INTERVIEW WITH ROSEANNA ALACHE OLOWU
Roseanna Alache Olowu's love for music dates back to her childhood but her background frowned at her taking up music professionally. In this Interview the United Kingdom based beautician speaks on her life, why she dumped the beauty profession, how she got into music and other issues.
Excerpts:
Can you tell us about your background?
I was born in Otukpo, Benue State in early 70s. I had the y primary school education in Otukpo, I proceeded to Ikale in Ondo State for my Secondary School
education. For my post secondary school education I attended Chartered Institute of Administration, Lagos where I bagged a certificate in administration. I later
proceeded to Lola's hair dressing School in Yaba, Lagos where I trained as a cosmetologist and beautician. Since then I have been in the beauty business with a hair dressing salon in South East London and Lagos.
How did you get into music?
I started singing as early as age seven. And as I grew up I became an active member of the church chorister. Eventually I became the lead singer in church choir group.
Are you taking up music as a full-time artiste or part-time artiste?
I have decided to practice as a gospel artiste for the rest of my life. I am taking up music as a full-time practice.
Why the choice of gospel music?
The message I have for world can only be delivered as gospel music. In fact, I find easier to compose gospel songs than other types of songs. Though I can perform
in Afro, juju and other styles of music because I am versatile but my message is the gospel.
What is your assessment of Nigerian gospel music?
Obviously a lot of people are into gospel music though some of them need commended but I believe a lot need to be done to improve the standard of gospel music in Nigeria.
Who is your role model?
My role model is Late Evangelist Edward Olomola (Baba Ara). I also love the music of Segun Michael, he is a juju gospel artiste based in the United Kingdom.
Do you have a band?
Yes
What is the name of the band?
The band is known as Eternal Melodies Singers. It is a fifteen-member band.
While you were in the United Kingdom were you actively involved in singing gospel music?
Yes. I perform regularly at Crusades of Ministers of God like Pastor Kalejaiye and other anointed men of God.
What keeps you going?
Each time I perform I get encouraged by people in my local churches in the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
Do you write the lyrics to your songs?
Yes, I write my songs myself.
What inspires you to write your songs?
The get inspired by reading the bible and listening to sermons.
What is the title of your debut album?
The album is entitled Alaafin Orun.
Can you tell us the number of tracks in it?
It has six tracks. Namely; Onife Julo, Baba Mimo gbadura fun mi, Odun bawa laye, Baye Gbogunde, Lori Oke Agba, and Emi Alayo.
How do you spend your leisure time?
I read books and I listen to the works of other artistes.
Who has really influenced your success in life?
It has been God and my husband.
Your marriage to Mr. Olowu is blessed with how many kids?
We are blessed with a son.
What is your philosophy about life?
Life to me is living everyday to the glory of God.
Words for fans
I thank them for their support and encouragement. I promise not disappoint them.
What is the next level after the album release?
I intend to also have an official launching of the album in the United Kingdom. Aside this I have a calling to minister to young women of my age. I call the ministry Daughters of Zion. The essence of the ministry is make young women appreciate what God has deposited in their lives instead of not living a fulfilled life. There will be emphasis on marriage and career.
By TAIWO OBATUSIN