Dr Omotayo Oniya is the lead vocalist of Paul and Ceecee Oniya Gospel Music Group and one of the gospel musicians projecting African culture outside the shores of the country. In this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, he speaks about his career, among other things.
HOW has life been as a gospel musician?
Life has been good and music has been a tool of achievements and connecting to many fans across the inter-continent.
You have been able to project African culture through your brand even outside the shores of the country, what motivated this?
Like my favourite quote, “Music is the only food of the soul, cutting across diverse races. Even if you do not understand the lyrics, so far the percussion and the rhythms send good messages to the brains, then the brain gives commands to move your body to dance”. Since I discovered that this is my line, I have never hesitated to follow it as well as to add great value to my source.
How did you discover your passion for music?
I can say that music is generic to the family bloodline. However, I said myself as a full-time musician in 2009, while I was serving the country as a corps member and the experience has been sweet since then.
You have toured countries with your brand of music. What have you learnt differently?
I have learnt about interracial equality and diversity and I am an ambassador of the Culturally Unique Programme as a musician.
You recently bagged a PhD in Business Communication. How do you feel about this?
I feel fulfilled and also want to encourage the youth to always aspire and aim high in life. No matter the situation you find yourself in, always listen to good music as an emotional and psychological therapy.
Why Business Communication? Have you ventured into other things aside from gospel music?
Yes, I am into other businesses including sports wear as a sportsman and electronic business.
Do you feel African culture is widely embraced overseas?
Yes, Yoruba culture, especially the language as a unique race, is spreading like wildfire in the 21st Century, especially across the continents, including Brazil, Cuba, the Benin Republic, Ghana, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, to mention a few.
What is your greatest challenge as a musician?
Singing in another language, especially the Caribbean.
You are versatile, a musical act, an actor, and a lover of academics, where do you draw the strength from?
My high school principal, and founder of Mayflower School, Ikenne, Ogun State, Nigeria, the late Dr Tai Solarin, would always say: “May your road be rough.” It has not been easy, but slow and steady wins the race. I love to diversify and I love to be dynamic. This quote has been my main drive. Also, Evangelist Mike Bamiloye has been my mentor.
What is your relationship with other gospel artistes and actors?
Very cordial. I do feature many of them on the same stage with myself as both a solo artiste and as a band, to mention a few of them, such as Segun Nabi, Monique, Biyi Samuel, Evangelist Tope Alabi, Soji Aina Sax in the United States of America, Prince Segun Adebayo, Segun Michael Obejor in the United Kingdom and many more.
What are your plans to promote your brand?
Consistency in delivering melodious music and spiritual songs through social media, art, and cultural platforms both locally, nationally, and intercontinentally on live stage performance. Also, our tour of Europe in the United Kingdom for 2022 got us a nomination by Gbedu Magazine in the UK through our excellent performance at African Music Submit. The development had ignited the band to set for another tour in the United States of America this year.
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