ELITE PAP & SPECIAL PAP (DAWA AND JERO) IT CAN STOP CANCER TUMOR GROWTH.

Sorghum May Inhibit Cancer Tumor Growth

Compounds in sorghum called 3-Deoxyanthoxyanins (3-DXA) are present in darker-colored sorgums, and to a lesser extent in white sorghum. Scientists at the University of Missouri tested extracts of black, red, and white sorghums and found that all three extracts had strong antiproliferative activity against human colon cancer cells.
Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry. 2009 Mar 11;57(5):1797-804

Sorghum May Protect Against Diabetes and Insulin Resistance

Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) are increasingly implicated in the complications of diabetes. A study from the University of Georgia Neutraceutical Research Libraries showed that sorghum brans with a high phenolic content and high anti-oxidant properties inhibit protein glycation, whereas wheat, rice or oat bran, and low-phenolic sorghum bran did not. These results suggest that “certain varieties of sorghum bran may affect critical biological processes that are important in diabetes and insulin resistance.”
Phytotherapy Research. 2008 Aug;22(8):1052-6

Sorghum is Safe for People with Celiac Disease

Up to one percent of the U.S. population (and about ½% worldwide) is believed to have Celiac Disease, an autoimmune reaction to gluten proteins found in wheat, barley and rye. While sorghum has long been thought safe for celiacs, no clinical testing had been done until researchers in Italy made a study. First, they conducted laboratory tests; after those tests established the likely safety, they fed celiac patients sorghum-derived food products for five days. The patients experienced no symptoms and the level of disease markers (anti-transglutaminase antibodies) was unchanged at the end of the five-day period.
Clinical Nutrition. 2007 Dec;26(6):799-805. Epub 2007 Aug 24

Sorghum May Help Manage Cholesterol

Scientists at the University of Nebraska observed that sorghum is a rich source of phytochemicals, and decided to study sorghum’s potential for managing cholesterol. They fed different levels of sorghum lipids to hamsters for four weeks, and found that the healthy fats in sorghum significantly reduced “bad” (non-HDL) cholesterol. Reductions ranged from 18% in hamsters fed a diet including 0.5% sorghum lipids, to 69% in hamsters fed a diet including 5% sorghum lipids. “Good” (HDL) cholesterol was not affected. Researchers concluded that “grain sorghum contains beneficial components that could be used as food ingredients or dietary supplements to manage cholesterol levels in humans.”
Journal of Nutrition. 2005 Sep;135(9):2236-40

Advantages of Sorghum over Maize in South African Diets

Sorghum has been widely consumed as a staple food and in beverages throughout Africa. More recently, corn has replaced sorghum in some areas. Researchers from the University of Witwatersrand Medical School in South Africa believe that “the change of the staple diet of Black South Africans from sorghum to maize (corn) is the cause of the epidemic of squamous carcinoma of the esophagus.” They link the cancers to Fusarium fungi that grow freely on maize but are far less common on sorghum and note that “countries in Africa, in which the staple food is sorghum, have a low incidence of squamous carcinoma of the esophagus.”
Medical Hypotheses. 2005;64(3):658-60

Antioxidants in Sorghum High Relative to other Grains and to Fruits

Joseph Awika and Lloyd Rooney, at Texas A&M University, conducted an extensive review of scores of studies involving sorghum, and concluded that the phytochemicals in sorghum “have potential to signiciantly impact human health.” In particular, they cited evidence that sorghum may reduce the risk of certain cancers and promote cardiovascular health. Click here to download the full paper.
Phytochemistry. 2004 May;65(9):1199-221

Sorghum May Help Treat Human Melanoma

Scientists in Madrid studied the effect of three different components from wine and one from sorghum, to gauge their effects on the growth of human melanoma cells. While results were mixed, they concluded that all four components (phenolic fractions) “have potential as therapeutic agents in the treatments of human melanoma” although the way in which each slowed cancer growth may differ.
Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry. 2001 Mar;49(3):1620-4

If your voice is a great tool for you, then this is a MUST READ.

Does your voice increase your pocket, does it stand you out, or is it a tool to bless someone's life?

Vocalists, professional singers, and others who rely on their voices can enhance their performance with a healthy diet and by avoiding foods that can be harmful to their vocal health. Vocal cords are fragile and vibrate at a very fast rate when singing. Keeping them moist will go a long way toward preventing dryness, which can irritate them.

Vocal Hygiene

One of the most important things you can do is drink a lot of water. The recommended eight glasses a day are not adequate for a vocalist, as this is one way to keep your vocal cords hydrated. Remember that when you drink, water goes down the esophagus to the stomach, not down the opening that goes to the vocal cords. Water must be carried through the bloodstream to the vocal cords. In addition to water, it is important to warm up your voice daily. Avoid yelling and straining your voice, as this causes wear and tear. Proper sleep and rest will help your voice quality.

advertisement

Foods to Eat

The best diet for a vocalist is one that promotes overall good health and limits or avoids fatty and fried foods. In addition to lots of water, almonds are rich in good protein and make a healthy snack. Fish and chicken are the best meat options. Eggs, apples, rice, and moderate portions of yellow vegetables are healthy choices. Your diet should include plenty of fruit, whole grains, and vegetables. These foods are rich in vitamins A, C and E, and they help to keep the mucus membranes healthy.

Foods to Avoid

Alcohol diminishes vocal control by causing constriction of the blood vessels in vocal tissue. Cold drinks contract and stiffen the throat and voice. Although some people like lemon water, you should avoid it before singing, as it will dry your throat. Other foods that are drying include salty foods, heavily peppered and spicy foods, and caffeine. Coffee, tea, sodas, and chocolate are common sources of caffeine, and should be limited.

