I Met My Hubby In The Choir

Taiwo Oladoye, Gospel music star, has a multifaceted persona. The Ibadan, Oyo State-born singer is a graduate of Accountancy from The Polytechnic, Ibadan. She also combines music with her public relations  job. In this interview with KAYODE APONMADE, she speaks on her music career and marriage among other topical issues 
What are the things uppermost in your mind?
After my NYSC, I was actually more concerned with getting a job, in line with my discipline. God in His awesome ways, after a brief stint at Omega Bank, provided the opportunity of a career in advertising via the Insight Communications Management Traineeship programme in 2004. Today to God’s glory, I hold a senior management position as a Media Strategist with Media Perspectives, a member of Troyka Holdings, Nigeria’s foremost Marketing Communications Group.
How did you come in contact with music? 
Well, it’s a gift from God, an in-born thing. I am also privileged to be born into a family of music lovers. My parents were members of the choir where they met and got married. I kept exploring this gift also as a chorister right from secondary school till date. I am currently a member of the Winners Chapel.
When did you decided to make it a career?
I started professionally in October 2012, when alongside my husband, we staged our first musical concert tagged ‘An Evening with Jesus’. Afterwards, we decided to release my debut album titled ‘Shake Up The Heaven’, with the hit track ‘No Be Me, Na God’ released in December 2012. The album was produced by Tosin Paul of Rote Entertainment.
Tell us about your studio recording experience?
My studio experience was very interesting but demanding. I had my own sessions at night, in order to ensure there was no clash with my job. For the two weeks which we worked on the album, I was going from the office to the studio, but it was an enriching experience. I thank God for the entire team. Their passion was contagious.
How is the album doing commercially?
Thank God, we are making progress. Each of the tracks are now listed on various online music stores like Spinlet Nigeria. They are also registered as Callertunez on MTN, Airtel and Glo networks. Today, through my official PR Team, UK based TOSH Mag PR, I am registered on Wikipedia, Vevo and Youtube. We now have two videos (No Be Me, Na God and Oruko Re Ti Niyin To) on media, both online and regular TV. To this end, we have commenced work on the second album. We hope to release it latest by June ending.
What is your ultimate plan for music?
The ultimate plan is in God’s hands, but we are open to know and keep following His instructions per time. Music for me is a very powerful tool and I am trusting God that my music at every point, will be a tool in God’s hands for healing, restoration of joy, hope to people all over the world.
How has it been combining music with family?
It has been quite demanding but I thank God for His grace and my husband’s unflinching support.
How did you meet your husband?
We both serve and met in the choir. He is a musician, besides running his other business endeavors and responsibilities as CEO Waves Rekord, my record label. He is a man on a mission, always mindful of making the most of every instruction God drops in his heart.
How did he propose?
Well, it was a straight declaration of intent right from the beginning. So we both knew, upon my consent to begin the relationship that we were heading for the altar. So there were no games.
How was your response to his love proposal? 
I was grateful to God for giving me a man who’s passionate about God and his purpose on earth. He’s a purpose driven man.
What is your perception of love?
Love for me is a decision, a choice between two people, to accept, care for, build, be mind-full and faithful to each other, before God and above all else.
How did you feel upon your nomination for MEGA?
I felt excited, grateful to God. For me, it was an extension of God’s grace and loving kindness.
Did you ever conceive winning the award?
Yes, I desired that God’s hands will rest on my works, and bring fame and fortune, to the glory of His name.
What does the award mean to you?
It means people are connecting with my music and they like it. This makes me glad. I appreciate the love and support of everyone in making them a reality.
How has winning affected your life and career?
It certainly means ‘there is no stopping me’, by God’s grace. It also means, there’s more to be done. God has opened the way, we must keep moving.
How much support do you get from your spouse?
He gives me all the support I need and a lot more. He has sacrificed a lot financially and in many other ways unquantifiable. I can only pray that God will continue to bless and uphold him in all his ways. I am grateful to God for blessing me and my children with him.
What turns you on and off?
God’s love for me turns me on every time. I also like when people are accepted and loved for who they are and not just what they have in terms of physical possessions.
What motivates you? 
The thought of God’s grace, the desire to use His gifts to be a blessing.
Who is your role model? 
My role model is first my Mentor, Bishop David Oyedepo, of the Living Faith Church a.k.a. Winners Chapel, Ota, Ogun State. Then musically, I have enjoyed the music of Cece Winans, Yolanda Adams, Pst Shirley Ceaser, Don Moen, Marvin Sapp, Donnie Mc Clurkin, Whitney Houston.
What is your style statement?
I tend to be quite masculine in my day to day dress sense and more elegant for events. Ground rules, I must be comfortable in whatever I wear.
Where do you hope to be musically in the next five years?
I trust God for a lot more albums, videos and awards. But above all, to be a very relevant force in the lives of people, especially youths through my music. This will be my contribution to nation building and the world at large.
Your passion?
My relationship with God, my family and being in line with God’s plans for my life every time.
Your prayers for Nigeria? 
That God will heal Nigeria and bring her to her true destiny as a land flowing with milk and honey. I also pray that God will open the eyes of all of us, to discover our place in destiny, and the courage to pursue it until we fulfill it; Amen. When we each take our places, playing our roles correctly, Nigeria will be restored.