Gbenga Adenuga...Yes, the name rings bells, symbals and even phones! Aside from the fact that he shares the lineage of some other Adenugas, Gbenga has done remarkably well with his music and brand.
His hit song, "You make me wonder" was a toast when it was released and has become a number on our everyday choruses. We got wind that Gbenga will be dropping a fresh song soon so we hookesd up with him to serve you this sizzling interview.
His hit song, "You make me wonder" was a toast when it was released and has become a number on our everyday choruses. We got wind that Gbenga will be dropping a fresh song soon so we hookesd up with him to serve you this sizzling interview.
Already, the internet is agog with the news of the release of his new track, 'E Be Like Say' and the anticipation is indeed high...He heightens the tension with this interview and drops some pointers that will deefinitely pick your interest.
Hello Gbenga. Good to have you here. Tell us briefly about you.My name is Gbenga Adenuga, a song writer, singer and performer. An accountant by academic qualification, a change and transformation advocate. I was born into a family of 6 children and 2 parents. I am the 4th child and of Ijebu origin which means I am a Nigerian.
I love to write songs and I take it as one way to express myself. Music is a gift to life! One of my strongest belief is that God's mercy is the only constant for success so I don't joke with God. I am married to a woman, beautiful Folakemi and we got two children - Pels and Fads
Long have you been doing music?
Hmmmm...I have been doing music professionally from school. That's a while, bro. Finished my first degree in 99 so must have been close to 2 decades...lol.. how old am I sef?
[general laughter]
Ok. So how do you juggle Accounting and music?
Accounting? I never touched it. By the way, i went back to school to try MBA but dropped out after 1st semester. Accounting proper I have not done. Music and entertainment fully and change advocacy has been my thing.
Okay. That means its been music all the way. So tell us, what previous singles/albums have you released and how was the outcome?
Well, I've got 3 or 4 albums, all gospel.. My hit singles include "You make me wonder" and "Shalalala"
That's great. It obviously has been all about the gospel for you. You know, a lot of people are scared of doing and staying within the gospel..From your experience, what would you tell them?
I will speak for myself. I have had a rare experience. Like I said earlier, God has been good to me. My music is an expression, not a means to make money like that any more... By the way, I sing at parties... You know, our "lagblagbo" thing. Men, I did that thing back to back for like 4yrs and stage was good. I am tired of it now.
I have moved to event coordination and event gadget provision. I have some big clients. My music played a major role in bringing me out. It gave me value and goodwill so people trusted me. And I tried to be at my best too with people's businesses so I kept getting more contacts. Next for me is TV shows.
Your own TV shows?
O yeah. I had a personal Radio show in Ibadan called "Headroom" and it ran for 2 years. I am beginning the TV show in Abuja by April. You will say I said it o. It is the next big thing on naija TV. "Headroom" is a youth empowerment outfit - advocating for poverty eradication through mindset change.
That's great. You've been going on and on about youth advocacy. Tell us about the Gbenga Adenuga that is involved in this and what has been done over the years in that direction?
I believe the change we desire is within, not outside. So we are shining our light on people's insides! I have been on the United Nation's Millennium Campaign team, leading tens of thousands of people to stand up against poverty. I have personally staged over 8 major events under Headroom reaching out to about 30k young people pulled together, and encouraging them to look within.
Do you intend to do more in this direction?
The results have been overwhelming. This is the focus of the TVshow too. Well, I am definitely going to continue with these series but things are changing fast. My passion to take "Headroom" beyond Nigeria is key. I do much traveling these days. So events locally will be streamlined and a spread to rest of africa is paramount
Great. Let's take a look at gospel music ministry in Nigeria. There are obviously some delimitations. We have had a lot of young gospel music upstarts ask us for gospel music record labels in Nigeria and the likes..A lot of them complain about not having enough platforms to showcase/minister. What's your take on this?
I will say we create the platforms. I run personal shows. I don't look for gigs. I am not a big name but I don't have needs. Just did a show in Abuja last week. It was a worship concert well attended. I have been staging personal shows from my uni days in Ife. Had a series for 4 years in Ibadan called WorshipWays. I think we should create the platforms. There are enough needs to be met. So start meeting them, that's my take o!
Let's come back to you. We got wind that you are releasing a new single some time soon. Tell us about this.
Two years ago, I wrote a song called "e be like say". It has more impact on me today than then. I needed a song to express my 'craziness' to God. I think 'e be like say' is it for me. People should wait until we start to do the 'e be like say shows'. Its crazy! As in crazy! So its a song for expreSsion of gratitude to God. He is too good to me. I sa it sometimes that God has a bias for me!!
That's quite interesting. So the song was written two years ago...when was it recorded?
This one that is being released is the 7th recording. I have recorded and recorded. Analog, digital. Just decided to stop here and release the thing.It was recorded mid last year and finalised a few days back.
So you are okay with this last version?
Well I am fine with it. Could be better though. But maturity says stop. Too much analysis leads to paralysis
So how soon do we expect your new album?
Any time from May. Got too much to do this year! Its a lovely album. Got a track with Wale Adenuga, my brother, A track with Lamboginny and a track that I recorded 3 yrs ago with Keffi
Sounds good. What else do we expect from the album?
Ha! All these never do you? [laugher] Ok, the case and good design!
[ General Laughter ]
Ok then. We look forward to the release of your single and more from your stables...It was nice having you here. May God bless your endeavors
Thank you so much.
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