Women of African Origin in Music Ministry (WAOMM) has made a
debut appearance in Nigeria. The outfit with the aim of supporting female
gospel artistes of African origin was founded by Isabella Ogo-Uzodike, a
Nigerian gospel artiste based in the United Kingdom. Speaking in Lagos at the
inaugural seminar titled, ‘Step Up and Stand Up,’ President of the group,
Isabella Ogo-Uzodike, told participants that the organisation was established
with a divine passion to provide support for gospel artistes in terms of
providing needed encouragement and mentorship.
“My husband and I are pastors in the UK, I am a minister and gospel artiste. I had my first album in 2009. At the initial period in my career, I needed to connect with someone to mentor and encourage me.
It doesn’t matter where they live, we want them equipped and encouraged. In
Nigeria, our national coordinator is Onos Ariyo. We want a team of people who
understand the terrain to coordinate,” she said. Facilitating a session, Chief
Responsibility Officer, X2D, a Christian entertainment channel, Deji Irawo,
spoke on bridging the gap between the ministry and the industry. He enjoined
the participants to have a connect between who they are and what they do. Irawo
also enjoined gospel artistes in Nigeria to develop a relationship with God
which would distinguish them and make them God’s oracles. “How can God send you
on a message when you are not on same page with him?” he asked. In his own
submission, gospel artiste, music director and trainer, Segun Obe, told the
participants to always be the best they can be. Obe, whose career has spanned
through two decades, agreed that, “Gospel music in Nigeria is growing, it can
be better. I don’t compare, but I want to say that gospel music definitely has
its own place. Spiritual singers are rising, we now have more music making
meaning.” Another facilitator, Wilson Joel, told participating gospel artistes
to be original.
“Don’t copy someone else’s lyrics,” he said. Joel, a seasoned
producer also said, “Gospel music has more opportunities than the secular music
and therefore, you as gospel artistes must promote your work. There are now
bloggers, online radio stations and the social media available to promote your
work.” Also the event, award winning gospel artiste, Nikki Laoye, enjoined
upcoming artistes to be original and identify their styles. “You have to be
original and identify your styles,” she said. Encouraging artistes further on
professionalism, she said, “Ensure you have a good press kit which should
comprise of your short and well written bio, a website where people can find
you, good shots and a good press release written in third person mode.” The
event culminated in an evening concert tagged, “Women of Worship Concert,”
featuring: Onos Ariyo, Emmy Kosgei, Isabella Ogo-Uzodike, Efe Nathan,
Glowreeyah, Nene Uko, Ighosa, Enkay, Ayo Vincent, Joan Paul, Chee, Toluwanimee,
Blerisa, Rejoice.
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