Dairy products should be avoided before a performance. Cheese, milk, yogurt, ice cream, and even some fruits such as bananas can cause excess mucus production. Fast food and high fat foods contribute to weight gain, which strains the body. Many of these foods are also high in salt and dry out the throat. Nuts and snack foods should be avoided before a performance because small bits can be left behind and irritate the throat (Reference 2).

Other Vocal Hygiene Tips

Avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol. If you need to gargle, use salt water. Don't cradle the phone between your head and shoulder, as this causes muscle tension in the neck. Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can cause cancer of the vocal folds. Keeping your hands washed will help to prevent exposure to colds and viruses.

 

As a vocalist, your body is your instrument. Like highly specialized athletes, professional vocalists keep their voices healthy and strong by performing vocal warm-ups and breath exercises designed to make the most of their range and lung capacity. Certain foods can positively affect your voice.

 

Honey

Vocal experts tout honey as a soothing remedy for rough throats. Voice coach Aaron Lim favors manuka honey noting that its antimicrobial properties may help ward off bacterial throat infections and accelerate healing. Lim recommends swallowing a spoonful of manuka honey slowly, allowing it to coat the lining of the throat, where it may help ease throat discomfort with its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory abilities.

advertisement

Dairy Products

The consumption of dairy products can increase mucus production in some people. You may wish to avoid dairy products before a vocal performance as mucus accumulation can interfere with respiration. Brett Manning, a vocal coach who has worked with Broadway theater singers as well as recording artists, explains that consuming dairy products can lead to excessive, unnecessary throat clearing--a process that can injure the vocal chords.

Caffeinated Drinks

For serious vocalists, caffeinated drinks are a no-no due to their tendency to cause dehydration, which can leave the mouth, throat and vocal chords dry and parched. The New York Eye & Ear Infirmary adds that caffeinated drinks can also aggravate acid reflux, a condition that can be the bane of vocalists. Acids escaping the stomach and moving up through the esophagus to the larynx can cause a condition called laryngopharyngeal reflux, or LPR. It causes chronic cough, sore throat and other symptoms that can lead to voice disorders.

Carbonated Beverages

Carbonated beverages can also promote acid reflux and negatively impact the voice. In addition, Manning notes that the bloating effect of the carbonation can make singing difficult due to excessive air in the stomach.

A Light Meal of Whole Grains, Protein, Fruit and Vegetables

It's important to keep your body nourished so that you'll have the endurance and energy to make the most of your moment in the spotlight. Manning suggests a light meal of wholesome foods eaten one or two hours before taking the stage. Chicken, fish, eggs and rice are suitable to eat before a performance. Fruits and vegetables are also excellent choices, though citrus fruits should be avoided as they can dry out the lining of the throat.

Lara George, Living her dream

Living Her Dream

Like Onyeka Onwenu, Dora Ifudu and a few others, Lara George nee Bajomo is well educated, talented and beautiful.Meeting her at a close range, you are bound to be thrilled by her beauty, intelligence and vibrant nature. George, a former member of the once popular gospel group KUSH that included TY Bello, Emem and Dapo, took CLETUS NWACHUKWU through her modest sojourn in the unpredictable world of music, in a recent ecounter.

SAVE for Dapo and the multi-talented Emem, Lara George and Ty Bello seem to have taken over the airwaves with their well-accepted debut works and have continued to garner acclaims from everyone, including the harshest critics. Describing herself as enigmatic and fun-loving, George traced her journey into the world of music and you cannot but praise her unflinching passion and steadfastness, despite opposition from her overtly protective parent.

"My parents didn't like my involvement in music because they didn't understand it," she recalled. "My parents didn't see music as some thing any serious person should do. They always harp on it that I should remain focused on my school works."

Beginning from Queens College, Yaba, Lagos where she was a member of the choir and onto her days at the University of Lagos, where she graduated with a Masters degree in Architecture, Lara George has always had music in her.

"At the University of Lagos, I was part of a group called Rocksolid, which was my school's fellowship group," she further narrated. "The group released an album called Your Dream Come True. TY, Emem, myself and Dapo were part of the group and we came out to form KUSH, which also released an album. KUSH took a break and now, Lara George is here."

As a most prominent member of Kush, the issue of the group would not just go away and so, she had to talk about it. According to her, as Rocksolid members, they had a natural bond between them. "At Kush, our major goal was to give hope to our listeners and fans, that they could live a good life essentially," she explained. "Our music was inspirational and the feel-good type, but it didn't remove the background we had in God. We released an album, "Let's Stay Together, that everybody loved and that was Kush."

Music experts hold that the bane of most musicians today is lack of format training in music. That was not to be a problem for Lara, because she attended an elitist school, where she was taught how to read music notes and do classical music. Call that a format training in music. But for Lara, music was something innate.

Considering the reactions of her parents who were rightly concerned about the future of their beautiful and unassuming daughter, it definitely took more than human efforts for Lara to hold strongly to her love and passion for music. She recalled too, that while still at school, her mother would refuse to show up at her concerts, and if eventually, dad came, he would leave before the show ended.

"It was a very discouraging period for me. But somehow, I couldn't stop. When I was in Rocksolid and we're working on our album, I had to hide the information from my parents. At a point when I realised that one day, they might be driving and see a poster with me on it, I had to go home and tell them. Yet, they continued warning me to deal more with my academics and I could understand their fears. They didn't want me as a failure."

"With their support, I'm an architect today and I thank them for that,' she enthused. "Maybe if they weren't there for me, I would have dropped out of school. Today, I've good education in my pocket and nobody can take that away from me."

