Ibukunoluwa Akojo started her music career at the age of 6 and ever since she has been blazing in glory. In this interview with ‘Gbenga Adeleye, she talks about her music career, challenges and plans to take the Gospel of Christ to the end of the world. Excerpts:
Who are you? Tell us about your background, a little bit about yourself, growing up?
Proud to say, I am Ibukunoluwa Akojo, born and raised by Mr. and Mrs. Aderemi Akojo, second on the list of the three beautiful and great daughters. I had my primary education at Barry Kay Kiddies College, secondary education at Methodist Secondary School, Elekuro and Ibadan Grammar School, Molete, both in the great city of Ibadan. Thereafter, I proceeded to Kwara State College of Education, where I studied Music/Social Studies.
At what age did you start singing and how did it all start?
I started my music career at age 6 in All Nations Evangelical Church, popularly known as (ANEC) where I was made the Children Choir Director and at age 11, I was promoted to Adult Choir, it was indeed a platform that sharpen my music skills coupled with the fact that I later studied Music as a major. I counted this as a great privilege being the youngest among them then and ever since, I have been blazing in glory while responding to the purpose of God as it unfolds.
How would you describe your experience so far as a music minister?
It has been a very wonderful experience in the ministry, though circumstances around were not very encouraging at first, but all glory to God, we're taking the gospel to the whole world and God is opening great doors which all eyes will see. Indeed, it has been God all the way.
What challenges have you faced as a Gospel minister? How have you overcome these challenges?
God has been faithful, He has been my shield, buckler and support. I rest in His direction and guidance. Yeah! In life, every man or woman faces one challenge or the other, in secular and ministry, there abound many challenges as whosoever that want to succeed and accomplish something great for God must encounter challenges. It is normal but not strange, so I will not say there is no challenge but the greatest of them all as a single female gospel artist is the negative advances of men in exchange for help and support when needs arose. It takes the Wisdom of God to relate with such people and sincerely speaking God has been so faithful. I am indeed grateful to God for sending help to me to fulfill His purpose. It is not easy but I thank God for making me to stand till now. I will forever be grateful to God for making me to live His purpose here on earth.
Who is your role model and why?
I have people I’m looking up to within the gospel music industry, personalities such as Senwele Jesu, Evangelist Bukola Akinade is my mentor/mother, Evangelist Sola Oladoyinbo is mother in the Lord and there is, Sola Allyson Obaniyi who has also been my role model for years now. I love her strength, style of music and passion for what she does. Though I haven't met her in person but I know we will definitely meet, music will bring us together soon.
Where did you see yourself in the next five years within the gospel industry?
By God's grace and mercy, I see myself taking the Gospel to the whole world in a strangely powerful dimension through music. With God all things are possible, I am for God and by Him. With God on my side, His glory shall be made manifest and His will and agenda be more reveal to His people via my brand of music and spiritual songs.
Let us talk about your upcoming album and launch? How many album have you done?
By God's grace, we consider ourselves as partners with the Holy Spirit in hosting the Lord’s wonderful people. The album is titled, “LORD”. It was inspired by the Holy Spirit to bless His people all over the world. The launch is set for this month, expect the glory of the Lord to overshadow His people. It’s going to be great. I have two albums for now, the debut album, Exaltation which was released in 2016 and new one titled, “LORD”.
Do you have anything to share with your fans?
Of course, and it’s what I have been sharing and will continue to share, the Gospel of Christ. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through Him. May the love of God be shared more and more abroad in our hearts. I love you all.