Encomium
Ebony-skinned Ibidola Dickson is set to revolutionise gospel music in Nigeria. She has been doing well for herself after following her passion to do music. ENCOMIUM Weekly had a chat with her about her music career…
How did music start for you?
Music started a long time ago when I was 13 years. I started singing and writing as early as that age. There are some songs I am recording now that I wrote when I was young. I have always been a church girl, always in the choir. I have tried one or two competitions that could bring me fame, Project Fame gospel voice, but they didn’t work out.
What were you doing before music?
I was doing a lot of things. I was doing contract, I was into oil. I was into supply, a lot of things. I believe in working hard, so I had my hands in so many businesses.
Are you leaving music for business?
No, my music career is not stopping my business. They are two different things. I believe I can cope. I felt the business I was doing was not giving me enough joy, I had to follow my passion too. There is nothing like having a passion and giving back to the world around you. That is what God called me to do.
What genre of music do you do?
I sing gospel hip pop and a bit of rap.
How do you draw inspiration for your music?
Some experience, situation like in one of my songs “The way you love me” came as a result of an experience I had with a little boy. He just ran to me to tell me that he had a song for me and he started singing. I also draw inspiration from my environment and things around me.
Tell us about forthcoming album?
I will be releasing an album in August. It has eight songs in it. I will also launch it in August. It has songs like The way you love me, Alone with God, I Rejoice, Worry and Not a citizen of this world. I experienced the love of God in a special way that is why it is titled, The way you love me.
Any collaboration?
Not yet, but I am looking at working with Sinach. I also look forward to collaborating with Solomon Lange, then Frank Edward.
What was your parent’s reaction when you told them you were going into music?
They felt it was too late for me. They even laughed at me. But I know I am going to surprise them. They said I should have done it much earlier. They know I have a great voice, at the same time they also believe I love to work and do business. I guess that is why they reacted in such a way.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I believe I should be known all over the world. I believe I should have been nominated for BET and Grammy. If I am not chosen for Grammy I should be nominated.
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Ibidola Dickson, while my stage name is I.B Dickson. I am an upcoming gospel artist. It has been my passion over the years to go into music. I am happy I am taking it up now, although I have wasted a lot of time. I think I will be able to meet up because my spirit always tells me to go into music.
