Gospel music gave me strength during hard times – Adeoluwa Boluwajaiye

A gospel artiste based in the United Kingdom, Adeoluwa Boluwajaiye, tells FAITH AJAYI about his journey into music and his forthcoming album

Tell us about your background and how it influenced your journey into gospel music?

My journey into gospel music is deeply rooted in my family’s strong Christian heritage and musical traditions. Growing up in a devout Christian household, I was immersed in an environment filled with worship and praise from a very young age. My parents played a significant role in shaping my musical path. My father, who served as a former choir leader at Christ Apostolic Church and later became a reverend minister, instilled in me a solid foundation in both faith and music. My mother, also an active church choir member, contributed to our family’s vibrant musical atmosphere. This upbringing exposed me to a wide range of gospel music, with my father often playing the songs of esteemed artistes like the late Baba Ara, and Tope Alabi. These early influences not only shaped my musical tastes but also cultivated a profound passion for gospel music within me. My family background and upbringing fostered a unique synergy of faith, music and ministry that has come to define my career as a gospel music minister. The rich musical heritage and Christian values instilled by my parents continue to inspire and guide my journey in gospel music.

Did you always know you wanted to pursue music, or was there a different career path you initially considered?

From a young age, I was deeply involved in music and worship, participating in church choirs and groups and playing instruments. Initially, I aspired to study Law. However, my path took a different direction. I pursued philosophy and later obtained a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Through prayer and thoughtful reflection, I discerned my true calling— music ministry. I experienced a clear sense of divine prompting to utilise my talents to share the gospel and inspire faith. Embracing this calling has been an incredibly enriching journey marked by personal growth, continuous learning, and faithful obedience.

Take us through your academic journey, and in what way has it impacted your career?

My academic journey was quite diverse, leading me through various fields of study. While I initially intended to study Law, my academic pursuits ultimately led me to Philosophy, which proved instrumental in developing my critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deeper understanding of human nature. Subsequently, I earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration, equipping me with valuable knowledge in areas such as management, marketing, and entrepreneurship. While my academic background might initially seem unrelated to music, it has significantly shaped my music career in several ways. My philosophy background has enhanced my ability to craft meaningful lyrics, understand messaging, and connect with audiences on a deeper level. Furthermore, the business administration skills I acquired have been invaluable in managing the practical aspects of my music career, including marketing, branding, financial management, and industry negotiations. This unique blend of creative and analytical skills, fostered by my academic experiences, allows me to approach music from a well-rounded and strategic perspective.

At what point did you realise that gospel music was your calling?

The realisation that gospel music was my calling unfolded through a series of significant experiences and periods of reflection. Having been exposed to gospel music in church and at home from a young age, I developed a deep love and appreciation for the genre. During a particularly challenging time in my life, I found considerable solace and strength in gospel music. Reflecting on these experiences and the profound impact it had on me, I began to sense a distinct calling to use my talents to share the gospel and inspire faith in others. Through prayer and seeking guidance from my mentor— Apostle Bernard Antwi— as well as other respected spiritual leaders, I received confirmation that gospel music was indeed my divinely appointed path. Inspired by my faith and a sincere desire to serve, I made the decisive step to pursue gospel music ministry, trusting in God’s guidance and provision for this purpose.

Your music blends traditional and contemporary gospel sounds. How did you develop this style?

My unique musical style developed through a process of organic growth and exploration. Growing up, my exposure to traditional gospel music in church provided a strong foundation for my musical roots. As I matured, I began to explore contemporary gospel music, drawn to its fresh sounds, diverse styles, and vibrant energy. Through experimentation and collaboration with fellow musicians, I started to integrate traditional and contemporary elements, aiming to create a distinctive sound that honours my heritage and embraces modern musical expressions. My faith and spiritual experiences have been pivotal in shaping this musical style, as I consistently seek to convey messages of faith, hope, and redemption through my songs in a way that resonates with a broad audience.

You’ve cited Don Moen, Tope Alabi, Nathaniel Bassey, and Dunsin Oyekan as influences. How have their music and ministries shaped your approach to gospel music?

