Gospel music icon, Bisi Alawiye–Aluko, recently had an encounter with PMParrot/Parrot Xtra’s correspondent, EMMANUEL ADENIRAN during her annual Altar-Raising program in Ado-Ekiti last week. She shared her view on the uniqueness of her annual praise festival among many salient issues… Excerpts:
Can our readers meet you?
My name is Bisi Alawiye – Aluko, a native of Ilesa in Osun State. I was born into the family of Alfa Abdulkareem and Mrs. Alawiye. I attended Ifeoluwa Pry School, Ilesa before proceeding to Oranmiyan Memorial Grammar School. I later attended Osun State College of Technology, Esa Oke where I bagged Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accountancy in year 2000.
How did you venture into music to make it a career?
Let me say well, finding myself in the music world is by His Grace and Mercy. Yes, I read Accountancy in school and God used it to promote me and to fulfill destinies.
You have been a household name in the gospel music industry, how were you able to achieve this?
Well, I started singing in my former church but in the year 2000 precisely, God brought me into limelight through my first album titled ‘Lana Komi’ meaning ‘Pave Way For Me’. ‘Eyin Le Seyi, Ayeraye Olorun Iyanu, Eyin Leseyi’.
However, on the issue about the program of yesterday, I remember that 19 years ago while I was on the sick bed between life and death, I made a vow to God if he would preserve my life, I would dedicate every third Sunday in December to raise an altar of praise to God. That was the beginning of the program till date.
How unique is your annual festival of praise?
It is a program ordained by God Himself and you can see all the global prophets and prophetesses that attended the event. I am thanking God Almighty because if not by His Mercies, it would not have been a successful one but through Him alone, I can do all things through Christ Jesus that strengthens me.
Among those who graced the occasion included my global father, Prophet Sam Olu Alo, Baba Adamimogo; Prophet Ade Ologbonyo; Evangelist Ade Babajide; Prophet Femi Fadairo; Prophet Olayiwola and my global mother, Rev’d Funke-Felix Adejumo of the Agape Christian Assembly, Akure, Ondo State.
Others included my global mother, Elijah Akintunde Olorunkosobe; Evangelist Glorious Adebayo, Testimony Jaga; Harmony Brass, Tega Sax; Glorious Adebayo; Prophetess Jumoke Olakanmi; Prophetess Mary Olaide, Prophetess Abosede Mayowa and all my Oluwashindara global family, both home and abroad were present at the event.
Can you tell us your happiest moment since you ventured into the music industry?
My happiest day was the day my son recognized my voice singing over the radio.
How do you normally get inspiration for your music?
I always get inspiration through reading of my Bible, fasting and prayer. Many times, the Holy Spirit will ask me to take my pen and write and even if I don’t have a pen around me during that moment, I will take my phone and record it there.
Can you highlight some of your greatest challenges as a professional in the music industry?
The issue of marketing has been one of my major challenges. The production of Compact Disk (CD) nowadays is not encouraging because of the introduction of digital platforms but in all, we are coping.
What admonition do you have for upcoming gospel musicians?
My advice for the upcoming artistes is that they should make humility their watchword. They should remember the son of whom they are and ensure they act according to what they are preaching to people. I will also urge them to practice what they preach. The most important message I want them to grab is allow the spirit of humility to abide with them. They should humble themselves.
How impactful has been your musical ministry and career?
If you were there yesterday, you will have listened to the testimonies of the Global Prophets that were there. Bisi Alawiye – Aluko is no longer small in the music industry, God has used my platform to raise many Generals for Himself and I am thanking Him for that. I am still praying to God to help me to do more.
What is your specific message for your fans in the New Year?
All I can say is that, He has been very faithful to every one of us and he changeth not. We should keep on praying and I know His mercies will not elude us in Jesus name.
I am optimistic that before the end of this year, some people are going to encounter a last-minute miracle in Jesus name.
I want to appreciate my husband; I call him my brain box. He is my manager, mentor and my teacher. Despite all the hurdles, he stood by me and I am promising him that I will be a good daughter, wife and mother to him. I also want to appreciate my global families worldwide for their moral and financial support.
