Gospel singer and music producer, Samuel Onwubiko, popularly known as Limoblaze, tells FAITH AJAYI about his passion for music
At what point did you discover your passion for music, and when did you officially start out as a gospel singer?
My passion for music has been there for as long as I can remember since I was a kid. I grew up in a music-loving family, and had been writing music since I was about eight years old. I started out making gospel music. I had been writing songs that were not necessarily gospel, but I never recorded any of them. But, from the point I decided to start putting out music, I got a conviction in my heart that I had a purpose and calling for my music. My earliest songs were released in 2012.
Gospel musicians in this part of the world don’t usually sing afro-gospel and hip-hop like you do. What influenced your choice of music genre?
My style of afrogospel was born out of a place of need. I remember growing up in church and attending the weddings of church members, and the DJ would play secular music, which usually made me uncomfortable. So, I felt there was a need in the Christian community to have music that could serve our needs outside of worship music that is sung in church on Sundays. I also wanted to make music that young believers could enjoy from Monday to Saturday; and not just the ones to be played in church.
What were the challenges you faced in the early days of your career?
I believe that anything good and worth doing will always come with challenges, so it was no surprise that for me to make a mark in the industry, I had to put in the work.
One of the challenges I faced when I started was money. Money is usually a challenge for people, regardless of whatever music space they are starting in.
Also, one of the biggest challenges was the church. The church was against my style of music. A lot of churches are still against it, but there are more churches that are now in support, and understand the usefulness of this type of music as an evangelistic tool.
How were you able to overcome those challenges?
In overcoming those challenges, I had to stay consistent. I knew what God had called me to do, so I did not waver in that aspect.
I also stayed consistent in character. So, for the elders and other people who initially felt my music was rebellious music, they saw that my character had been consistent over time. As a result of that, a lot of them now understand that I am on a mission.
What are the highlights of your career?
One of the greatest highlights as a gospel artiste is when I get messages from people telling me how my music helped them through a season of depression, or how they were suicidal, but found hope through my music. Messages and testimonies like that mean the world to me, and it gives me a sense of satisfaction in what I am doing.
Where do you see afrogospel and hip-hop gospel in the next five to ten years?
I believe that in the next 5 to 10 years, afrogospel and Christian Hip-Hop music will be one of the biggest forms of gospel music. I think it is also going to have mainstream success, as well as be an evangelistic and revival tool.
What is your creative process like?
I like to take my time. I love melodies a lot, and I love to connect with them first. I know the word of God, and I stay consistently studying it. The word of God is deep inside me, so the right words and lyrics are easy for me to come by.
I usually like to get the melodies done first because, over the years, I have come to learn that even for people who don’t understand what one is singing, good melodies can never be denied.
What inspires your lyrics?
Everything I do is inspired by God. However, certain things in life are like triggers for my inspiration. It could be a sermon, a movie or even another great song. It could also be something I am currently going through, or a conversation I had with somebody. Basically, I draw inspiration from so many things.
Are you currently working on any project?
Yes, I have been working on another album, which will be my seventh. I am not sure when exactly it will be released, but it will not exceed the first half of this year. It is titled, Young and Chosen.
It is well known that that gospel artistes are not as rich and famous as their secular counterparts. What do you make of that?
I don’t have any opinion about who is richer or more famous. I don’t know what people have in their bank accounts. I believe if one is happy doing what one is doing, and one finds fulfillment in it; that’s all that matters.
You have worked with a number of Nigerian and international artistes. Which others will you like to work with in the future?
I have actually worked with all my favourite artistes that I wanted to work with. But there are a couple out there I would still love to collaborate with, including Jonathan McReynolds, Tauren Wells, Tori Kelly and Lauren Daigle.
Aside music, what other interests do you have?
I have an interest in acting and movies. It is something I will like to do someday. I have acted in movies before, and I would love to do it again.
You have been married for two years. In what ways has marriage impacted your craft?
Yes, I have been married for two years now, and it has been an amazing journey. I am loving every bit of it.
It makes a lot of sense why God would want us to have companionship, and it has impacted everything I do, in the sense that I have gained a different level of maturity. Also, I have an amazing support system that my wife provides. She is always there for me, and sometimes she takes part in my writing process. She is someone I am able to bounce ideas off. She’s the first person to listen to my songs, and she is usually around whenever I am recording. It (marriage) has been great, and it has really impacted my (creative) process in the best possible way.
What is your favourite food?
I love pounded yam and egusi soup.
How do you unwind?
There are several ways I like to unwind. Sometimes, I could decide to watch a movie, and most times, I play football games on my PlayStation.