Despite the huge hype that trailed Kush's invasion of the local music scene, her Lara's were not excited. At a point, there was division between her father and mother on whether to support her or not. While her mother insisted on her not doing music, her father would rather she was given the benefit of the doubt, especially in the light of the Kush record deal.

"I thank God for my father because if it was just for my mother, I wouldn't be part of Kush. She was really concerned about my welfare and comfort and all that when we go on tours, said Lara. And eventually, she discovered her mother's bottled up love.

"Overtime, she saw we were not wayward. And one day, I caught her boasting to a friend that her daughter was a member of Kush. That was when I began to really get their support and at the album launch of Kush, they sat at the front row. I shed tears of joy that day; I felt everything had paid off. It was really an emotional moment for me."

She disclosed that the group Kush was actually without a lead singer. Songs were rendered by each member, according to its demand. At times, it was TY Bello or Lara George leading a song. While Emem was the constant rapper. "I had the soprano voice, TY Bello had Alto, Emem, second soprano and Dapo was bass singer."

Many music observers view the presence of Lara George and TY Bello in the music scene as a kind of musical revolution. Full of smiles, George attributed the phenomenon to the grace of God.

"To God be the glory," she remarked. "You are bound to make an impact when you put your hands on something good. That's what everybody prays for. It's our prayers to positively affect lives globally through our music."

But then, the question is, what eventually led to the disbandment of Kush?

"It got to a point when disillusionment set in," anwered George. "For some, music was it and for some, it wasn't. Somehow, we discovered ourselves and for me, I'd always wanted to do music 24/7. When others are not putting in the same efforts and energy as you do, you'd actually get frustrated...Then we sat down, discussed issues and eventually went our separate ways."

But they never stopped being friends, she added, stressing: "Emem, TY, Dapo and myself understood what was on the ground and because of our Christian background, we would overcome our differences. We've since continued to support one another and even TY did the photographs on my album sleeve; Emem did a rap song for me and she was also in TY's video as well."

George would not agree that developments in their their personal lives attributed to the break up of Kush, insisting that TY Bello's marriage and her own had nothing whatsoever to do with the group's break-up.

"I wish Kush hadn't broken up. Having said that, the Bible said that everything worketh for good to them that loves God. God has a way of doing things against the plans of the devil," she philosophised.






Now happily married, George has a one and half-year old boy to show for a relationship that began way back in 1995 before the Kush days. She described her husband as a staunch supporter and inspiration for her musical career.

"My husband was never a problem. He's my biggest fan and inspiration, who encourages me to keep going," she said. "I make bold to say he's the reason why I'm here today. He's always pushing me to the studios, to write more songs and do what I love most- music."

In recent days, the song "Ijoba Orun one of the several hits in George's debut album, has somewhat become the devotional and inspirational song in many homes and offices. The nine-track album entitled Forever In My Heart, music experts concur, is bound to make a most resounding statement in the industry.

She explained that the album project took so long because she had to tidy up several issues mostly based on the traumatic break-up of Kush. According to her, at a particular time, she would not touch music with a 10-foot pole.

"After the Kush break-up, I was sad; honestly, I was depressed for a very long time because it was something that meant a lot to me," she recalled. "Thank God, I was working then and I totally enmeshed myself in my work. That's why it took me so long to come out with this album."

Returning to her passion from the musical doldrums, she revived her groove and decided to give the album project her all.

She explained: "Life's too short and you know, I said, why not do what I love to do? Secondly, I write songs and end up keeping them in the drawers. I don't believe God gave you a gift to hide it. God gave you the gift to positively touch other people's lives. I'm on a mission to fulfil my destiny in life."

Could that be the reason she sings gospel? "I don't believe gospel is a genre of music. I think it's a way of life," she offered. "Even if you're a Muslim, when you sing, your belief would come out and it is so, in whatever you do. My music is soul. It is inspirational and when I'm singing on issues, I do it from the Christian perspective."

"I'd tell you what God has told me to do whenever I find myself in your situation," she added. "I love to call my music inspirational. It's important that people listen to it and are encouraged and empowered. I want to be the light, where there's darkness and give hope to the seemingly hopeless with my music."

Armed with a two-album deal with Westside Music Company, Mrs. George revealed that the recording deal includes a clause for her to leave or stay after one album.

Describing herself as a regular and fun-loving young lady, George said of herself: "I'm very interested in truth. I'm just about facing issues, discipline; loving God and fighting injustice at all times. Overall, I think I'm nice and fun-loving."


Source: Guardian Article

Awesome interview with Hadunni Oluwawa.

...doing what she knows how to do best.



Hadunni: My names are Hadunni Abimbola Bunkunola Oasis Ogunjumelo.I am from Osun State.I read accountancy. I worked at Unipetrol now Oando Ibadan branch, as an account assistant, also had a brief stint at Nigeria Airways as an auditor.I got born again in 1988.I am married to Pastor Samuel Ogunjumelo and blessed with wonderful kids.I am the Chief Servant of Hadunni Entertainment,Special Senior Strategist at White Horse Movement.Our products are MINDS EVENT, RAMP MAGAZINE, KIDNEY REJOICE AND MINDS ON TV TRUE LIFE TV SERIES.I am through God's grace a film producer, a publisher , a youth coach and a gospel minister.

Jobuesi Music: How did Hadunni Oluwawa begin?

