Charles Granville is a winner any day any time. We have watched him rise from obscurity to prosperity in the Lord. He is one artiste you cant help but give props to because he is very conscious of his brand, unlike most of his contemporaries.
To him, mediocrity is not an option as he clearly puts up activities around his brand in a seamless blend of his music, his personae and faith. Gospel City Naija premiered his song some time ago under the Coded Tunes imprint and there have been a lot of tongue wagging in that direction.
Here, we caught up with him and he clears up on his relationship with CODED TUNES and speaks about other deep issues that will definitely interest you.
Hello CG. Good to have u here. For the benefit of our readers, tell us about you.
My name is Charles Granville, a musician, an actor and a good citizen of Nigeria...I was born and raised in the city of Port Harcourt by my mum and family. Growing up wasn't much fun. I didn't have much till I found out I had a VOICE. In no time, my voice, anointing and stage presence defined me. I love God and love to do His work and sing His praise and as I did so, He blessed me and keeps blessing me.
That's interesting. So when did you go into music professionally?
When I started to sing in 1996, I did not know one day I'll be paid to do it... But in 1997, I started getting invited to sing at events and got paid for it. In 2007, I released my first album Oboma and in 2011 I released my 2nd album Wired 4 Greatness. I am currently working on the 3rd album.
Professionally? I'll say.... About 7years now.
Great. Where were these albums released?
The first was in Nigeria only but the 2nd one was in the UK and Nigeria. They are also available online.
Looking @ how far you've come, what's your evaluation of gospel music @ the global and national stages?
In some countries, gospel music is doing well. Not so good in some others. In Nigeria however, we have our issues. Gospel music is not doing so well and u may wish to ask me why.
Why do you say so?
First of all, our gospel artists need to WAKE UP and get serious with the quality of songs we release. It is stealing for u to pick up someone else's song, change the beats or words, record it as ur own and make money from it without proper permission from the original composer. One of our biggest problem is that we keep recycling old songs and people are tired! Let's stop stealing. God deserves new quality praise and worship.
Also, gospel artists do not take time to study music, the art of performing, the business aspect of music, etc. So u find mostly half baked singers who are now recording artists because they were told they have a good voice.
Songs recorded by gospel artists are often times not well MIxed and mastered and that is one of the reasons y we don't get airplay. Also, we used to have the poorest videos but now some of us have stepped things up so I'm happy bout that.
Of all the issues with the gospel artist, I think the worst of them all will be the fact that we are not united. Its almost as if we are in constant competition with one another. That's not how it should be but the Gospel artist is highly opinionated with passionate conviction that he/she is always right... The "ITK" mentality too.. Etc. We must be united, we should care one for another, we should be involved. Together, we do it better.
Secondly, the church has not been helpful. Church people like free things. But that won't help their artists. B4 that artist produced that album, he spent his time, energy, talent, virtue and money and u want it for free? He comes to ur church and u want him to perform for free? How do u expect him to grow? This is why I respect Christ embassy as a church... They have produced the biggest gospel artists and invested in them so much that they are taking over Africa and the world... If u mention the top 10 gospel artists of today, 6 of them are from Christ Embassy. Other churches need to invest in their people as well... Empower them to stand strong and give God praise! Create platforms that will make that posible.
Although, I'll still need to warn artists... When ur church invests in you, stay in that church and build others. Do not gain from the church and leave for another or act like ur too busy to minister in ur local assembly. #Godiswatchingyou
Thirdly, we lack platforms. The major concert we have in Nigeria is The Experience. However, the vision of this concert is to import artists from abroad for us to experience. There is need for more quality platforms for Nigerian artists to express themselves and be celebrated as they lift God's name in praise. No platforms, no marketers, no labels, no structures... The list is endless! May God help us!
Lemme stop here... [ smiles ]
Well said. Obviously, from your perspective,the perceived problem with gospel music is seemingly the artistes and the church. A young man asked me about gospel record labels in Nigeria yesterday and I just couldn't point out one. Nothing seem to be done in this direction. Worst still, a couple of gospel artistes that have the resources prefer investing in themselves more..Also, we seem to lack kingdom investors. What's your take on this?
The artist who has the resources and invests it on himself alone can't be blamed. He didn't get any1 to invest on him in the first place. However, it is wise for artists to invest in younger artists... That's how to sustain relevance.
We do not lack kingdom investors though... I believe there are people who are willing to invest but a wise investor will put money where he knows he will make profit. If he invests in gospel music, how will he make his money back?
When our artists go to perform, they do not get paid. When we produce albums, the church won't buy. We do not get company endorsements.... How will the investor get his money back?
There is still a lot to be done to build our industry and make it attractive to investors. It will only take time but... God will do it!
At a point, it takes sacrifice and a leap of faith to make something work. If we continue to wait for the sector to get robust, we just might never get there. We all saw how the secular industry was eeked out of nothing. Anyways, do you have any forthccoming project that will help in this direction any time soon?
When I came to Lagos, I joined hands with other like minded artists and we formed United in Spirit and I was appointed president. We are actively working to change things and God is helping us... Things are getting better.
That's a good one. So which other artistes are on it?
Everyone. I've travelled to a few states and met with gospel artists as well. So far, we have about 150 artists on the group
Sometime last year, we got wind of d release of your singles under Coded Tunes. Can you throw some light on this?
Those songs were released online on 12.12.12. We just finished shooting the video for No Be Your Mate last Saturday and will soon release it. However, the singles will hit the radios next week. Now that the promo of these songs are ongoing, I will return to the studio to record another 2 songs with idcabasa.
So what's the relationship with Coded Tunes/ID Cabasa?
Cabasa is one person who can identify good music. When he heard my work, he called me and we agreed to work. The r/ship has been fruitful. I believe he has made me a better artist. I feel honoured that he decided to work with me.
Ok. There has been a lot of murmurs eversince we premiered one of your tracks on Gospel City Naija. People are of the impression that you are signed unto Coded Tunes and that the imprint is seemingly going gospel. Oya, clear the air on this...
Cabasa is a strong christian. Coded tunez itself and all the artists under it know that God comes first. From what I saw when I first encountered cabasa and coded tunes, I am very comfortable identifying with the label. However, we are still discussing terms... When all is sorted... You will hear
So are we gonna be hearing more coded gospel tunes from d stables or do we keep our hopes low? Especially from d overall direction of the label.
Let me put it this way.....While recording with Ksolo, he said.... "if it was possible, I will only want to record gospel music". Cabasa said the same thing... Quality gospel music is food for the soul... It heals, it encourages, it inspires... Support good music... Support gospel music! That way, labels will sign artists.. Investors will come too...Expect more from me. You'll need to ask cabasa bout the direction of coded tunez though.
We sure will!
Ok oh
We've seen a lot of building buzz around the CG brand this year. Can you tell us about this?
God wants to do something new... I only surrendered to His will... He will do what He will do and take Glory!
Do you wanna throw some light on your plans for 2013?
Ehrmmm...I wish to finish and release an album this year...I wish to host at least one major concert this year....I wish to start my reality TV show this year...And I wish to act in at least 5movies this year.
God will bless you and take you to heights even beyond these.
I pray for grace. Amen! Thank you. God bless you.
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