Funmi Sax: Unsung but blessing many
By Wilson Adekumola
Lagos-born saxophonist, Oluwafunmilayo Ibukunoluwa Ajayi is an undeniable talent. Though unsung, her songs have lifted up many and put joy in the heart of people.
Her dexterity in handling the saxophone is however gaining recognition. She was invited in 2016 to showcase her musical prowess at the “Festival of Life”, a program held by Jesus House Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG) in London.
She holds HND in Accountancy from Lagos State Polytechnic, but currently a final year Music student at the University of Lagos.
Funmi Sax: It all began in the church
Popularly called Funmi Sax she says, “This is my 14th year of playing the saxophone. It all started in my church (Evangelical Church of Yahweh). During the summer holiday, the church engaged in training of the children so that the summer won’t waste. They brought in a teacher to train us in various instruments which saxophone was part of.
“Initially, I was playing the side drums then when saxophone was introduced I quickly embraced it because it caught my attention. Since then I have not looked back. I see myself as a person that is privileged to make people dance. It is my joy and pleasure when I put smile on people’s face. I know I am not the best but God has chosen me to do my best in making people happy. Gospel music, especially when it reflects the word of God can mend a broken heart. So, I love what I am doing.”
Her maiden album released in 2013, dubbed, “Grace” has four tracks. She has subsequently released other albums which have to do with praises, worship and hymns. She has worked with various artistes nationwide including, BJ Sax, Big Bolaji, Biodun Ajayi, among others. She has also been on stage with Tope Alabi both in Nigeria and London. But the big experience that influenced her career was the performance at the “Festival of Life” in London, an event hosted all over Europe in 2016 like the Holy Ghost Congress in Nigeria.
Funmi Sax who hails from Odonoko, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State explained that her accountancy profession has really helped her to manage her income as she has picked music as her passion. She sees music as a service to God and humanity.
Funmi Sax: service to God, best way to live
So, she has been performing at both church and societal events-wedding, birthday and other social gathering with her band. She revealed that she makes more money from social event than church, “the best possible way to use your life is the service to God then humanity. That kind of life helps you to attain success, but first, you must qualify to be in God’s service”. she said.
She avers, “I will not leave music for any other profession. My accountancy profession and music career are complementary. I am able to account for my earnings and manage the money I make from my music career. I have a full band that performs with me whenever the need arises.
When asked her perspective about gospel music in Nigeria, the Excellence Award-winning artiste said gospel music is thriving in Nigeria. She however enjoined gospel musicians not to relent in their work.
She believes gospel music has changed many lives adding however that gospel artistes should eschew the love of money “money will definitely come. It is no sin to make money from the talent God has given you. God will even be angry if you don’t utilize your talent to make a living.
“Bible says your gift will make a way for you. Your gift will make you stand with kings and nobody stands before kings and remain the same. Definitely your gift will enrich you. Let us just keep doing our best in spite of the prevailing circumstances. Let us not relent in delivering our services because our songs bring message of life and hope.”