Hadunni: I am one of the very few that God gave the grace of multiple talents.I was once known only for my music ministry but the other talents later started coming to the fore. So I needed a compound name that defines who I truly represent. So we decided to brand all my talents under one compound name....considering all my names that defines who I truly represent.So we decided to brand all my talents under one compound name....considering all my names the one that fitted properly was ADUNNI, my oriki.We later added a "H " to it. This stands for the HolySpirit....He is the drive I have.My source and greatest motivator.

Jobuesi Music : It's becoming a normal trend for musicians to come in with gospel songs, then go circular. Whats your take on this?
Hadunni: Funny enough, I also at a time started calling myself an inspirational singer. Most of them started out in church. As an upcomer, most gospel acts believe you have to put a little of secular into it, so that you can be accepted.This is a marketing gimmick but most times, most of them find it so difficult to stand for who they truly are. Before you know it, secular grows faster because it is wide so they drift to secular. I believe that if you are called by God, then you should represent God.I was corrected by God and immediately, I started reffering to myself as a gospel act.I am content with the platform The Gospel has thrown at me.Yes a lot of US are told that, we will do better as in receive greater pay pack if we go secular.I am content with the gospel. I know whom I believe, He is able, more than able to carry me. Also the church isn't helping matters.If you can pay and appreciate a pastor, then you should appreciate a minstrel, they are ministers of the word too, though through music.Gospel acts are treated like trash.They go for ministrations and the church responds by saying "...brethren let US pray for our people".That is not it, encourage them.

Jobuesi Music: Where do you feel Gospel music is, in this dispensation and in this
part of the world?

Hadunni: Right now gospel is realizing that it is key to the 2nd coming of the Lord. So everybody is working hard now.The devil wants to destroy the whole universe with entertainment. This is why God has increased the outpouring of greater talents into the music industry.We have a lot of great acts that are great blessings. Our young men are seeing visions....there is a great outpouring of God's Spirit in the gospel music ministry right now.We just need to harness this with proper packaging, branding and professionalism.

Jobuesi Music: What are those things that needs to be done for gospel music to move farther than where it is now?

Hadunni: First and foremost...I believe each gospel artistt should define their relationship with God, Be truly born again. Eran Ara ko le Sise yi.You must be Spirit filled.Then we need a lot of professionalism.We need to have a dynamic Christian body that unites gospel musicians.We need more platforms. Corporate Organizations should invest in gospel, we buy their products they should patronize US too.We should pray more, love more and unite more.

Jobuesi Music: Who are your role models musically localy and internationally?

Hadunni: I do not have any role model but I have people who inspire me.Christ is my only role model.Those who inspire me are, midnight crew, Lara George, tope alabi, Sinach, frank Edwards, and a lot of upcoming artists.The following people also inspire me, MAC OLADEJO, ITUAH IGHODALO, BABA ADEBOYE, BISHOP OYEDEPO, PST. BIODUN FATOYINBO, MIKE ABDUL, PST FEMI PAUL, JOYCE MEYER, LATE BIMBO ODUKOYA, GHANDI, MOTHER THERESA, MANDELA, MY LATE DAD, MY HUSBAND AND THE BIBLE.

Jobuesi Music: Do tell us about your current albunm and/or do you have any albunm you are working on at the moment?

Hadunni: Am working on my 3rd album titled, Hadunni.

 

Jobuesi Music: Could you mention any gospel artist you've worked with and any other artist you'll love to work with in future albunms?
 

Hadunni: I have worked with Mike Abdul and others. I hope to work with Kore, Nathaniel Bassey, Damiitta and Lara George.

Jobuesi Music: What advise do you have for those that aspire to be like you, sing the way you sing?

Hadunni:I advise them not to try to sing the way I sing but sing originally. Love God dearly.Don't let money or fame be your motivation. Be prayerful, work professionally and be smart, work on your character and keep healthy relationships. Also aspire to be greater.

Jobuesi Music:Where do you see yourself musicall in the next 5 years if Jesus taries?

Hadunni: Still thanking God, still in love with God, living my life to please God.

Jobuesi Music: Are there people that you'll love to say a big thank you to?

Hadunni: I will like to say a big thank you to you (Jobuesi Music) for having me, I must admit that you are doing a great work, your reach is wide, thank you for giving platforms to gospel music.I say a big thank you to my fans, family,, friends and staff. I'm also on my knees saying a big thank you to the big hand behind me, God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. shalom!


 

Rev. Ebenezer Obey (A great vessel of God)

Ebenezer Obey being ordained an evangelist by Archbishop Benson Idahosa (now Late)

 

 

 

Background
“Though I was born in Lagos, but I grew up in Idogo village, in Abeokuta, Ogun state where I found my mother taking me to church.

"My father married more than three wives; my mother is the second wife. My elder sister, Mrs. Grace Olasunbo Akinyede (nee Fabiyi) and I are into music. My immediate brother is Clement Oluseye.

“My first contact with music was in my primary school where I was attracted to the school band by one of the members. Eventually, I rose to become the bandleader. Subsequently, I joined the school's cultural group – the Idogo Boys and Girls Club. The club had some instruments that many members couldn't play.

"Highlife maestro, Adeolu Akinsanya (now late) was one of the reigning musicians and the reigning instrument was Bongos, which nobody could play in our club. However, it did not take me too long to master the instrument and combining it with singing. I was the youngest in the group.

“My mother rose against my interest in music but that was where my passion lay. I couldn't go far educationally because we were not economically buoyant and there were fewer secondary schools then.

"But when Chief Obafemi Awolowo (now late) introduced the idea of Secondary Modern School, I was enrolled and my interest in music was renewed.

Genesis
“After I left school, I worked as a clerk. Soon, one thing led to the other when I saw two elderly people, Sir Akinbobi Salvage and Bangbose popularly known as Abembo Mayana playing guitar on the street in Mushin , Lagos . I followed them for so long until I was absorbed into their group.

