By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
A gospel musician, Esther Osaji has enjoined young gospel artistes to grow beyond talents,stay focused and use their music as a weapon to create positive impact and values in the country.
Osaji disclosed this during the sidelines of a Musical “Thanksgiving Concert” Themed: Esther and Friends.She advised young artistes to infuse knowledge with their talents, urging older ones to interact more with young artistes,and equally mentor them.
She encouraged the youths not to relent but make good use of their talent. “I am extremely grateful to God because I never expected to get here today, because of the pain I experienced in my life journey. But God has helped me,He showed me so much mercy.
” However, regardless of the challenges and great pain I faced in life, looking back memory lane,the turbulence and trials and how I overcame them, I ensured that I serve God with my gift.
“Today my life is a testimony, I have been through so much in life and I became overwhelmed.I never expected this grace but , God almighty came through for me.
The Music Minister is one of Nigeria’s gifted and talented female gospel artistes, started her music career
officially and professionally in 2015. She writes her songs majorly in English, and she sometimes infuses other languages that she communicate with speaks.
Osaji was 9 (nine) years old when she started singing. At that age, she was blessed to have performed at presidential and state banquettes, schools and in church where she sang and still sings as a member of the choir and church band. A spectaclar event was her 2006 live performance with Onyeka Onwenu at the official opening of the National Stadium Abuja.
Also, Wunmi Omoniyi said it takes God to achieve a feat in the gospel, considering the financial implications but we are here to give thanks to God.
Omoniyi said gospel songs and musicians have not gotten the recognition they deserve domestically but gospel singers are promoting their works as products of positive change in the world.
“With a battered image, of the country and our challenges,gospel music is a pill, out of few others, that’s remedying Nigeria’s negative image globally.
“Our government need to encourage the music industry, especially the gospel artists. If the government can encourage musicians, a lot of talents would be groomed. But God has a way of raising funds for His work . Every project we embarked on, he raise helpers.
She added though,some private establishments have been trying to assist but they need to do more and promote gospel music artists.The industry can yield much money for the government and create employment opportunities for our youths,if the government can invest and equally create avenues for gospel singers to excel.
Moreso, another gospel singer, Uche Success, encouraged youths to sing and praise God. They will make money but should first give their time to serve God.
Speaking further, she said, Those who want to choose music as a career should not do that because of money. They need to work hard. It is not by magic; they should not be discouraged. First, you must have passion to glorify God.
“You are unique and special, created with various gifts; explore, discover and rule.”
Gospel singers need to make an impact and must be empowered. Gospel singers should make a difference and change the society, singing from a local level to an international standard and audience.
“Whatever challenge you are faced with in the music career, they should not find it difficult to stay in church, stay with God, and still develop their God-given talent.