She is graceful. Her music has a touch of class that keeps it in the minds of people that put their ears to it.
Her name is Onos and we’ve had our eyes on her for some time now. Today, we deemed it apt to give her a full interview on Gospel City Naija.Here, she throws light on some of the obvious problems of gospel music ministry in Nigeria.
She also took time to talk about her ministry and other interesting things.By and large, this is one interactive and engaging interview you should read. Onos is an interviewer's delight and this interview we had with her goes a long way to show how easy-going and down-to-earth she is. Read on and see for yourself.
Good morning Onos. Good to have you here. Lets meet ONOS...
Okay! ONOS is a lover of God. She is from Delta State from a family of 8. She studied French
of which she does French translations too (free-lance). She is presently a worship leader at House on Rock, Lagos. She is one who is determined to use the gift God has given her to inspire as many that God brings her way.
Tell us about your music ministry.
The music… For ONOS, the music has been an on going thing. I've been singing for as long as I can remember. I was a member of several choirs and groups while growing up.
But I knew I wanted to take the music beyond the 4 walls of the church, so I started doing music professionally in 2008..that was when I started working on my 1st single. A whole new musical journey started from there.
Okay! ONOS is a lover of God. She is from Delta State from a family of 8. She studied French
of which she does French translations too (free-lance). She is presently a worship leader at House on Rock, Lagos. She is one who is determined to use the gift God has given her to inspire as many that God brings her way.
Tell us about your music ministry.
The music… For ONOS, the music has been an on going thing. I've been singing for as long as I can remember. I was a member of several choirs and groups while growing up.
But I knew I wanted to take the music beyond the 4 walls of the church, so I started doing music professionally in 2008..that was when I started working on my 1st single. A whole new musical journey started from there.We hear your music today and can't help but notice the grace with which you deliver. What would you say is your secret hold?
For me, the secret is just staying in the place of prayers. I love my time with God and I don't trade it for anything because there lies the inspiration and all you need. So for me, basically, in all l do, l try not to throw away the God factor so I guess that kinda shows in my music as well.
Okay. Looking at how most artistes try to forge a balance between doing music that is gospel and the one they deem "inspirational" just to appeal to a broader audience, do we expect this from you anytime soon? And can you share your view on this?
[smiles] For starters, I have a song on my debut album titled "TOMORROW" ft IDCABASA and Lara George. The song is not the regular kind of Gospel song but more or less a song I wrote out of the meaning of my name ONORIODE which is ONOS for short. So speaking on my views on Gospel
Artist doing inspirational, I don't see anything wrong with it and the truth being told, the GOSPEL, which is the Good News, is for the unsaved. We need to reach out to them.
With this, will it be apt to call such artistes anything aside from gospel artistes? This seems to be a new trend that most 'gospel' artistes are following. Don't you think this might compromise the message? Looking @ d fact that most gospel acts we know of old only glorified God and never sang about themselves
You know one thing l love Nigerians for? It is that they know good music when they hear one and they are quick to sing along to a song if it ministers to them. I'm talking about the gospel songs now. And like we all know, music is food to the soul. So, if as an artist, your music can't get to soul…
Ok. As people called by Him, do we sing to what appeals to the people or do we sing to God's glory?
Ha! You didn't allow me finish d last one. Anyways I'm sure you have d answer u wanted. I speak for my self now…I sing songs that glorify, edify, uplift His name and draw men closer to Him.
Sorry for harping on the issue, but do you deem it right for gospel artistes to sing about themselves once in a while without the mention of Christ?
This is a sensitive issue knowing fully well that Christians are very judgmental. Sometimes we forget that music is a medium of expression and artistes express what they feel and are going through with this medium. So if they see the need to express their personal struggle through a song in d context of the WORD OF GOD, I don’t think there is anything wrong in that.
Ha! You didn't allow me finish d last one. Anyways I'm sure you have d answer u wanted. I speak for my self now…I sing songs that glorify, edify, uplift His name and draw men closer to Him.
Sorry for harping on the issue, but do you deem it right for gospel artistes to sing about themselves once in a while without the mention of Christ?
This is a sensitive issue knowing fully well that Christians are very judgmental. Sometimes we forget that music is a medium of expression and artistes express what they feel and are going through with this medium. So if they see the need to express their personal struggle through a song in d context of the WORD OF GOD, I don’t think there is anything wrong in that.
Okay. You know there is a line between self-glory and glorifying God by recounting your experience.People say the church is too judgmental. It is only God that will judge right but we must at all times be led by the Spirit…Back to you and your music…
Na wa for u o! The matter sweet u well well.
[general laughter ]
Back to you…Its 2013 and the year looks quite promising already. What do we expect from u this year?
Great… Let's recount your previously released works
Okay in my debut album “Keep Moving " which was launched in 2010, I had songs like ‘Na your love’ ft Mike Aremu, ‘Try am’ ft Kefee, ‘Tomorrow‘ ft IDcabasa and Lara George. Last year, I started putting out some new singles. One of which is IN CONTROL ft snatcha of the Rooftop Mcs then l did a remix of the same song and featured Wordsmith, Gaise, IBK(Spaceship boi) Ga2R
Yeah. The net was agog with most of your strides. We followed up on some too. Last December, your Christmas song made it into our Fresh Christmas Hits compilation. You made us understand that the song was recorded in 2011. There's every guarantee that the song will still be fresh this Christmas
Yes o!!!!! Very well said
Obviously, your songs are the types that stay evergreen. What efforts are you making to get them out more this year?
Well, l have a new management team coming on board this year. Very soon, there will be press releases to that effect. And by God's grace, with that in place, the ONOS music will spread to a larger audience this year .
Alright. Looking at gospel music today in Nigeria, what would you say is delimiting it?
I start by saying it is better than what it used to be but it can be a lot more better if there are more structures in place and if Christians patronize the Gospel artistes when their materials are on sale because that helps in circulating the music. I think it will go a long way to move the ministry to the permanent site..
So what structures are we particularly looking @?Hmmmmm… you are stating d obvious. We don't have proper record labels. We don't have correct marketers. As an artiste, you have to source for funds to record an album. The artist will promote the album…and the artist will market that album…only in naija…You will pay to get airplay on radio and to get your videos on rotation…Kilode?
[laughter ]
When u are suppose to concentrate on the creative side, you are trying to handle the business side of the music …everything by your self!
Right on point. Well said, attorney. We understand you worship with House On The Rock. How wud u say this has impacted ur music career so far?
Yes I do. Okay! I was on stage with Chevelle franklyn at the Experience Lagos 2010 doing my song DANCE" and also did the national anthem with Micah Stampley and Phil Driscoll. So the impact has been positive on my music. The relationship with Chevelle Franklyn has grown as well. We did a remix to DANCE again last year December at the Calabar Carnival. I am looking forward to doing bigger things with her this year too by God's grace
Looking at where you are today, what would you advise other gospel artistes in line with their ministry?
Be yourself , stay true to your dreams, have a clear understanding of what you want to do ,develop your gift and always keep it real
It was great having you here. We wish you all the best this year and beyond
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