"After the first day of playing together, they gave me one pound two shilling while as a clerk I was being paid three pounds per month.

"The lesson of a huge financial reward made in a single day was not lost on me. From there, I began to receive regular invitations to play for different groups through which I later got introduced to Fatai Rolling Dollar at the age of sixteen.

“Rolling Dollar was not a bandleader when I met him, but an instrumentalist playing with Joe Araba. I actually formed the Fatai Rolling Spot Band. I became a composer and we played Agidigbo music whose champion was Adeolu Akinsanya.

"Not long after, I went ahead to form my own band. Before Agidigbo music came into prominence, there was Kokoma, then Juju. Agidigbo was originated and popularised by Tunde King and Ayinde Bakare.

"Juju music was more popular among the partygoers but the rave was Kokoma and Agidigbo. I.K. Dairo, who played with Ojoge Daniel, came up with his own innovation with guitar and accordion. This helped to push Agidigbo to the background.

"When Agidigbo began to die, Adeolu Akinsanya quickly moved to highlife and his first popular song was Ba bata miso, Iwo elegbemi. From I. K. Dairo came Dele Ojo, and then I came followed by King Sunny Ade who was initially with Moses Olaiya (Baba Sala).

“My own band, Ebenezer Obey and his International Brothers' Band was formed in 1963 at age 18. My first album was, E wa wo ohun oju mi ri [This is what I saw] a single released on DECCA Records, but it was a commercial failure.

"The album was a story of an armed robber who went to rob a shop at night, but unknown to him, the shop was electrified. I saw that experience as a good lesson for the youth.

"The album that brought me fame was Olomi gbo temi (My dear listen to me). The album sold as the music could be heard from house to house. Since then, whatever I touched became gold. In four years, my juju music became popular. There was the God factor in this.

“When you have a God-given talent, you don't know you have it until it germinates, waiting for people to nurture it. As a composer, I realised that I could put any song together at any moment.

" My voice has always been the magic. To establish my own identity in the field of juju music, I fused highlife into juju and used my vocal prowess as the magic, and it worked.

“Before me, everybody sang together, everybody did vocal and the leader led but what I did was to allow my voice to dominate while giving half a minute to my band boys.

" That allowed my meaningful lyrics to sink very well. It was a strange innovation and before I knew it, I was on my way to the top. My music then became a hybrid of highlife and juju.

“Though remuneration was poor but through performances at parties, hotels and other places. I made more money. I subsequently had a contract with Decca, a recording company in Lagos . I started with them as a recording artiste and ended up a director of the company.

Composition
“When I am in the mood to compose, I can compose up to thirty songs in a day. If a song is good, you know it and feel it. A good song must have a melody. If the melody isn't catchy or arresting, the record wouldn't make it. It will come to a point where everything becomes spontaneous.

" When I wanted to go for recording, I didn't necessarily need to think seriously of what I would sing. Most of my compositions were done live on stage.

" Most times, the melody would come to me on stage and my band boys would be wondering how the idea came. I believe everything comes from God.

" The Almighty breathes down music into me. Sometimes when the spirit to sing a new song comes, it would hit me and I would tell my boys.

When they see me in the mood, the boys would be happy. "They would cheer and shout “Oga!" Immediately, the guitarist would start striking the chord and the music would just be flowing and everybody would be playing his part as if we had rehearsed it.

DECCA
“Mr. Cress was my musical father. He was the man who gave me the opportunity to prove myself. Life is a gamble.

"Life is a game of chance. I learnt from my days as a pools clerk that life is a game of luck. In the pools business, people are looking for quick money.

"Many people lose money, hoping and dreaming to win. Their motto is “If I don't win today, I will win tomorrow.” Even if they win today, they are not satisfied because they believe they could still win more money by using what they had won on pools. And in the end, they would lose all the money.

"However, mine has not been like that. All my life, I have always been lucky to be in the right place at the right time and meeting the right people like Mr. Cress, who gambled on me and won.

" If I had not insisted on seeing Mr. Cress at all cost, I would have probably missed the chance of my life. In addition, DECCA too would have missed a star.

“Somehow, I believe it was God who led me to see Mr. Cress. There are many talented people who cannot hit the limelight because there is no one to discover them.

"Like flowers sprouting in a lonely desert, they waste their sweetness; their glory and their beauty are left undiscovered.

I
nvestments
“I established the Ebenezer Obey Music Company Limited in Sango-Ota, Ogun State in 1979 so that I could produce and distribute my own music. We soon had branches in Agege and Palm grove in Lagos , Ibadan , Aba and Kaduna .

“From 1963 to 1993, I became a foremost Juju musician with more than 100 albums, 30 gold discs and two platinum. This means that more than 100,000 copies of each of the 30 records have been sold and more than a million of each of the two Platinum discs has been sold.

"My brand of Juju music became known as Miliki after an album I released in 1972, the flip side of which I sang about the cholera epidemic that ravaged Nigeria at the eve of the year's annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

“However, in spite of my fame and fortune, I was not satisfied within me because God was calling me to stop playing Juju music but to become a full-time evangelist and win people into His kingdom.

Rapport with Christ “I was raised in a Christian home, but I never knew the difference between giving one's life to Christ until after I ran into problem.

"I owed my property owner a 3 months rent of 6 pounds and he gave me a 7 day-quit notice. I began to avoid him. I would return home late in the night and leave before the break of dawn.

“One day, I found myself in a church called SIM (Sudan Interior Mission) which is known toady as Evangelistical Church of West Africa (ECWA) Prior to that time I had not entered a church in 3 years.

