INTERVIEW: Why Gospel Singers in Nigeria should stick to their callings- Pastor Oyerinde
Pastor T.O. Oyerinde |
Pastor T.O. Oyerinde is
a renowned gospel singer, particularly in Christ Apostolic Church, Worldwide.
The battle-axe of God is well known in the youth department having lead the Akinyele
Region (Ikeji III) youth choir for many years. The humble man of God and lovers
of youths is the incumbent Zonal Superintendent of CAC Ogudu Zone, Ogudu Lagos.
In this exclusive
interview with CAC NEWS, Pastor Oyerinde speaks on how God called him into the
music ministry, the state of gospel music today in Nigeria, the place of Holy
Spirit in gospel music and other interesting issues. EXCERPT !
Kindly tell us
briefly about yourself sir
My name is Pastor Titus Olasunkanmi Oyerinde. I hailed from
Erinmope-Ekiti in Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State. I was called to
the ministry at a very tender age and so I pursued theological education
shortly after my simultaneous ministerial tutelage and secondary education. To
His glory I had my B.Th, M.A. (Psychology) PGD (Counseling) all from the
prestigious West Africa Bible College, Satelite Town, Lagos. I was ordained by
the CAC authorities on the 13th of December 1995, and currently I am serving
the Lord at Lagos as the Zonal Superintendent of CAC Ogudu Zone. I am a member
of CAC Pastors’ Choir and as well, I coordinate the Youth Choir of Akinyele
Region (Ikeji III).
Tell us about your
journey into the Music Ministry. When did the journey started?
My journey into the music ministry started at the same time
with my calling. In fact, music is one of the implements given to me and which
has strong covenant backing. I remember that the Anthem rendered by my school
choir on our graduation from primary school was composed by me.
How many albums have
you released so far and tell us briefly about them
I use to compose for choirs groups, I get invitation to
minister in special services, praise nights etc but serious attention was given
to album production just recently. The pressure on me to wax was heavy after I
composed “Kole la wa mole”. It formed the hit track in the album and is purposed
to remind all CAC adherents of (1) the impact of the Pentecostal power
demonstrated over the years on satanic kingdom (2) the retaliatory attack from
Satan which manifest in the various crisis that rock the church (3) the
assurance of victory that we have as a church built on the solid rock. My
second album is being worked upon and by August ending, it should be out.
How do you get inspiration
for song composition?
My inspiration comes in different ways and according to God’s
intervention at a given time, day or night. Sometimes,
God drops a message into my heart while studying the Bible and in the
bathroom and 2 days later, the tone was sang into my ears.
Sometimes, while meditating on issues,
human activities, animal performances, prevailing situations etc, I receive
deeper meanings which become lyrics for new songs. I also listen to other singers with the heart to coin out my own notes
from such and thus form a song with the note I just developed.
What is your
assessment of the current state of gospel music in Nigeria and are gospel
singers of these days following the footsteps of founding fathers of gospel
music in Nigeria?
Gospel Music in Nigeria is being handled in most cases by
men and women who do not understand what gospel means and are not in the gospel
themselves. Gospel song is beyond mentioning Jesus and names of fathers of
fathers of faith in songs. A gospel musician must be convinced of the definite
message he has for the believers and the unbelievers. Entertaining people
should be the least in our motive for singing. In Nigeria presently, a lot of
unregenerated elements have flooded the industry, creating serious confusion,
and making it almost impossible to differentiate between worldly and churchly
lyrics. The mode of dressing of the most so-called gospel artists is very
disgraceful. The legacies of founding fathers have been jettisoned in so many
quarters but thank God for the few who are still consistent. May God help us.
What is your advice
to gospel singers in Nigeria?
Gospel singers in Nigeria should stay put to their callings.
God backs only those who are consistent in him. They should pay less attention
to materialism and fame. Let them sing what God wants, that people need to hear
and not what people want to hear. Souls are perishing and God will hold us
responsible because we carry the most popular weapon to hijack people from
Satan grip and populate God’s kingdom.
What really
distinguished gospel singers from hip-hop singers?
The word “Gospel” is the distinguishing factor. Hip-hop
singers want to entertain people, sing to impress them etc but gospel singers
minister to the spiritual and moral needs of people; they warn, direct, inspire
and evangelize. Hip-hop music is the broad way while gospel music speaks of the
narrow way.
What is the position
of the Holy Spirit in the gospel music ministry?
The Holy Spirit is the orchestrator of gospel songs. He
manufactures the message, inspires the singer, and touches the hearers. A
genuine gospel will always seek the infilling of the Holy Spirit, knowing well
that Him and only Him gives and interprets messages.
The centenary
anniversary of CAC Worldwide is around the corner. Do you have the plan of
releasing an album to commemorate the anniversary?
For the purpose of the CAC Centenary celebration, I have
just concluded an album project in the studio and the title is “GBORI DURO” (BE
STEADFAST). I want to use the medium to encourage all CAC members to remain
consistent in God’s will as His covenant with our fathers is still alive.
What is your message
to your fans and upcoming gospel singers who want to be like you?
All the hearers of my music are urged to follow every line
of the songs and adjust their ways. They should open their hearts to receive
the motivations, warnings and instruction that the Holy Spirit is giving
through the songs. Upcoming gospel singers are urged to look unto God for
everything. Improper dressing and unethical conducts can water-down good
messages. The love for money should be avoided rather faith in the provisional
power of God should often be demonstrated.
Thanks for having me.
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