Encomium
‘Nothing is wrong with collaborating with worldly musicians’
ABUNDANTLY talented gospel singer, Pastor Jimmy Odukoya, popularly known as Pastor J has announced the birth of his record label, Firehouse Records. Expected to reverse the exodus of gospel artistes to secular music due to the dwindling fortunes of artistes in this genre, Pastor J is the first artiste to be signed on to the label. And already out with a single, Mr. Wonder, Firehouse is working with Tony Nwakalor’s Soundcore Media, a media and entertainment consulting firm to create the necessary business strategy to position the brand.
In an interview with ENCOMIUM Weekly on Wednesday, August 20, 2014, Pastor J shared his vision of Firehouse Records with us. The Oral Roberts University MBA holder also revealed his relationship with his father, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, the General Overseer of Fountain of Life Church and step mom, Pastor Nomthi Odukoya.
Pastor J, who pledged to collaborate with secular musicians despite their worldly background and orientation, equally talked about married life and sundry issues.
You recently launched Firehouse, what informed the establishment of the record label?
There are a lot of unspoken truths when it comes to the music industry in Nigeria. The gospel music is generally seen as second class to secular music. They are not on the same playing ground, so to speak. If you say we represent Christ, why are we not so highly rated? Why can’t we do it the right way? I have found there is no structure; there is no unity; again there is no insight or vision into how we need to do this. Most gospel artistes just focus on the church, while our counterparts in the secular world are everywhere. We were called not to reach the church. We are already there. You don’t take a man that is healthy to the hospital. You don’t take light to light, you take light to darkness. We were called to go into the world and influence them positively. Let there be a structure to reach the unsaved through gospel music.
When did you first conceptualise the idea of running Firehouse?
Firehouse Records is a vision I have always had. So, when I met Tony Nwakalor in Abuja when I went for an oil and gas exhibition, we started the discussion of how to set up Firehouse Record. He advised me to first incorporate a company, which I did. This is what I have always wanted.
So, when did you eventually incorporate the company?
That should be in July, 2014.
What should we expect from Firehouse?
Any organization is as successful as the owner. What you give is what you get. We are setting up a platform that will transform the industry. Firehouse will also promote and position its artiste (Pastor J) to be a force in the Nigerian music industry. We are also going to work with a whole lot of other artistes we’ve already lined up. We want to become the go-to record label not only in Nigeria, but in Africa.
Can you please unveil your team?
I’m a co-owner of Firehouse Records. My wife, Kemi Odukoya is a co-owner too. We also have a consultant, Soundcore Media. There is also a board of directors who would be guiding us.
How did music start for Pastor J?
I grew in music. Pastor J grew in the church. My father is a pastor. My late mother, Bimbo Odukoya was also a pastor. I grew singing and dancing. Music has always been part of my life. It’s something I’ve always enjoyed doing. What spurred me to singing professionally was in America. I observed that secular musical videos were better in terms of depth and quality than gospel videos. It was not inspiring. So, I came in to change the orientation. I wanted to challenge and change this mindset. I wanted to do a kind of music presented in a different way.
This is what you are offering?
Yes.
Have you always had the support of your dad, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya?
If my mom were here, I’m sure she would be over the moon. She would sure be very excited. My dad has always been in support of whatever I do. Anything I do with the objective of helping people and promoting the gospel, my father has no issue with it. At the end of the day, this is an avenue to get people into the church. But I always try to check with my dad to make sure I’m on the right track.
When are you signing other artistes?
The idea is at the album launch of Pastor J. We would unveil Firehouse artistes. Our target now is maybe next year. We are trying to record three, four successful songs ahead of our launch. So, when we do our album release, we would unveil our new signees.
What’s the song you are promoting right now?
Mr. Wonder.
It’s quite experimental soundwise…
Yeah. It’s our style. It’s a fusion of dancehall and Afrobeat. The song is talking about God. He is Mr. Wonder. I’m talking about what God has done for us. I’m saying if not for God, I wouldn’t be whom I am today. So, that’s the inspiration for Mr. Wonder. When God begins to do wonders in your life, people begin to notice it. Interestingly, the song was just released today (Wednesday, August 20).
What are your expectations?
We expect massive airplay and attention across all the media platforms. We are already planning the video.
Do you have plan to collaborate with secular artistes?
