Encomium
Biodun Ajanaku is one of the leading jazz gospel singers in Nigeria. She has two gospel hits on air now, Thank God and Joshua. In a chat with ENCOMIUM Weekly, the gifted singer who has been ministering under Dr. Olukoya for over 10 years shared the secret of her success with us.
Congratulations on the success of your wave making two singles, how do you feel?
It’s a thing of joy that after ministering under great men of God like Dr. Olukoya and Pastor Adeboye, I could come out with inspiring singles that are widely acceptable. The two singles, Joshua and Thank God are doing very well on air and the response has been massive.
What inspired the two singles?
Actually, singing has been a passion I have fell in love with since childhood. I have been singing since I was five. I could remember that each time I followed my mother to events, I would entertain and they will splash money on me.
Over time I got enough encouragement from friends and family members to go into it professionally. I have a strong vocal cord which is God given. What informed the songs is because we have very few talented jazz musicians who are into gospel despite the fact that we have many lovers of jazz music in the country. We only have contemporary artistes.
I am a professional gospel jazz singer. I was influenced by prophecies from my spiritual fathers such as Dr. Olukoya and Pastor Adeboye. The singles were instant hits. Thank God was borne out of a testimony I heard and personal experiences. It’s a soul lifting music meant to inspire the depressed.
What are your unique selling points among other gospel singers?
My distinction is my genre of music and deep lyrical content. I am a professional gospel jazz singer. Sadly, many songs being churned out in recent times lack lyrical contents. They are merely nonsensical. The contents of my song are so strong that many have testified to its life transforming effect.
What’s the secret of your success?
The secret is God. Also, I have the support of great men of God behind me whose roles in my life influenced my success. I am a gospel singer under Dr Olukoya at MFM. Pastor Adeboye and Pastor Ben of RCCG really influenced my success in the diaspora.
Why did it take you so long to release the singles?
One of the lessons learnt is never to be in a hurry. Timing is essential in all we do.
Your unique voice has received so much commendation, was it inborn or acquired?
It’s inborn. It was not through training. It’s a style that is rare in Nigeria. I was influenced by the greatest gospel singer in America, Miles Jackson. I find it very convenient. It’s classic jazz. I have ministered in so many churches within and outside Nigeria and quite popular due to the uniqueness of my voice and songs. In fact, many weep after my ministration. My boss, Mr. Kuboye who is the owner of Jazz 38 also influenced me. Even Dr Olukoya and Pastor Adeboye used to say they have not heard such a unique voice. I have been ministering under Dr. Olukoya for over 10 year.
Tell us about yourself?
I am a graduate of Mass Communication from the University of Lagos. I am married to the popular Idowu Ajanaku and the union is blessed with four kids.
– FEMI OYEWALE