The profound impact of Don Moen’s ministry has underscored the importance of cultivating intimacy and reverence in worship through music. Tope Alabi’s work has highlighted the significance of maintaining cultural relevance and authenticity in gospel expression. Nathaniel Bassey’s ministry has demonstrated the power of blending deep spiritual insight with exceptional musicality. Finally, Dunsin Oyekan’s approach has inspired me to embrace spontaneity and creativity within my musical expression. Collectively, these influences have guided me in striving to create music that not only honours God but also resonates meaningfully with diverse audiences, and inspires transformative experiences.

Gospel artistes often face challenges in gaining recognition and funding projects. How have you navigated these potential obstacles?

Navigating the landscape of gospel music requires resilience and a focused approach. My primary focus remains on creating music that inspires faith, fosters worship, and cultivates a deeper connection with God. I have been fortunate to receive invaluable support from my pastor and friends, which has significantly eased the challenges often associated with gaining recognition and securing funding. Ultimately, I place my trust in God as my ultimate source, believing that He provides for my needs, allowing me to remain dedicated to spreading the gospel through my music. I am deeply grateful for the support I have received and continue to rely on God’s provision for my music ministry.

As a gospel artiste outside Nigeria, do you think there are any country-specific barriers affecting the growth of gospel music? If so, how do you overcome them?

I believe that the essence of the gospel transcends geographical boundaries. My presence in the UK is purposeful. I believe God has placed me here to propagate His message through music to a wider audience. Rather than perceiving country-specific barriers, I view this context as an opportunity to share the gospel with a diverse and international community.

Your songs are deeply rooted in Scripture. How do you ensure that your lyrics remain both spiritually enriching and musically engaging?

To ensure my lyrics are both spiritually enriching and musically engaging, I prioritise a process of prayerful reflection on scripture. During my personal devotion time and through the sermons at my church— Faithway Global Ministry in Coventry, UK— I seek to gain a profound understanding of God’s message. I then strive to express these truths creatively, utilising melodies and rhythms that enhance the message’s impact and memorability. My goal is to achieve a harmonious balance between spiritual depth and musical appeal, ensuring authenticity and faithfulness to my faith while creating music that resonates with listeners on multiple levels.

Your forthcoming album, ‘The Word’, is highly anticipated. What should listeners expect, and what message do you hope to convey?

The Word represents a significant labour of dedication, and I am eagerly anticipating sharing it with the world. Listeners can expect a collection of songs deeply rooted in Scripture, with a central focus on inspiring faith, fostering worship, and cultivating a more profound relationship with God. This album is a reflection of my personal spiritual journey, and my hope is to convey a message of hope, redemption, and the transformative power of God’s word. I believe in the universal language of music, its ability to transcend borders and cultures, and I pray that the album will serve as a blessing to listeners globally.

Listeners can anticipate a distinctive blend of traditional and contemporary styles, with an emphasis on creating an intimate yet uplifting worship experience. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of my wife, mentor, friends, and family. I am excited to share this new chapter in my musical journey with everyone.

Beyond music, are there other areas of engagement or ministry that you are involved in?

Beyond my music ministry, I actively serve as a worship leader and assistant choir coordinator at Faithway Global Ministry. Under the mentorship of Apostle Bernard Antwi, I am involved in youth leadership development, focusing on empowering the next generation of leaders to realise their full potential.

What legacy do you hope to leave in the gospel music industry, and where do you see your career in the next five years?

My aspiration is to leave a legacy within the gospel music industry that inspires enduring faith, heartfelt worship, and a deeper connection with God, resonating across generations and cultures. I am committed to creating music that is authentic, impactful and memorable, leaving a lasting impression on the hearts of listeners. Furthermore, I hope to contribute to the development of future leaders in the gospel music industry, mentoring and empowering them to carry forward the mission of spreading the gospel through music. Looking ahead to the next five years, I envision myself releasing more albums and singles that continue to inspire and uplift, collaborating with international gospel artists and ministries, and expanding my ministry through concerts, workshops and online platforms. I also remain dedicated to serving and supporting my local church and community. By God’s grace, I am excited to see the unfolding of this journey.