•Gabriel Osuyi
A United-Kingdom-based gospel singer, instrumentalist, composer and music director, Aideyan Osuyi, aka Gabriel, talks about his career and other issues, reports Saturday PUNCH.
What inspired you to pursue a career in gospel music, and how do you stay motivated?
I started developing love for music at an early age while I was supporting my mum in the ministry, as well as going on missions. I had the opportunity to learn how to play musical instruments and I was encouraged to sing in the choir.
I remember how my mum took me and my sister to sing at different occasions, and we later developed good insights about performance and singing. There were also some gospel artistes who inspired, such as Sonnie Badu, Sinach and Buchi, who is like a mentor to me. I would also not forget my friend, Sunny Praise, who encouraged me to get into the studio to record my first song.
What drives your passion for praise and worship?
The energy that flow from my songs are the true reflection of my love for God, so when I sing, I give Him my best sacrifice of praise.
What inspires me to sing is my love for God. If you can’t love God, you can’t love the people around you. I like the fact that my music has been able to uplift a lot of people, especially those who are brokenhearted. My music heals the brokenhearted; it also passes a message to my fans by letting them know that there is hope.
Can you share a personal experience where your music made a significant impact on someone’s life?
On multiple occasions, I have mounted the altar in church leading worship. One day, a lady came to me and said that after listening to my music, her mood changed.
How would you describe your creative process as a songwriter?
As a songwriter, the music can connect from anywhere at anytime and I would have to write it immediately. Sometimes, when I feel hurt, I just start singing. It could also be when I’m happy.
How does your faith influence your music, and what message do you hope listeners take away from your songs?
My faith influences everything about my music, which entails passing the message of the Gospel, and giving hope to the hopeless.
You are also a choir leader at your local church. How does that experience shape your approach to music and ministry?
I have been a music director for years in different churches across different countries but I am currently a preacher and associate pastor at the Word Demonstration Power Church in the United Kingdom.
Which do you regard as the most memorable moment or performance of your career?
I remember ministering at Omega Fire Church in Germany. It was a wonderful outing, and the atmosphere was electrified.
Another one was hosting a concert in Nigeria with Buchi. It was really incredible.
The Experience concert is another platform where we get time to worship and praise God. I am looking forward to creating a worship room, where my fans and lovers of Gospel music can just worship.
How do you balance your music ministry with your other responsibilities?
I try to balance doing music alongside my other responsibilities. At the moment, I still work as a health professional, and I have a beautiful wife with two children. I commit to support the church in my community when I am free.
Are you working on any upcoming projects or collaborations?
I am coming out with a different style of worship, fusing afrobeat with hip-hop.
In terms of collaboration, I am working with Ekene Smith, who will be staging the ‘Laugh Supper with Ekene Smith’ event, and it promises to be massive. It is powered by the Ekene Smith Adigwu Youth Foundation, and it will be a highly inspirational show, giving platforms and other opportunities to young and talented youths. I am also looking forward to improving my lyrics.
What advice do you have for aspiring gospel musicians or ministers?
They should let the love of God be the centre of delivering their songs, so that He takes all the glory.
Beyond the obvious similarity to your real name, is there any other story behind your stage name?
I was opportune to meet a producer in Benin who now resides in Canada. He told me I needed to have a stage name. I chose G’Bra, though the name clashed with that of another artiste in South Africa. I eventually settled for Gbriel.
How do you get inspiration?
Sometimes, playing with the keyboard gives me inspiration. I could be playing with the keyboard and rehearsing when I would get inspiration to write certain songs.
How do you balance music production and songwriting?
It is important to strike a balance. I remember when I first started recording, it was poor, in terms of the technical quality. However, as time went on, we learnt how to balance everything from the point of recording to the final result. I am not there yet but I am making progress.
How does your role impact your community?
For many years, I have contributed to the well-being and growth of my community. I have been a worship leader in different countries, and I have contributed very generously in terms of music.
How do you engage your audience?
I take time to pray, connect with God and seek the Holy Spirit. I also connect spirituality through praises in the scriptures.
How you handle rejection?
For a rising artiste like me, I focus on getting the credibility I need to upgrade my lyrics and music in line with current trends in music. I also stay positive and optimistic, even though I have been turned down by some top gospel artistes.
What’s your assessment of the type of gospel songs out there these days?
If it has good lyrics and a good beat, I’m good to go. For me, the things that matter the most are the content and rhythm.
