Gospel singer, Aleshinloye Oluwakayode, popularly known as Don Praizzy, has revealed the secret of his success as gospel artists.
The gospel singer urged his colleagues to put God first and not be carried away with material possessions such as cars, houses and other luxuries.
In an interview, Don Praizzy, who released his first album in 2014 and first single in 2013 titled, “Wekuoye” said his journey in the ministry had been by faith due to how he started.
According to him, at the beginning it looked like I was not going to make it.
“We had a lot of challenges on how to raise funds for our studio recordings, I had no sponsor but hope, faith kept me going and words from my late mum were one major encouragement for me. Then we don’t have access to most things young ministers have access to right now, like concerts, big stages, sponsorship, mentorship, internet, social media platforms, high end musical equipment and many more.
“My songs carried powerful messages like, hope, faith, Love, joy and how to give thanks to God. When you listen to my songs it will encourage you and give you strength to move on,” he said.
Speaking on his achievements, said, “I count my blessings; God has been faithful to me. Where I am today has been His love and promises for me. I learnt to focus on God’s word because he called in the first place. Many miss their way when things get hard on their journey, it’s was not easy actually I know many singers we started together who have gone into another business or other kind of music but I stood to my calling and God favors me, in 2020 during lockdown my online praise thanksgiving went viral and it has become major source of income for me since then.
“I have learnt to stick to God’s promises because it’s a covenant and it will surely come to pass. Common errors we gospel ministers fall into are more like; fame, money, pride, inpatient and more. My advice for upcoming gospel artists is to seek first the kingdom of God and with God all other things like money, cars, fame, houses and more will be added.
“Don’t run more than your time; there is time for all of us. I remember it took me years to have my first car which I bought in 2013 but after then I have gotten different luxury cars. God is able to settle us; we just need to keep working hard and pray and trust God’s process.”
On Nigeria’s current situation, Don Praizzy said, “My message at this stage for my people in the country is to continue working hard, look unto God the author and finisher of our faith, keep hope alive and God will definitely make a way for them, how it’s will happen will surprise them.
“I have started recording some live performances and we still have more coming up. Also we are working on collaboration with some of my colleagues like Laolu gbenjo, Yinka Alaseyori, Aunty Tope Alabi, Sola Allyson, Big Bolaji, Dare Justified and more.
“Yes the name “Don Praizzy” is not my real name. It’s two words; Don And Praizzy. Over the years whenever I finished my ministration people used to say my kind of praise is extremely kind of praise that carries grace, strength; even a lady said my praise carries fire… So from here it simply means my praise is extreme praise and in music there is a genre of music we call jazz and when it’s extreme we call it Jazzy.. So my praise is extreme that Praizzy came from when Don simply meant master,in a nutshell my stage name simply means ‘master of praises’ I have mastered my craft.”