whatever you do, give him praise because he deserves it & whatever he has decided to give to you, no man can take it.

What have been the challenges so far?

Sometimes I get frustrated but the frustrating part of it is the challenge. The challenge is, most people look down on me like what do I have to offer them in the area of sponsorship. You can’t do things on your own. Even the ministry has its own business aspect. The challenging aspect is sponsorship, publicity; those are the important things that need to come up. There are many out there but no one to pick them up.

There are several gospel artists, what stands you out?

In Christ, we are one but we are different people in traditions, vocals, looks, e.t.c. What makes me different is God. There are people out there who do more than me. I’m not perfect, I’m doing it the way God wants me to. I’m not limited to just praise. I’m a worshipper and my next single is going to be mind-blowing because it’s worship and I can’t wait to have it.

A lot of people have been expecting you to come out with an album. When should they be expecting?

I’ll say soon, because I still need sponsorship, publicity and all of that. I wouldn’t say because of sponsorship, my album will come out very soon and I know it’s going to go viral. I’m not limited.

You are a great worshipper. Where did you get the talent from; was it inborn?

Worship is a spirit. The bible says those that worship God must worship in spirit him in truth. When it comes to worship, I don’t need to tell you to raise your hands or open your mouth before you worship. If truly you are a worshipper, you don’t need anybody to tell you except you don’t do it in your privacy. There are people who go into spirit even before the minister comes up; those are worshippers. It’s a spirit, it’s something I developed, I love worship. I came from a family full of church things and my mum was a very good singer. I took after her but mine is beyond hers. God gave me hers and added to it.

Everybody has someone he or she looks up to; who do you look up to?

I had a mentor but now she’s deceased. I wept when she died. She’s a secular artiste but I’m not in for her secular songs, I’m in for her songs. She is Whitney Houston. I love her so much. Then when I was in Winners’ Chapel, on Saturday after rehearsals, I’d tell others that we should hold hands to pray for her; that’s the level of my love for her. In Nigeria, I love local music ’cos this is Africa. I loved Akanchanwa, e.t.c. ‘cos I’m into both the local & international. They even used to call me ‘Akanchanwa & Whitney Houston in church then. I like Sinach too.

In the next five years, where do you want to be; how do you want to see your band?

It all belongs to God. The dream is very high. I would have said the same thing if someone asked me five years ago. God knows better. Yes, you have a dream but sometimes what you intend doing doesn’t work out. If you had asked me five years ago, I would say my music would have gone far, I’ll be travelling everywhere but sometimes things don’t come the way you expect them to come. Though I’m not where I used to be, I know in the next five years, I won’t be here.

If you were offered N50 million to sing secular music in the club, what will you do?

I won’t sell my soul for the things of the world. I’m not judging anyone. Five or six years ago, a programme came up: they had this upcoming secular artist and I was called and even did rehearsal. On the day of the programme, I hid myself from the camera because I didn’t want anyone to see me on air. But while I was there, in my heart I was seriously bitter because that was not my line. God hadn’t called me to do secular song. I’ve had so many offers but that’s not me. In fact, someone told me he wanted to link me to D’banj but I said I didn’t want. y.

Finally, are you into Gospel fully or you have something else to offer?

I’m into gospel fully but I still have something else doing, because even with the money you get from churches, you still pay your band members. I’m a business person and a beautician. I’m into salon work – spa. I love handwork a lot. I have so many handworks.

What’s the greatest advice someone has ever given to you?

‘Don’t give up.’ I hear the voice, like, ‘Hello, you didn’t give this to yourself, you are going nowhere.’

Business

Petrol: MRS Slashes Petrol Price to N935/Litre Nationwide, Enforces compliance

Published

9 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

General Buratai Urges Dangote Not To Succumb To Marketers Blackmail, Reveals Why

Petrol: MRS Slashes Petrol Price to N935/Litre Nationwide, Enforces compliance

… Nigerians praise Dangote-MRS partnership

MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, a prominent player in the Nigerian downstream oil industry, has implemented a new petrol price of N935 per litre across all its retail service stations nationwide. This follows an announcement by the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has partnered with MRS Oil and Gas to offer petrol at N935 per litre at retail outlets, following a reduction in the ex-depot price from N970 to N899.50 per litre.

In response, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc has instructed all its outlets to implement the new price immediately, setting up a digital platform and monitoring team to ensure full compliance. The company has also called on Nigerians to report any outlets that fail to adhere to the new price structure.

“Petrol is now being sold at N935 at MRS Filling Stations nationwide. If you find any station not following this price, please report it. Call 08009447853 or email: [email protected],” the company stated in a release.

