Queen Busola Oke, singer and songwriter has carved a niche for herself in the Nigerian music industry. An exponent of Gospel, contemporary classic love songs and inspirational dance beats, Busola began her musical journey professionally in 1998. Since then, she has not looked back, churning out one hit song after the other, with her highly successful ‘Eleyele’ soundtrack that eventually registered her in the consciousness of music lovers without boundaries. The stunning songstress, in this interview told the Editor, FOLORUNSHO HAMSAT, about herself and her innovative choral style, a seamless blend of exotic and traditional sounds. Enjoy…
What was your childhood dream or you came into music by accident?
I have been singing in the choir since I was nine years old. I was the youngest then and they called me ‘Iya Kekere’.
Can your brand of music be categorized as a pure Gospel, Gospel Tungba?
I sing pure Gospel but inspirational ‘Tungba’ is my style.
As a stakeholder in Gospel music, does it take a born-again Christian to really sing Gospel music, considering the moral teachings it contains?
As a Christian, I don’t judge or quantify the level of anyone’s belief or relationship with God. But as long as the artiste is spreading the real gospel, I’ll say let God handle things that concern Him.
Has it been rosy all through from the beginning till you attained stardom? Share briefly the ups and downs along the way.
Nothing good comes easy. For every glory, there must be a story and for every achievement there must be a trial. I’ll say I have had my own share of both the good and bad sides of the entertainment industry just like every other artiste.
Tell us something about your first album and how it was accepted.
My first album was ‘Moyege’ and it wasn’t popular. I was still an upcoming artiste when I released it but it was a good album.
Almost every star musician has his or her fair share of controversy; would you like to talk briefly about yours if any and how you managed to weather the storm?
I don’t really keep records of any controversy; be it about me or any other artiste because I don’t have the time.
The issue of copyright and royalties between the artiste and producer or record company has continued to dominate conversations. What has your experience been like?
It is what it is.
What was the inspiration behind Busola Oke’s stage name, ‘Eleyele’; did you just adopt the name?
Everything works together for good, so to say. Eleyele was the late Racheal Oniga’s movie title. I was asked to make a sound track for it. That was how the name stuck.
Please, share with us something your fans didn’t know about your immediate family and how much they have been supportive to your career.
My fans didn’t know that almost all my siblings are talented. They have been quite supportive of my music career.
You have a unique fashion style; tell us about your fashion routine.
Well, I love wearing my own designs most of the time; being a designer.
How have you been able to stand strong in the industry all these years despite stiff competitions?
I don’t see any competition in gospel music. Gospel music is God’s work and as Christians, evangelism is our assignment on earth.
What kind of relationship do you have with other female Gospel artistes?
I relate with everyone as one big family. I am a free-minded person. Everywhere I go is home and everyone I meet in the industry is a friend.
People talk about female Gospel artistes and their seductive songs, dance and carriage; what is your reaction?
Jesus, that was a strange question. I must say that’s news to me because, like I said I don’t judge people; for the bible says ‘do not judge so that you won’t be judged’. Everyone has his/her style of music and I am yet to see any seductive dance or move in any gospel music album.
Tell us about the progress of your past albums and the songs you’re working on right now.
So far, my music projects have been doing well. I am working on my new project coming out by the grace of God this Christmas titled ‘Igba Ope’ (Bowl of Thanks).
What are the new things your fans should look out for as the year ends?
My new project, ‘Igba Ope’ and ‘Adaba’ musical video which features Alayo Melody Singer.