"That day, the Pastor's sermon was on I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me. When the pastor finished his sermon, he said, “is any one of you here passing through troubles and torments? Jesus can do it and you can do it through Christ.

"He began to mention different kinds of challenges after which he asked, ‘”are you owing, are you a debtor?” This he repeated about five times. It was as if someone had told him about me. He later asked if any one would like to give his life to Christ, that day, we were ten that came out.

“Subsequently, I met with the pastor and narrated my challenges to him. He prayed, counselled and eventually followed me to see the property owner who then cancelled the notice. That was how the problem was solved and that was how my rapport with Christ began.

The call
“After a successful musical career that spanned over 30 years, the Lord started opening my eyes to certain things. I heard the voice of the Lord calling me ‘Son, I want you to leave what you are doing.

"I want you to come and work for Me'. I was reluctant in my heart because Juju music was in my blood. I said no, why should it be me. The struggle continued for years with each year bringing a clearer picture of what God wanted me to do.

"Later, I started a fellowship and opened the Decross Fellowship Centre, where we had midweek programmes. We sent new souls won for Christ to different churches around Agege. I was still not ready for the church proper.

"But my wife was all for it. She said if God has called you, you have no option than to yield. So after many years of declining the call, I said yes to the Lord and I was ordained on my 50th birthday by Archbishop Benson Idahosa (now late) in 1992 at Abeokuta .

The ministry
“My calling is clear. When I came on the gospel scene, people bombarded me with engagements and it was like I was in the world. However, God said no, that was not what He wanted me to do.

"He said He had called me to be a preacher, using music as a vehicle. When I asked Him to clarify His purpose, He gave me Ebenezer Obey Evangelistic Ministry, that is the umbrella body for the outreach programmes.

"There is also the church, Decross Gospel Mission of which I am the General Overseer. God later gave us the vision to plant churches, because the ministry would continue long after I have been called home.

"So we had to train our people in line with the vision. I haveministered in so many churches because of the acceptance God has given me.

Training
“God is known to make something out of nothing. I was not a theologian; I wanted to die a musician because it was my passion. But God said, “don't worry. You're still a musician but now you' will use music as a vehicle of soul winning.

"I sought advice on how to go about this from people who have come before me, many of whom had extended hands of fellowship to me. Pastor Billy Ingram, an African-American in California , USA , advised me to go for an Observation Course rather than a 5-year Bible course.

" He said we all have different callings and different callings have different approaches. I went and prayed over it.

"I took Ingram's advice and then travelled out. This really helped me. This course was in two bits of three months each. I saw how things were being done.

"Evangelist A. Daud was of great assistance. In addition to that was the ECWA church that sent me a pastor of my choice to assist me for two years, but for logistics' reasons had to extend his stay to 5 years.

“Our emphasis at Decross is on the development of people, we want to develop unstoppable achievers. We want people to know that they are achievers, no matter what they are passing through.

"If there are obstacles on the ways, they should look properly for the solutions God has prepared within those obstacles. We wouldn't joke with that.

Legacies
“It is not common with artistes to have albums recorded more than 30 years ago still selling in the market. This is the Lord's doing. God knew what He wanted to do with me, so He gave me an outstanding career. Even now, people are still enjoying the music while younger artistes make hits out of them.

“Jesu Olore o! the first gospel record I did was accepted widely. One thing I realise is that there is a need to help both the secular and gospel artistes because the industry is passing through a stormy period, most especially the problem of piracy. Pirates now feast on gospel works because more people are now turning to God.

“When I was elected the Chairman of National Association Recording Industries (NARI) God told me it was because of my wealth of experience. So whether in PMAN or amongst gospel artistes, my experience is always available for use.

"I am also on the Board of the Nigeria Copyright Council (NCC) God is using the personality He has given me to help the industry. I believe these are part of what God has in store for me.

Honorarium “We do not charge fees in the ministry, we are only given honorarium. But the instrumentalists do charge because they are professionals. Where people want me to come with my band, they must be ready to cater for their allowances.

'But if I am invited to minister all alone, honorarium or not, I am fine. The first honorarium I received was N50. Part of the training is that whatever honorarium given should be appreciated.

The Family “God has given me a wonderful family. My wife in particular has given me the necessary support that I need in the ministry.

" I am sure God knew the kind of wife I needed before He created me. When I was scared of ministerial work, my wife encouraged me and made things easy.

“My children had also expressed fear that I may not be able to cope being a celebrity. My first son even thought I would fall ill if I quit music. However, they gave their support and here we are. Today, some of my children are Pastors in our ministry as well as in other ministries.

Business
“God has given me good children and loyal people who manage the businesses I established when in I was in secular music. God is a director in my companies that is why I am able to do and think less about the businesses. God brings better ideas to my children and their team. Therefore, they are handling the businesses well.

“For a long time I have not stepped into the headquarters of my companies at Ota. I could go there once or twice in a year. I am not bothered because if you invest one hour in the things of God, God pays you back in arrears and in advance. God has never forsaken me because I left all to serve Him.

"When I came into the ministry, people were asking me what I was going to do in a place where I wont take salary. Nevertheless, I am serving God with the abundance my business.

“Let me be bold to say that when I was in secular music, God really blessed me. Most of what He gave me I sowed back into the ministry when I started out. I use all the money I have to serve God. I use every kobo to work for Him Whatever comes to my hand I put into the ministry.

"When God commissions you for His work even if you have nothing, He would bless you. Right now, we have reached a stage where God is raising millionaires and successful people among us.

