‘I am not into gospel music for fame or money’

Ada Ehi popularly known as Ada, is a Nigerian/International Gospel music minister, singer, songwriter, recording and performing musician who authored songs like, Only You Jesus, I Testify, Jesus (You Are Able), Bobo Me, Cheta, Just to mention a few. In an interview, she talks about her third studio album which will soon be released.

Can you give a brief background about yourself?

I am Nigerian born and an international gospel minister and I have been into Gospel music for a while now. I studied Chemical & Polymer engineering at the Lagos state university where I came in contact with the Believers’ Loveworld campus ministry and then Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.

How long have you been in the gospel music industry?

I have been into Gospel music ever since I graduated from the university in 2007. It has been beautiful and fantastic so far. Gospel music is a calling and it is God’s business.

What activities do you have in the pipeline?

I am about to release a new video titled ‘I Overcame.’ My album is also on the way, which will make it the third studio album for me.

What is your style of music?

Gospel is the theme of my music but the style is pop and electric dance music.

How many collections of songs do you have in this new album?

We have between 17 and 19 songs in the album and the central theme of all the songs is about Jesus.

What makes your priorities different from that of every other musician?

Secular music is about the show, fame and the money but gospel is about preaching and so there are different priorities. We are not on the same mission because it is the mission that determines the destinations. So, we are not here for fame, we are not promoting Ada or the money. We are also not here to get endorsement, but we are here to preach. We have a mission to soul winning.

Is music for you a short term or full time thing?

Music is full time for me and being a wife and a mum, makes you more dedicated. Before I go out, I have to take care of the kids, do study revisions with them and get them ready for school.

Why have you chosen the gospel music path?

I didn’t choose this path, I was called. I try to look very good because I feel looking good is God’s business. When you look at the sky and the stars, when you see the signature of the creature, you know he is in the business of looking good. If I carry God, I have to look beautiful.

Is your husband into music as well?

My husband is into entertainment. He majorly works for Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. I met my husband in the church. I am a church girl and we met while I doing church duties.

What are some of your favourite songs in the new album?

Some of my favourite songs are ‘Only you Jesus’ and ‘I Testify.’ We put these songs out as singles and by the power of the holy ghost, it has gone all over the world.

What kind of person is Pastor Chris to you?

He is father, he is hands-on. He is very interested in the products of his musicians. Pastor Chris prays with us, and prays for us. He discusses our plans with us, instructs, counsels, teaches and supports us financially and otherwise.

Do you think churches in Nigeria are doing well enough in training gospel musicians?

I believe the churches are doing well enough. First of all, when God gives you a gift, you must express it. If the church doesn’t allow you minister to the people whom you have been called to minister to, then there is a problem

Do you think we are where we are supposed to be as it concerns gospel music in Nigeria?

We are doing fantastic in Nigeria because gospel music ministers to people and helps them out of their trials and hurts. Unfortunately, the media has not paid attention to the impact and effects gospel music is making that is why we are consciously reaching out to the world. Gospel music is healing, feeding, lifting, and strengthening people.

What countries have you travelled to minister?

I have travelled to African countries, America, and so many other countries.

 

Ifeoma Okeke