“Why Nigerians Love To Sponsor Secular Than Gospel Songs” …Oba Ara

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Nigerian born and notable gospel singer, Dr. Evangelist Onimole Rotimi Michael, also known as Oba Ara has stated that it was sad that some established gospel singers at times don’t assist the upcoming ones, he also expressed displeasure that Nigerians would rather sponsor a secular concert than Christian concerts.

Taking a trip down memory lane, the multiple award-winning Isale Eko born singer who has been in the industry for over 20 years said that things have not always been rosy for his singing ministry.

He said, “I am thanking Almighty God for the journey so far, I have been through thick and thin in this industry. Things have not always been rosy for those in gospel music. The major hindrance gospel music faces is that people do not want to help gospel musicians and this is very discouraging. Also, it is not easy receiving songs from God, putting them together coupled with the fact that you don’t have enough money to go to the studio.

“Some years ago, I approached a senior colleague to perform at one of my monthly concert, I paid her and when she was about to start singing, she said we should switch off our cameras because she doesn’t want to show in the video of the concert, if at all we are packaging it for sale. We pleaded but all efforts proved abortive.

“I didn’t release the video and it was a loss for me but I took it with good faith. Things are easier for secular musicians as they can easily find sponsors for their events but no one wants to put money down for a gospel show.

“I don’t know why they don’t want to promote the gospel of God. There were days I would go for three days’ church programme and sing my heart out and after the event, the organisers would just tell me to go home that they would send money to my bank account but I would never receive any alert. That is how I started; I was just managing in life until God decided to bless me. I thank God for bringing me to this level”.