'Greatman' is not a familiar name to us in the music industry right now but chances are we will be hearing this name in the coming months. The singer/songwriter, who will embark on a musical tour of the USA courtesy of gospel act BOUQUI, is set to revolutionaze the Gospel music industry in Nigeria.
He reveals why the term 'Gospel Musician' does not fully define him in this interview with ABISOLA ALAWODE of allafrica.com. Read below
How did your song with super producer Gospelondebeatz come about?
It was all coincidental. On October 25, 2014, a colleague of mine sent me a text that Gospel wanted to meet with me. I was so excited that I quickly freshened up and ran down to Maitama where we were supposed to meet. We recorded the first track titled Farawemi and he called me back to do a couple of more songs. That was how the whole Gospel angle came about
Your style of music is unique...
Yes it is. I know of some other guys who also rap and sing in the gospel genre but are not on my level. So I think it's safe to say that for now, I'm the only one in my lane.
Seeing that you have performed at different shows, private events and churches, how would you describe the reception you've gotten so far?
I would say the reception has been great, no pun intended. At least, almost all the venues and churches I've performed at called me back for other performances. As a gospel artist, what should speak for you is not just what you say, your music should have a clear-cut Christian energy attached to it. You know the feeling you get after you listen to a good preacher? That feeling is what your music should offer people. Once you achieve this, then you know if people truly appreciate you.
So how did music start for you?
I started music when I was 7. Or let me say I knew I could sing at 7. So while growing up, I focused on developing my God-given talent because I knew then that I would toe the music path.
Since music has been your thing from a young age, why did you choose to focus on Gospel?
I sometimes have issues with some gospel acts because I tell them not to call me a gospel artist because in the real sense of the word, the term 'gospel artist' does not exist. If you are an artist, you are an artist, no two ways about it. The word 'gospel' means Good News, so if a musician like Rick Ross thinks rapping about strippers is his own good news, then he is a gospel artist. So I don't understand why a tag should be placed on my music. But for identity's sake, I am a gospel artist. Why I chose to be a gospel act is because of my convictions, not because of what people would say.
Does this mean that even if you are offered a million dollars you wouldn't do secular music?
I am not doing music because of money. Yes, I'll like to make money but the Christian faith doesn't believe it is what you do that gives you money. Instead, it is God that does the giving. This is a point I agree with. You see, music is all about the message and the messages some secular artists pass through their songs is nothing to write home about. This is not saying I would scream the name of Jesus in all of my songs. My music will focus on a couple of things. For example I would talk about sex, drugs, prostitution and a lot of other things one will not expect a gospel artist to talk about.
You are also a songwriter. Tell me more about that.
Song writing comes to me naturally. And I also write for a broad range of artists including secular. For those in the latter category, I usually draw a line when I'm asked to write for them. I tell them I'm a Christian so definitely it's going to show in my songs. I don't believe you have to use dirty words in your music before you blow, and so far, they've not complained.
How did the name Greatman come about?
I was born Ademola Ezekiel Kayode Takiti. But the name Greatman was given to me by my dad who is a pastor. So Greatman is actually my real name.
Which artist would you like to work with in the nearest future?
I'll like to do a song with Lecrae, Mali Music, Asa, 2face, Kenny Kore, Solomon Lange and M.I Abaga. I'm not the kind of musician that is stuck doing a particular genre of music. I like to experiment. My strength is versatility.
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