By Tosin Ajirire
Singer, songwriter and music producer, Oluwaseyi Ajala popularly known as LC Beatz, ranks amongst the best gospel rappers in Nigeria.
With over 50 songs and several collaborations to his credit, LC Beatz has carved a place for himself as a resourceful and respectable gospel artiste. However, securing his place in the Christian music industry didn’t come as an accident. Having rededicated his life to Jesus in 2007, his creativity vision went through a significant transformation. He thereafter resolved that everything he produces must henceforth carry a seal of purity, spirituality, as well as glorify God Almighty.
In this rare interview, LC Beatz whose latest song of praise and thanksgiving, Melo, is currently attracting massive streaming and downloading on digital music platforms like Spotify, opened up on his career, strengths, weaknesses, and future plans. Please enjoy it.
Tell us briefly about yourself.
My name is Oluwaseyi Ajala, but professionally I go by LC Beatz. I hail from Ibadan, Oyo State but my formative years were spent in Sagamu, Ogun State. I had my primary and secondary school education at Mayflower School, Ikenne, Ogun State. I earned a B.Eng degree in Civil Engineering from Osun State
University, Osogbo. Later, I obtained a MA certificate in Film Production from University of Salford, Manchester. I am happily married to Abimbola and together we have a son. As an artiste and music producer, I am known for my unique blend of Afro-infused gospel music, which has garnered recognition and wide acclaim.
How exactly did you come into music and how would you describe your kind of music?
Like most artistes, my musical journey began in the church at a young age. I was filled with curiosity and eagerly explored the various equipment available at our church, most especially, CAC Oke Temidire and CAC Oke Sioni in Sagamu, Ogun State. Although, our church had limited instruments back then, I made the most use of what was available. The musical elements present in CAC churches became the foundation of my musical fusion.
As I grew up and attended boarding school at Mayflower, I was exposed to a wide range of music genres due to the diverse backgrounds of my peers. This exposure expanded my musical horizons even further. In 2007, when I rededicated my life to Jesus, my perspective on creativity underwent a significant transformation. I resolved that everything I produced from that point onward must be pure, uplifting, and carry the message of Jesus to its listeners. My music can best be described as Afrogospel – a unique blend of Afro-sounds and gospel influences.
In terms of inspiration, how does music come to you?
I draw inspiration from a multitude of sources that surround me, including personal experiences, other people’s stories, films, nature, and listening to music. The list is endless. It is evident that God has blessed us with an abundance of resources that
enable us to create anything our hearts desire.
How many songs have you released till date, and which of them is your favourite and why?
I have released over 50 songs todate, and it’s challenging for me to pick a favourite among them. However, there are certain songs that resonate with me more than others. One of such is Take Me to School, a song that held a profound personal significance for me at a time when I found myself in conflict with some of the leaders in my school fellowship. It’s remarkable to note that I completed this particular song in less than an hour, which was
truly a surprising and inspiring experience.
Your latest single, Melo, and My Song, released in February have almost the same lyrics of thanksgiving. Will you say both songs share the same inspiration?
Indeed, you’re quite perceptive! Both songs do revolve around themes of praise and gratitude to God. However, the primary inspiration lies in
crafting distinct sounds while maintaining the same overarching theme of praise. If you take a look at my other releases this year, you’ll notice
that they predominantly consist of praise songs as well. The reason behind this musical direction is that the current season of my life has been incredibly remarkable, highlighting the tremendous assistance God has provided to me and my family. It’s been a truly awe-inspiring and impactful journey.
How did you come about your stage name, LC Beatz?
According to a Yoruba adage, ‘Ile la nwo ka to somo l’oruko’ which translates to the need to examine one’s house, surroundings or recent experiences before naming a child, I took the time to do just that. During my introspection, I came across a profound promise of God tucked away in the corner of my Bible, specifically in Isaiah 60:14. It declares that those who hold me in contempt will eventually bow down and acknowledge me as the City of the Lord. This revelation led me to adopt the moniker, ‘LC’ (Lord’s City) in LC Beatz. The addition of ‘Beatz’ signifies my role as a beat maker, showcasing my passion for crafting rhythmic compositions.
Tell us about your first time on stage, and what are your experiences collaborating with other musicians like Mike Abdul, Limoblaze, Gui Brazil, Nikki Laoye, Nolly, and Folabi Nuel?
The first time I performed my songs on stage was an unexpected opportunity that arose during a youth conference in Osogbo. The scheduled guest couldn’t make it, and the youth pastors, aware of my previous recordings, approached me and asked me to perform my songs that day. Initially, I felt a surge of nervousness, but the experience of frequently being on stage with the choir helped alleviate my fears.
Collaborating with other artistes has consistently been a blessing in my journey. The remarkable diversity of God’s gifts bestowed upon different artistes is truly awe-inspiring,
and I consider it a privilege and testament to His grace, to have the chance to work alongside these talented individuals.
What do you consider as your strengths and weaknesses as a musician?
My strength lies in my capability to transform my imagination into reality. I am blessed with the skill to bring my creative visions to life. However, one of my weaknesses is occasionally being overly conscious of achieving absolute perfection in everything I do.
Are you single or married? If single, what’s your kind of woman, and how do you handle women who usually flock around artistes?
As mentioned before, I am indeed married.
In my opinion, the key lies in actively fleeing any semblance of wrongdoing. It is also crucial to treat everyone with respect and place importance on establishing and upholding
my personal boundaries.
What’s your most memorable moment as an artiste?
One of the most memorable moments in my career as an artiste was during the campus tour in 2018. Witnessing young people yearning for a deeper connection with God, and experiencing
a profound sense of refreshment and ministering through rap and Afrobeats, was truly remarkable. It fills my heart with joy to see how my sound has flourished over time and become a powerful instrument for spreading the message of the gospel.
In 2018, you founded a university campus movement called God And God Alone (GAGA). What informed your decision to do so?
After releasing my debut album titled, GAGA (God And God Alone), I organised what felt like a campus tour. The purpose behind it was to connect with a wider audience and introduce
them to a unique sound that may not be entirely new to young people, but one that carries a distinct message. Essentially, it was an opportunity to expand my reach and engage with listeners on a more personal level.
How would you describe the journey so far, and what are your future plans?
The journey thus far has been rewarding, and the continuous learning process has been a significant advantage. One valuable aspect is the constant reminder of my identity, especially when other emotions try to overshadow it. This reminder has played a significant role in drawing me closer to God, recognizing Him as my sole source.
My goal is to expand the reach of my creativity globally. I aspire to create engaging and safe content that captivates audiences worldwide, while also fostering a greater awareness of God’s presence. By taking this approach, I aim to draw people from all corners of the world into a deeper consciousness of God.