Encomium
SHE is beautiful and talented. Budding gospel singer, Yemisi Afolabi expresses her music talent through Ewi (Yoruba chant). A special kind of talent which she claimed helps her praise God heartily. She spoke about her music career, family and sundry issues in this chat.
Your kind of gospel music is unique, what informs that?
It is called Ewi (Yoruba chant). I want God to feel my praise and the only way I could do that is to praise Him through that method. It is something I have been doing for long, I discovered my talent at childhood.
Is it strictly gospel or you combine with secular music?
I do only gospel music, that is the inspiration I received from God. I sing to exalt God because He is the one who gave me the talent and the voice.
What if you are invited to sing at a secular setting?
I will surely do, I don’t discriminate during the course of my ministration. I would evangelise at the gathering.
How many albums do you have?
I have two albums, Awari Ogo, which was released in 2012 and the latest one, E o la la fiwe, which is to be released in August 2014.
What are your inspirations?
God is my inspiration and I am indebted to Him. God manifested Himself in me, I just realized I got the talent and I worked hard to improve myself.
What is your impression about music composition, lyrics and performances today?
Nigerian musicians are trying but we need a change in the kind of composition we do. We need more meaningful and impactful compositions. Music is more than just dancing, good music goes with reasonable messages.
Tell us about your relationship status.
I am married to my heart’s desire, lovely, understanding and accommodating and God’s fearing husband. He is fully in support of my music career. We got married few years ago at Egbeda, Orelope Alimosho local government, Lagos.
How do you handle your male admirers?
It is meant to happen, however, I don’t give room for that because I don’t want to hinder my destiny.
How do you manage the homefront?
I am a homely person, by 8 p.m, I am already in bed.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
I see my music winning souls for Christ.
Aside music, what else engages your time?
I am an hotelier, I have a hotel I am running called Ken Dallas.
Tell us briefly about your background.
I am from Ogbomosho, Oyo State. I had my elementary education at Afolabi Primary School, Oshodi, Lagos and my secondary education at Government College, Agege, Lagos.
– FOLUSO SAMUEL
