In a candid and spiritually enriching interview with The Guardian, renowned Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter, Bukola Bekes, opens up about the divine inspiration behind her powerful music and the profound impact it has on her audience. With a deep connection to biblical teachings, Bukola Bekes shares insights into her creative process, the challenges she has faced in the music industry, and the pivotal role her husband plays in shaping her career. As an artist who believes in the transformative power of gospel music, she reflects on the evolving landscape of the genre in the digital age and provides a glimpse into her future projects, including an upcoming musical tour and the release of new songs.
Your music is known for its powerful messages and emotional impact. How do you select the themes and messages for your songs?
The Bible says in Isaiah 61:1-3: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
The Spirit of the Lord is our guide at every point in time, we rely on him totally for every time of our ministration, either on the stage or outside the stage.
Also, it is from the word of God that we get our messages and God’s word never fails. There’s always a word for every season and to everyone.
Gospel music often connects people with their spirituality. How do you see gospel music evolving in the digital age and its roles in contemporary society?
Let me start by saying that Gospel is the good news, it is the good news about Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. The digital age has helped in spreading gospel music so fast than it was some years back. In our society now, you see everyone listening to music right from their finger tips including watching a musical video on social media. At every point there’s a music playing somewhere and this has made this era of digitization a great advantage, these days music go viral faster than it was before.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in the music industry, and how did you overcome them?
There are lots and lots, for example before the advent of streaming platforms, distributing our music was a serious concern, if fact we had series of experiences with different people, Accountability of supply of our CDs to many places was a challenge, as a matter of fact, till date some organizations we supplied them to are yet to reconcile the supply. Another challenge is finances, music is a huge industry that requires funds, But we thank God; God is faithful.
In what way has your marriage to your husband influenced your career?
I thank God for the man God bless me with. Being married to my husband changed so many things or I can say changed my life entirely. I have seen one of the reasons God in His infinite mercy brought us together in marriage.
Look, I knew I had the calling of God upon my life but never knew how to go about it until I met my husband who understands quite a lot of things about music and how to navigate the industry. I learnt so many things from him.
Above all, he is never intimidated. He has been a great supporter of our ministry because we worked together. We have a saying that, ‘I am the face of our ministry but he is the backbone of it’. He has a huge influence on the ministry.
Bukola Bekes.
Some women have complained that marriage and motherhood usually affect their career, what is your experience?
Children are the heritage of God, The only thing my children change mostly is my stature, I used to be very slim and tiny but after having four I am never the same. Another way I can answer that is by saying God placed some wonderful people and family in my life that’s has really helped in taking care of my children when we are on the field ministering or traveling.
Will you love your children to follow your career path, and why?
Singing is in their genes; they are automatically born into a musical lineage by God’s grace. That they will follow my path or career, that’s not my choice but theirs. Like I always say, I will not force them into my own career but if they choose to, why not. But singing is part of their life.
I believe everyone has their own purpose in life and it’s better they pursue theirs rather than for us the parents to force them to do what we do. They should follow their passions and what God created them for.
How many nations have you had your concert Worship Experience: Alone with God?
We had our maiden editions in Nigeria, but we have done it in the UK and Ireland. We collaborated with The Martins in Auckland, New Zealand. We had another one in Australia.
Is there any planned musical tour this year?
By the grace of God, we would be doing quite some this year. We trust God to hold Worship Experience: Alone with God in Ireland, the UK, the USA and many other nations. The plans are ongoing to fine-tune the train.
We noticed that you and your supportive husband have been away for some time. What necessitated this?
This was necessary. You know Jesus Christ, our perfect example, sometimes would not be visible to all. We are His children, so sometimes there are factors that would make us to be away, however it’s for a good cause. We thank God it ended in praise
Are there any projects or songs to be released?
Yes, by God’s grace, from March 2024 we would be dropping some of our new songs which God gave to us and the videos. Let everyone keep us in their prayers and be expectant.
Any message to your fans out there?
God bless you all and remain rapturable. Shalom!