“Now I can see many people who are committed to what we are doing. The people God is raising are doing many things in the church. When I look back to the early days in of ministry when many people had nothing. I always give thanks to Him.

©Bola Adewara.

Additional reports by Tope Olukole, (Nigerian Tribune) Adewale Ojo (Contemporary Age) and Decross Magazine.

GOSPEL MUSIC NON-STOP!! with ASU EKIYE.

IN THIS MONTH OF APRIL, EVERY WEEK, WE'LL BRING YOU PROFILES OF GREAT AFRICAN GOSPEL ARTISTS.
You can be a part of this by subscribing to our posts and/or follow us (free membership). Being a member instantly gives you access to free e-books.
Let's make it happen for gospel artists and gospel music.

This week we have our very own ASU EKIYE!!

Brief Profile of Asu Ekiye

Asu Ekiye was born in Sapele in present day Delta State of Nigeria in the late 1960's. An indigene of Tuomor in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State and Aleibiri in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State of Nigeria.
Asu Ekiye is a graduate with a Degree in Accountancy from the University of Science And Technology Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria. Ekiye is married to beautiful Kunemofa and blessed with children.

As a renowned and talented African gosple artist, Asu Ekiye has recieved numerous awards all over the world.

• Niger Delta Arts Award - Most Popular Culture Friendly Artist 2007.
• TOMA AWARDS Today's Music Awards - Most Popular Gospel Album 2005.
• VIGOMA AWARDS - Most Popular Male Album 2005.
• Channel O Awards - Best African Gospel Artist 2005.
• DECROSS AWARDS- Best Selling Artist 2004.
• CHANNEL O AWARDS- Best African Gospel Artist 2004.
• NTA AWARDS- Best African Gospel Artist 2003.
• AMEN AWARDS- (Awards For Musical Excellence in Nigeria) - Gospel Artist of the Year 2003

As part of plans for the release of his much anticipated fourth album, the Prince of the Niger Delta has successfully shot the much talked about Eniye video, at a whooping four million naira (about $266,000.00); which the artist describes as ‘the most expensive and extravagant video I’ve ever shot. I have never done a video like this before’.

 

Asu Ekiye's Interview with EN Magazine

‘Our culture needs packaging’ – Asu Ekiye

Foremost Nigerian gospel music superstar Asu Ekiye, popularly known as the Prince of the Niger Delta, was in Akure, Ondo State as part of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs organized Youth Empowerment through Entertainment Project. The following are excerpts of his media parley with the press at the end of climactic show that wrapped up the training, capacity building and talent discovery tour, which spanned six weeks and nine states.

EN!: What is the Youth Empowerment through Entertainment Project about?

Asu: The youth empowerment project is an initiative of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to explore areas of human development besides the formal catch-point, aimed at empowering the non-militant youths of the Niger Delta. Film and music have become not only the largest employers of labour, after government, but also great contributors to the national wealth of this country. Film and music have become the tools for image making, cultural diplomacy and international relations. It is also a vehicle for nation-building, character and opinion moulding. That is why we have decided to use film and music as a very vibrant medium to capture the young people and also to empower them, where informal talents are involved.

EN!: How long has this tour lasted and where exactly have you been to?

Asu: It’s an initiative for the Niger Delta people; so we have toured the nine (9) states of the Niger Delta. We started from Port Harcourt in Rivers State, went to Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Abia, Imo, and proceeded to Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, and now we are rounding up in Akure, Ondo state. So far it’s been very effective.

EN!: What do you intend to do with/to the talents discovered?

Asu: We were able to, in the first place, train over three thousand (3000) talented persons; out of which ninety (90) distinguished themselves and were discovered. Forty-five (45) of these talented youths will be rewarded in the movie/film category, and be involved in a major movie that will be shot later on where they will feature prominently in major characters and roles. While those who were discovered in the music category will, in the first instance, have cash awards; and also have the opportunity of having their first single recorded, sponsored by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. The intention is that they can all possibly fly or launch off to greatness from that foundation or platform. What the ministry is doing is trying to provide a proper foundation for people who are gifted to fly – when they have the minimum of encouragement I think the sky is going to be their limit. That’s the idea of the entire project.

EN!: What happens to the others?

Asu: The others have been trained. They have been exposed to major areas of the entertainment industry, and they have also been offered certificates of training, which can also become tools for development in whichever area they want to get involved in. The fact is that the ministry does not have the budget to empower all the people financially, at the same time. That’s why we made room for people to compete and we were able to pick out a few of them who would be empowered. In all I think it has been a very eventful training process for everybody. We sought persons from allied industries and credible guilds in the entertainment (film and music) sector were brought together to develop these people. The entire training process was completely free of charge. No monies were paid to anyone; participation forms were issued, at no cost, to interested persons; everything was free, and I think that is a strong impartation from the ministry. The bottom line is that in every field those who are outstanding always get some form of recognition over and above the rest. The outstanding persons will be given some more encouragement than those at the general lot.

EN!: Given the volatility of the region is recent times over perceived unfair treatment, do you think this initiative is enough to douse the anger of the youths of the Niger Delta?

Asu: The fact is this is just an alternative initiative. Why I call it alternative is the fact that the Federal Government has a massive and elaborate amnesty programme. The amnesty was basically meant for the militant youths, and we all know the extent to which the government went to ensure that the youths who were militant were assuaged. This is just an alternative. If people are militant and you give them amnesty and give them lots of money to be able to start one vocation or the other, and train them in many things; we also felt that hands should be spread to those who are non militant, and this is what we are doing with this project. The intention is so that those who are non militant will not have any reasons to want to be militant.

EN!: Having gone through the nine (9) states, how would you describe the youths of the Niger Delta in terms of talents?

