UK-based singer Ayodeji Emmanuel believes Nigerian musicians should listen more to God

UK-based singer Ayodeji Emmanuel believes Nigerian musicians should listen more to God

Vibrant Ayodeji Emmanuel was not just a regular member of the music department of Rhema Chapel, Yaba, while he was still residing in Lagos. He desired to do more than be the lead singer or a back-up during church services, and so he was able to release a lovely single titled "Set me on fire". He has continued on that line even after relocating to England.

Having been in the studios and on the stage in both countries, we sought his view of how the Gospel music sector runs across both sides.

Ayo says, “The biggest challenge musicians face in Nigeria, in my own opinion, is hearing God. I think people want to sing their own song, not the song of God. God sings, and He puts melody in our hearts. We must be patient to hear His songs so that we can create the impact He wants to create.

“Publicity is not the challenge; once you sing His songs, the whole world will hear you.”

We may assume, then, that things should be easier to run with in the UK than in Nigeria.

“No,” he says. “The United Kingdom is much more difficult because Christianity here is regarded as a religion, not as a way of life. Closeness to God is still a massive work in progress, but God is moving fast, and the time is now.”

Ayo Emmanuel has delved deeper into things with God and his pursuit since landing in the UK. He is a young man who death had stared hard in the face during the Covid-19 era inside Nigeria’s epileptic medical system, but the mercy of God said no. He has just authored his first book (Move: It's Time to Recover All) and is hoping for more as he begins the shuttle between being a writer and a singer.

“Music is my first love. I started very early at the age of seven in CAC (Christ Apostolic Church). As a young man, you don’t really know yourself until you begin to exploit the possibilities that God has placed inside of you.”

He adds, “It became evident that God is calling me into a deeper assignment, so I began to ask God what next. One day, I was listening to a Preacher who spoke about writing a book and also, in the same vein, encouraged Men of God to write books and not just sit idle. Just at that moment, I heard the Holy Spirit say, ‘You need to write a book.’ That was when the nudge and inspiration came. Although writing has been inside of me. I have written some drama and playlets while growing up, but publishing a book wasn’t something I was thinking of, but when God spoke, His Grace followed.”

Brother Ayo, as he is best known, has produced four singles and has plans for a new album. His followers do not see him in concerts as often as they would have loved to, as he tries to balance being an academic, a writer, and a singer.

“I am aware of that, but I believe concerts are great, and you must be doing what God wants you to do. When it’s time for Him to reveal His Son in Me. He will.”