By Wilson Adekumola
Lagos-born gospel artiste, Abimbola Shodiya has said gospel music is not a joke nor should it be viewed as a means of entertainment.
She made the observation at the dedication of her album on Sunday, September 19.
Shodiya is the lead vocalist of Agape Christian Ministry, Ifako, Lagos. She has been in the music industry for over ten years before she emerged winner in an audition of about thirty gospel artistes that also qualified her for a contract with JC Records.
At the event, the Youth Choir Coordinator displayed a glimpse of her skill to show that her three years contract with JC Records which had its team in attendance was not a fluke. The audience were amused at her ingenuity.
Shodiya, who is the Leader of ‘Trueworshippers’ is regarded as the “First fruit” of JC Records.
She has to her credit the LP Mixtape that contains, ‘You are Jehovah, Eternal God, Kabiyesi and Heal Our Land’ . The tracks are gradually making waves on all social media platforms.
My early days
Shodiya spoke about the early days of her career. “I actually started singing with friends when I was in secondary school because I believe I can only express my love to God through music. I cannot say I love God but God chose to love me. And the only way I feel I can make up my love for God is through music. I could have opted for another career but how could I have appreciated His love for me?”, she queried.
She added that she had tried many things “but if there is anything that gives me joy and results, it is songs to praise and worship the Lord.”
She reasoned that “what brought this gathering here today is my love and commitment to the Lord. I feel happy, I feel honoured and above all, I’m overwhelmed with joy that my songs could impact people’s lives. You know what it means when you hear people sharing testimonies about your song. Some people have stopped going to church or never attended because of one reason or the other. But when they listened to my music, they turned to God.”
Gospel music, not entertainment
She, however, advised gospel singers not to see the gospel music industry as means of entertainment. But rather, they should be led by the Holy Spirit in order to propagate the gospel of Christ.
“Gospel music is not a joke or entertainment. You must love God and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you so that your song can win souls for Christ.”
She explained that she dubbed her album, ‘You are Jehovah’ because that is the name that appeals to her in all the names of God as it occurs to different people in different places.
JC Records: Shodiya, our first fruit
Director of JC Records, Emma Steve, popularly known as Boss Man, told participants at the event that he personally believes if God gives you vision He equally gives you the link. “I know people love ‘my first fruit’ as we called Abimbola Shodiya because she is the first artiste that I ever signed a contract with. It is her love for God that attracts people to her. JC Records is not a profit-making organization. We are on a mission to reach God’s people through music. We have been doing this over the years.
“We have discovered, produced, and managed a lot of gospel artistes. These include; Moses Bliss, Bianca of Africa, and Ijioma Idikachuku Bina among others. But we never had a contract with any. That is why we called her our ‘first fruit’.
JC Records was established about 10 years ago with its office located in Abuja, Nigeria.
Bolaji Akinyemi: Shodiya is fastidious
The event drew reactions from some attendees. Apostle Bolaji Akinyemi of Word Bank Ministry who is also the brain behind the contract, said, “It is awesome to be part of this ceremony today. She is a fastidious somebody. I will advise her to continue to use her God-giving gift to extend the gospel. I was part of the deliberate effort to make this church her church. She needs to stay where they can nurture her scripturally to have an encounter with God.”
Shodiya is daughter of Zion: Kayode Adeosun
The Senior Pastor of the church, Kayode Adeosun, described her as a daughter of Zion. “I am very grateful for the life of the celebrant. She has contributed so much to the kingdom of God. She deserves more. She is a gift for us here. She is a daughter of Zion. It is God that promotes and lifts someone up. Whoever is committed to extending the good news of the Lord will definitely have an encounter with His mercy.”
The expansive auditorium of the church located at, 5, College Road, Opposite Ifako Mini Stadium, Lagos witnessed a tremendous crowd. Family and friends were on hand to grace the occasion.
