Okeychuks is on a journey to bring Naija gospel to a digital audience
With 10 years of experience, a personal mentorship with Tim Godfrey and the inaugural season of SOUND CHECK AFRICA behind him, he is ready to take his place as the new sound of Naija gospel
When Okeychuks came to the Clout Africa studio to do a live recording of ‘Messiah’, the first single of his debut album Messiah, he brought a joy so infectious, our seasoned band, used to working with contemporary singers gave him their all. We sit with him to discuss his career and his ambitions for Naija gospel.
Your debut album ‘The Journey’ is a journey that has taken almost ten years to make and now you are finally at the finish line. What has changed about the Okeychuks who started making this album and the Okeychuks who just finished this project?
Well ummm!!! It’s been a tough journey I must say(smiles) now I’m older, I understand music better and most importantly what patience feels like
Since 2020, you've had to navigate making and promoting your music during a pandemic, in what ways has that changed your release strategy and the reception of your music?
The pandemic opened my eyes to the power of social media platforms! It basically showed that reaching out to the world is just at the tip of our fingers! So I plan to invest more on online promotions and awareness
You're performing the single ‘Messiah’ on Clout Gospel, the first live performance you're putting out this year. Why this song and why now?
Well I think it cuts across to everyone! The style, the rhythm, the lyrics, language you know, the whole vibe is very urban and Afro at the same time, so it’s a sound anyone can listen to and enjoy and also get blessed by it
What is the single most important event from your youth that has influenced your craft as a musician today?
Well there’s a lot of experiences for me! But the most remarkable was when I emerged the winner of SOUND CHECK AFRICA maiden edition back in 2018, it really motivated my decision to take the path of music as a career. I mean I was able to work with a lot of international artists and also shared the stage with both Top Local and international artists. I must say it really had a positive impact on me
The gospel music industry has significantly evolved in the last 10 years thanks to the internet and social media. How has that changed your ministry.?
Well with the help of social media people get to hear songs from gospel Artistes and there’s a wider reach to the audience for me
Your music straddles contemporary sounds with classic gospel roots. Will we see more that influence on ‘The Journey’?
Ah!! Yes oh.. honestly my album ‘The Journey’ is a must to listen. a few other songs with interesting vibes that will definitely cut across like ‘Messiah’.
What is your relationship like with the fans?
The fans inspire and motivate me a lot I must say. their support and encouragement is what keeps me going and I’m glad that I’m able to put out this body of work for them.so yeah they are part of the Journey .
What’s next for your single ‘Messiah’, are we going to get a proper music video for it?
Yes definitely will do a proper video for the song! But right now will keep pushing the live version and I’ve been getting really great feedbacks from people about the quality and it really is a great one
What plans for kingdom domination does Okeychuks have for 2021?
Hmmmm Kingdom Domination!!! Well I’ll keep putting out great content that edifies and also still resonates with everyone! Truth is a lot of people have very wrong impression about gospel music! So I plan to change that stereotypical impression with music that is powerful and a sound that is fresh
Listen to Clout Gospel in its entirety here.