Emphasising the eco-friendly nature of its products, MRS Oil added, *“We call on all petrol station owners to join MRS Oil Nigeria Plc in improving the supply chain of our beloved country, ensuring product quality and availability in every corner of Nigeria for the benefit of all Nigerians.”*

Checks by our correspondents yesterday confirmed that the new price had been implemented at all MRS Oil and Gas retail outlets nationwide.

In Lagos, commuters were seen queuing at MRS filling stations to purchase petrol. Many expressed their gratitude to Dangote Petroleum Refinery and MRS Oil and Gas, urging other marketers to support the indigenous refinery rather than import off-spec products into the country.

Mrs. Ibukun Phillips, a commuter at the MRS station at Alapere on the Lagos Ibadan Express way, could not hide her joy as her husband filled up their car.

“I am very happy today. This is a victory for Nigeria,” she said. “The price reduction is the best gift of the season. But beyond just the reduction, we are buying standard, eco-friendly petrol at a lower rate. My husband and I have decided we will only be using MRS from now on because we are confident in the quality of the product and supporting the economy.”

Commercial bus driver Adio Ajibade described the price reduction as a great relief, especially during the festive season.

“The reduction is a great relief. It will reduce transportation costs and benefit Nigerians. God will continue to bless Alhaji Aliko Dangote,” he said.

A public affairs analyst and university lecturer, Dr. Tunde Akanni, said the collaboration between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and MRS Oil represents a significant step towards improving the affordability, quality, and sustainability of petroleum products in Nigeria.

According to Dr. Akanni, “this move will not only help ease the financial burden on Nigerians but also promote a more environmentally conscious approach to fuel consumption, benefitting both the economy and public health in the long term.”

Business

FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT

Published

12 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has rolled out an exciting opportunity for experienced professionals to join its team.

In a public notice via its X handle, the agency announced job openings for positions like Assistant Manager, Deputy Manager, and Assistant Director in fields such as Tax, Public Relations, Legal, ICT, and Risk Management.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and apply via the official portal at careers.firs.gov.ng before January 11, 2025. This recruitment drive is aimed at bolstering public service efforts and maximizing national development.

Business

UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

Published

1 day ago

December 22, 2024

Sahara Weekly

UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

The newly renovated departure section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, refurbished by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, was officially commissioned on Friday, December 20th, 2024.

The laudable project, which marks a transformative moment in Nigeria’s aviation sector, underscores UBA’s unwavering commitment to national development and highlights the immense value of strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs).

The ceremony was graced by distinguished stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; other Directors, and Heads of Agencies operating at the Airport.

Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba,lauded the collaboration that brought the project to fruition as he emphasised the need for public and private institutions to come together to build and revamp the nation’s assets.

“This renovation is a testament of UBA’s belief in the transformative power of investing in national assets. By modernising our airports, we not only enhance infrastructure but also position Nigeria as a global hub for tourism, trade, and investment,” he stated.

Alawuba took time to highlight the broader economic impact of such initiatives, urging increased private-sector participation in national development. “Public-private partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when we unite for a shared vision of progress and investing in infrastructure catalyses economic growth, improves travel experiences, and creates opportunities across various sectors of the economy,” he added.

Alawuba reflected on the power of unity and collaboration, quoting Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The commissioning of the renovated departure section serves as a reminder of what strategic partnerships can achieve in driving national development and elevating Nigeria’s global standing.”

While commissioning the project, Keyamo commended UBA for executing the project, a feat he termed a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s aviation sector. “This renovated departure section exemplifies the bank’s commitment to elevating aviation infrastructure, improving passenger experiences, and fostering international partnerships. It is a proud moment for the ministry and all stakeholders involved, and I thank the management of UBA for pioneering this initiative,” he remarked.

The minister highlighted other key achievements of his ministry, including compliance with the Cape Town Convention, the launch of a consumer protection portal, and advancements in major infrastructure projects such as the second runway at Abuja Airport and solar energy integration in airport operations.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, commended UBA and other stakeholders for their contributions, adding, “This project reflects FAAN’s dedication to delivering world-class aviation infrastructure. The enhanced departure section not only elevates passenger experiences but also strengthens Nigeria’s competitive position in global aviation,” she said.

She called for more private-sector participation, emphasising that “partnerships like these are essential to transforming the aviation sector into a beacon of excellence.”

The newly renovated departure section boasts cutting-edge facilities designed to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. This upgrade reaffirms the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s status as a critical gateway to Nigeria and a major hub for international travel in Africa.

United Bank for Africa is Africa’s Global Bank. Operating across twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.