Asu: The Niger Delta happens to be not just the golden hen that lays mineralogical potentialities, in Nigeria, but we also have the greatest and the highest number of gifted persons. This is also reflected at the national level. The greatest of musicians, comedians and actors are predominantly from the Niger Delta. That is why the enthusiasm and curiousity of the youths was so high that as soon as announcement of the project was made in the different states, it was massively patronized. Some of these talents were showcased in our finals that took place today in Akure, with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ably represented by the Honourable Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godswill Orubebe, and it was massive. This has been at the heart of President Goodluck Jonathan’s initiative. He has been very emphatic about empowering people in the non-formal sector. And I think that this is also one of the greatest achievements of this present regime.

EN!: How did you get involved with this project and how were you, as a musician, able to work in consonance with movie practitioners?

Asu: I happen to be a cultural gospel musician. I am not a hip-hop or R&B musician. I sing more of traditional music. I have represented the culture of the peoples of the Niger Delta probably more than any other artist in our history. I have reflected the heterogeneity of our roots in the music that I play, and I think they were looking for somebody who could relate with the young people from the perspective of still retaining or keeping the traditional roots of the people, and they thought I was qualified to do that. They also sourced persons, who could spearhead the movie/film category, and we were brought together for a collaborative effort; and I think the collaboration has been worthwhile. That’s what precipitated my involvement. Besides that, President Goodluck Jonathan had expressed his intentions to develop the entertainment industry to me, severally, even while he was Governor of my home state (Bayelsa). He once told me that he was planning a school for the non-formally gifted people, and when he eventually became president we were privileged to sit with him and discuss these issues again. And I think when it came to starting something like this they just felt it would be proper to have somebody who has been privy to some of these discussions, as a part of it.

EN!: Tell us about you career. Asu Ekiye – the Prince of the Niger Delta, has been silent for some time, since the release of your last album about three years ago. What are your plans? When are we expecting something new from you?

Asu: Presently, we have almost wrapped up work on our new album. It is an African album, and the video will be shot very soon and I have never shot any video on the scale we are planning. It’s going to be massive, powerful and quite expensive – the estimated cost of one track is, almost four million (N4m) naira. The concept is African, not strictly Niger Delta. It’s going to feature ten Egyptian dancers, ten Senegalese dancers, ten South African dancers, ten Ghanaian dancers, ten Nigerian dancers; all in a capacity environment where culture and good messages are on display. I have never done a video like that before. Besides that, the songs are quite alluring. I’ve been getting nothing but positive feedback from those who’ve heard the songs and they have all been very impressed with the quality of the music. The album is like a definitive statement that nothing can stop us. I came out with my first album ten years ago, and ten years after, we are still going stronger. The video will be shot before I travel to the United States. I’m billed for an eight-city tour of the US in the month of March, which will see me performing in Boston, Texas City, Houston, California, Los Angeles, New Jersey, and Michigan. It will follow the same pattern of performances I had in Europe last year. My new album and accompanying videos should be due for release by the time I return to Nigeria, and I tell you it’s going to be the bomb!

EN!: As an ambassador of culture, judging by your kind of music, how viable would you say the Nigerian culture is in terms of its marketability to the rest of the world?

Asu: I think the culture needs packaging. Our culture has not been properly spotlighted to the rest of the world – our products generally. When you walk into any Chinese restaurant anywhere in Europe, or even here in Nigeria, you will find more foreigners in the restaurant than the Chinese themselves. This is because of the way they have been able to package their food. We haven’t been able to package our culture. That’s talking about branding. I am doing something in the area of recreating our traditional dressing. I am trying to reinvent traditional dressing. I’ve worn some unique designs for a while that have caught the attention and acclaim of people for quite some time. That’s my own way of initiating a new sense of cultural awareness for indigenous Nigerian dressing, globally, and also to showcase our own gift in terms of culture, tradition, what we wear and the rest – a decent way of spotlighting our culture. That will eventually graduate to the opening of my own clothesline in Abuja, very soon. It’s going to be called Babcon boutique, an exclusively Niger Delta affair. And I think that will be the beginning point of the showcasing of our giftedness. On the other hand, Nigerian designers like Moody, Dakova, etc., have actually done quite a lot of positive things for the image of this country.

EN!: What’s your take on the presidential ambition of President Goodluck Jonathan? Do you think he’s the right candidate for the job?

Asu: Firstly, I will say that whoever aspires to become the president of this country, so long as he can take this country to the next level, deserves our total support. Having said that, to say that the president is the right candidate is to say the very least. It’s an understatement. I think Goodluck Jonathan is a divine reward for suppression, pulverization and marginalization. His candidature is a reward for the deprived peoples of the Niger Delta. His emergence is a reward for giftedness and endowment. His emergence is God’s way of wiping the tears of the Niger Delta people who struggled for so long, yet never had a stake in nationhood. It is so ironic that God had to go to the very first community to give us oil in Nigeria, the Ogbia community, to produce a president of Niger Delta extraction for the first time. That is very symbolic. I’m fanatical about him. This is the first time in my life that a president knows me by name, and I know him, personally. I think that with all he has done so far in the few months he has been President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria he has shown strong indications that if given ample opportunity, he will transform the system. Look at the power sector initiative, look at the petroleum sector – queues are no longer on our filling stations. Look at the initiative in the Niger Delta – his collaboration with late President Yar’Adua brought forth the amnesty programme and there has been peace in the Niger Delta. I think Goodluck Jonathan is the man for the now, and I’ll be cutting short my US tour just to come back home and vote for him.




extracts from www.asuekiye.com