Up and coming gospel musician,
Ponmile Funso Adebayo believes that in the
nearest future, her music will impact on the lives of people positively.
Ponmile,
a make-up artiste, says her music talks about the love and faithfulness
of God upon her life. She says she is set to launch her debut album,
entitled: Wonders, at Samak Halls & Events Plot 12, Ikosi Road,
opposite Daystar Christian Centre, Oregun Ikeja Lagos.
In a chat with The Entertainer, Ponmile speaks on her views about
gospel music in Nigeria, how she combines her music with her make-up
business among others.
Biography
My name is Ponmile Funso Adebayo and I am the leader of gospel group
called, The 12 Wonders Band, a gospel music band. As a child, I have
always been in the choir with Celestial Church of Christ, Odo Ona Apata.
I composed my first song when I was five years. When I was seven years,
I performed my song at an in-house party on Christmas day. I later
joined Faith Agbala Itura branch and later became a soloist and a backup
singer for about three years.
I am a graduate of Fine and Applied Arts from Obafemi Awolowo
University, Ile-Ife, Osun State and when I was still in school, I was a
member of a band as the lead vocalist. Presently, I am the Choir
Director for the Yoruba Church at Daystar Christian Centre, Ikeja, Lagos
State.
How would you describe your music?
I will describe my kind of music as Naija Hip-hop fused with gospel
songs. Although, we also sing various genre of music such as AfroJuju,
Reggae etc.
Gospel music in Nigeria
Well, gospel music in Nigeria needs to still improve because we need
to look at it how we can profit from the gift of God in terms of soul
winning. I believe as a servant of God, you are sent to a particular
people and as gospel artistes, you need to know whom you are sent to
minister to through your songs. Gospel musicians need to do good music
so that they don’t just become local artistes alone but artistes of
international reputation.
My debut album
It is a nine-track album with three bonus tracks entitled Wonder.
Wonder is all about praising God who answers by fire. I composed it
years ago when I had a challenge and I prayed to God and He answered my
prayers. The way and manner that He did it was a wonder to me and that
is why, I titled my album, Wonder.
Other tracks in the album include Nigeria and it is a song everyone
should have on their phones and listen to. This year has been
challenging in the country such as the insecurity and the Ebola Virus
Disease (EVD) but in all we still give thanks to God for seeing us
through these challenges. Another track is Spiritual Something, because
it is a song about the spirit of David. If you are familiar with the
story of David, he did so many things but God still called him a man
after his own heart because he knew how to get God in a place of
unrepentant worship and praise. Dancing your heart out, dancing is a
spiritual something .so worship of God in the place of dance is a big
thing. We also have ‘your praise’ which is a song that reminisces on the
love of God. His arms are always wide to open wide to accept you as
long as you are ready to come to him.
What are the messages in your song?
Basically it’s the love and faithfulness of God for me as a person, for Nigeria as a country and for anyone who buys the album.
Who are your target audience?
The Youths.
Don’t you think you are deviating from the normal music style of gospel music?
No. Your message is what makes your music gospel and gospel is good news. I don’t sing secular music and I wont.
How do you combine being a Gospel artiste and make-up artist?
I see my self as a businesswoman. By God’s grace, I also work with
the Deputy Governor of Lagos in the area of empowering women and youths
in Lagos. As Christians, our calling involves impacting on the lives of
people.
After your album launch what’s the next thing?
Well I have not discussed with the band but I hope to have concerts
and tours in United Kingdom next year with the remaining five songs we
have kept aside.
How do you intend to break free with all other gospel artiste around?
I am not in competition with anybody. I believe when God gives you a
vision, He also gives you the provision, location and the right people
to help you do what you can do best.
In the next five years where do you intend to see yourself?
I see myself as an International Gospel Artiste winning souls for
Christ and impacting the lives of Nigerian youths both here and in the
Diaspora. I would want the youths to say, I bless God for the life of
this lady for what she has helped me through her music. So in the next
five years, I want to see myself as an international and national figure
in the Nigerian music industry.