Why not? There are a lot of secular artistes who started in the church. Banky W started in the church. I know Wande Coal because he was in my church, Fountain of Life. As far as we are passing the same message, I can work with any artiste, irrespective of his or her genre. I want to see a Banky or D’Banj on a gospel track.
You run Firehouse, you are its major artiste, you are a pastor and the young family is also there. How do you manage all these?
It definitely borders on effective time management. I compartmentalize my life to be sure nothing goes wrong in any of the departments you mentioned. You have to effectively manage your time and have a good team. You are as good as your team. That’s how I do it here.
What’s the name of your ministry?
It’s called Church 316. It’s the youth arm of the Fountain of Life Church.
It’s not as if you are running your own church?
No, it’s under the Fountain of Life Church. We are in a separate building, but we are part of the church.
How’s Church 316 doing?
Great. We have over 400 young people every Sunday. We are very youthful in our expression. It’s a place where young people enjoy themselves. The whole idea is to make impact.
What is your relationship with your dad?
Oh, my dad is my number one guy. He is my G, I mean he’s my pastor and my mentor. He’s someone I can talk to anytime. He’s my friend. He advises me on everything. He’s a great guy. Though he is a very busy person, he still makes out time for me.
Is there any special way you guys are planning to immortalize your late mom, Pastor Bimbo Odukoya?
I think her legacies speak. There are also plans by the family to start a relationship talk show in her honour. We are already recording.
How is married life?
Married life is great. We’ve been married for a year and five months now. And so, no complaints.
Have you started making babies?
No, we’ve not started. Children are expensive. So, you must plan for them accordingly.
What do you cherish most about your wife?
Her heart and sincerity. She has a great heart. She’s a great support system. She keeps me balanced. She keeps me in check. She’s the better half of me.
In all of these, how do you still make out time for her since both of you are in Firehouse?
We carry each other along. And every Friday, we go out for dinner. If I forget, she sure reminds me.
Can your wife sing to save her life?
She can sing but not to save her life (laughs).
Where are you taking your career?
To the top.
And life at large?
Always striving to be the best. If you represent God, you should be the best.
How does it feel to know that your dad runs one of the most successful churches in Nigeria?
It’s a privilege and we are humbled. I grew to know that humility is my father’s middle name.
What’s your relationship with your dad’s wife?
I think my father’s wife has come to play a great role in our family. Like the Bible says, it’s not good for a man to be alone. Since my mom died she left a big void. Now, she has closed the gap in terms of that companionship. For 25 years of my life, I was the only boy, but now I have two little lovely brothers. God has given me two brothers!
‘I won’t stop supporting my husband’ -KEMI ODUKOYA
PRETTY and calm wife of Pastor J, Mrs. Kemi Shade Odukoya, also spoke with ENCOMIUM Weekly. In her first interview since her exotic wedding to Jimmy Odukoya over a year ago, the UK-returnee and silver-spoon shared her love story with us. Recalling once again, how they met through her cousin, she confessed she has been enjoying every bit of their marriage made in heaven.
Delectable Kemi also vowed to continue to be a pillar of support around her heartthrob with whom she equally runs Firehouse Records as director and co-owner.
How would you describe married life?
It has been wonderful. Before you get married, you get some loads of advice. It has been wonderful. I believe in marriage.
What do you cherish most about your husband?
His heart. He is a very kind and caring man. And I think that was the first thing that struck me about him. I met him through my cousin. I was on a holiday here in Nigeria. He is a good man.
What about your father-in-law?
He’s a wonderful man. One thing I can boldly say about him is that he wants everybody around him to be the best. And he would push you to succeed.
What about his wife, Pastor Nomthi?
She is amazing. I love her very much. She is from South Africa and she understands the challenge I am supposed to also have, since I grew up in London. So, I think we really understand each other. She has been wonderful as well.
Considering the fact that your husband is in show business, don’t you entertain fears about women distracting him from you?
Not at all. It’s not about me. I just trust him, knowing he fears God, respects and loves me.
Both of you run Housefire, how do you go about it?
I’m doing what I’m supposed to do. And that is to support him. We are fine with that. I won’t stop my role as his wife.
What’s your dream and prayer for Housefire Records?
I want it to emerge the most successful label in Nigeria, if not in Africa. I see Housefire at the top.
What did you study?
English Literature at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom.
Where are you from?
I was formerly Kemi Banjoko. I hail from Abeokuta, Ogun State.
-UCHE OLEHI
