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Dr Kelechi Ibegbulem is a Medical Doctor who specialised in Family Medicine. He works in a robust and busy medical practice in Mildura, Victoria Australia.
The multi-talented Doctor is also a Gospel artiste who holds a Diploma in Ministry.
Happily married to Chinwe Ibegbulem and blessed with three children together, Dr Kelechi have always been passionate about writing songs and singing since his early childhood.
Dr Kelechi who is almost done with the completion of his second album and soon to commence his third in this interview shares his foray into gospel music, how he joggles it with medicals and career projections.
Enjoy!
How do one mix science and art? Tell us how a medical doctor got into music?
I have always loved creativity from my early childhood, and did very well as a visual artist during my Secondary school days. I thought I would major in visual and applied arts but during my teenage years I developed a burden for studying Medicine when I watched some children suffering in war torn countries. I felt i could contribute my mettle through the field of Medicine to alleviate the suffering of humanity. My love for science gradually metamorphosed due to the litany of drawings that were required in Biology class. This spurred me to embrace other science courses as well. As a child I loved music a lot and have memories of the high-life music my father used to play on a turntable back in the days. I started composing songs at the age of 10. So, the love for music and arts predates my adventure into the world of science. I joggle both together and love them equally.
My faith as a Christian is my springboard for both my vocation as a medical doctor and music ministry. I believe in caring for the tripartite composition of man; the spirit, soul and body. I minister both as a worship leader and a pastor in my local church.
How do you balance your busy schedule with patients and writing songs?
I write as I am inspired to, and over the past two decades I have developed a compilation of songs. I still write new ones during my spare time and often my consultation with patients is interrupted by a new tune. Sometimes I wake up with a song and the lyrics, other times during worship in church I am inspired to write new songs.
It is my passion to continually express my love for God and humanity through songs. It is often hard to combine but my persistence and the support of my wife has been a source of help. I try to find a healthy balance between my work, ministry and the demands of music.
Why the choice of Gospel music?
Gospel music has a therapeutic and inspiring attribute that makes it unique in comparison to other genre of music.
I feel empowered by the lyrics of Gospel music and it has been a source of comfort, joy for me through the journey of life. This is why I chose Gospel music as my medium of expressing my experiences with God and how real they have been. I believe it is a medium to convey the truth of the Gospel and it’s life changing potential to the world.
How supportive is your spouse?
She is very supportive and encourages me to keep the fervour up. She is my number one fan and has been wonderful in post production propagation of my songs.
Can you tell us about your new single “CALVARY”?
Calvary theme came strongly during a contemplative moment mid- 2021. The dreary walk of Christ to the Cross of Calvary to die for the remission of the sin of the world is a spectacular historic event never to be overlooked. His mission was to heal, to save and to die. It is a solemn song that carries the anointing that birthed it from start to finish. It was produced by Segigo Ajo who also contributed in writing the second verse in conjunction with Kehinde Aponmade.
The idea of a duet came while I was writing the song and Hefziba Edim agreed to play the supporting role.
I traveled to Lagos to shoot the music video in July 2022. Thanks to JESUS Filmworks Studios.
Do you have an album yet?
Yes. My debut album was released in 2019, titled ‘Lifted Heart’ comprising of 10 songs.
I am almost through with compiling my second album now of which Calvary is one of.
What are we expecting from Dr Kelechi this year 2023?
Completion of second album and commencement of the third album.
Any particular unforgettable experience you’d like to share with us on your music journey so far?
Some of my first music videos were shot in Australia back in 2019, and I was so busy with work such that I could not organise for a church in advance to shoot my Holy Father video. I drove round Melbourne city with my videographer ringing church after church asking for a permission to use their facility. Some thought I had gone crazy, but I prayed and persisted until a pastor was gracious to offer his venue same day. I was overjoyed and it made me feel that God was truly with me on the project. First time comes with peculiar challenges. I don’t expect to be lax ever again.
Who is your mentor in the Gospel music industry also tell us why?
Ron Kenoly: was the main inspiration to my embracing the faith back in 1997 and later on Gospel music. He is a father figure and to date I love his style of worship.
Frank Edwards: I love his energy and style of worship. His lyrics are well thought through and are inspirational.
Any plans of collaborating with any of the Gospel Music Known names soon?
I do hope that such opportunity would come up and I am praying for it. I will love to have such a blessed opportunity to sing along with veterans in the industry who have been a source of inspiration.
God sparing your life, where do you see yourself in the next three years?
I hope to have done a music concert and tour with five albums behind me.
What advice do you have for the up and coming Gospel music ministers?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your path. (Proverbs 3: 5-6)
Create time to embellish your craft, pray fervently and never be discouraged if you have setbacks, they are part of the story behind the glory that will unfold with time.
Thank you.
