I
am Josephine Latoya Okunbor. I am married with two children. I am from Edo
State. I studied Business Education at the Adeniran Ogunsaya College of Education,
Ijanikin, Lagos state, Nigeria. My journey as a musician and song writer
started when I joined the 144,000 music group many years ago.
Ruyi:
Ah! I remember. Then I was the coordinator of the group and it was like 144,000
or nothing. How time flies! Yes, you are now a gospel artiste. You are aware that
secular music is doing well in Nigeria. Davido, Wizkid and a host of other secular
artistes are making cool hard cash from music nowadays. As you know, no reasonable
human being wants to be left behind. Have you considered secular music? Some say
it is a goldmine!
No,
I have not considered it. Well as for today, it is gospel music all the way.
Ruyi:
It’s all right. I know a lot of popular secular musicians today who were once
choristers in their church. So I won’t be surprised if someday you make the
transition because you are also a chorister in your church. And you are doing
well. Brandy, Snoop Dogg were once in the choir. The world is a small place. Anything
can happen, Latoya! Once the opportunity comes, I expect you to take advantage
of it. Anyway, that’s my candid opinion. So let’s move on. Tell us something
about the songs or contents that you have written or created and the story
behind them.
Most
of my songs are true story of my life, the challenges that I have gone through
and how God helped me to overcome. My life is a testimony. My life is in God’s hands.
Ruyi:
Life is good and God is good. What place does music, song writing or content creation
hold in your life?
Well,
I always tell people who care to listen to me that once you take away music
from me, I will cease to exist. Music, writing songs and content creation holds
the greatest part of existence in me.
Ruyi: I am a writer. So I understand you. The
music industry in Nigeria is very tough and challenging. I have seen promising
artistes fall by the way side due to one reason or another. It appears if you
don’t have money to promote your songs, you will never be heard. So it is
winner takes all. As a Gospel artiste, you have your challenges too. People
hardly want to pay for gospel shows. Now tell me. What marketing techniques
have been most effective for you? People need to know how you have been making money
from your songs.
That for now is in the hands of my producer.
Ruyi:
Who is your producer?
Ruyi: Ben Jossy? I know him. We are friends. He
knows a lot about the music industry in Nigeria. You are in safe hands, Latoya!
Thank you, Ruyi!
Ruyi:
You are welcome. What do you think makes a song or content sell, or makes a person
buy it?
Creativity, instrumentation and choice of words.
Ruyi: What’s the most moving or affecting
thing a reader or fan has said to you.
I
remember recently someone said, “Ma, your songs have immensely blessed me and
healed me from sickness and discouragement. Keep it up!”
Ruyi:
What are your favourite three songs and why?
i. Sing a
new song
ii. Alashe
nla
iii. Oluwa
mi
These songs speak a lot about my background.
Ruyi:
Who are your favourite three musicians and what do you like about them?
i. Cece
Winans
ii. Juanita
Bynum
iii. Frank
Edward
I
love their uniqueness, passion and lyrics of the songs.
Ruyi:
Everybody knows Frank Edward and Cece Winans are prolific singers. I hope
someday you will be like them. Tell us about the songs that you are currently
working on and their progress.
I
will be releasing a single with my friend and gospel minister Dayo dayspring
anytime soon. Title of the song is “Oba Ni Jesu”.
Ruyi:
What challenges do you think are faced by musicians, song writers and content
creation like you and what’s the worst thing about the industry according to
you?
Ruyi: Ah!
I like to have that kind of pastor as a friend. God bless him. He is a good
man. Apart from singing, song writing, what goals do you want to achieve in
life?
I
want to help the needy and be a motivation to many, especially young people.
Ruyi:
Is there anything else you would like to mention?
We
need the church, government and corporate bodies to assist young people in
Nigeria to achieve great things in their endeavour.
Ruyi:
Okay. You are right. All of us need support. We can help one another to achieve
great things. What is the title of your recently published or released song?
Please include an extract of the song here.
My mouth is full
of your praise Oh Lord
For all the
things you have done for me
I can only bring
to you a song of praise.
Ruyi: What message do you want to share with
budding musicians, song writers and content creator?
Let your songs be creative and meaningful. Be
prayerful and work hard.
Ruyi: Thank you, Latoya! Where can your fans
find you on social media?
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