After years in journalism and sports media, Tosin Omojola has ventured into gospel music, a calling he says has been in his heart since his youthful days. A choir leader and songwriter, Omojola believes his debut project, Praise Explosion One, is not merely a musical release but an expression of his faith and obedience to God. In an with interview with Nigerian Tribune’s ‘KUNLE OYELEYE, Omojola bares on his career that includes working with Nigerian Tribune, Western Post and lately Shooting Stars Sports Club, where he served as Media Officer, Omojola is now using his musical gift to preach Christ, encourage faith and inspire people to discover and use their God-given talents. Excerpts:
Your latest musical project has just been released. Is it an album, and what is the title?
It is not exactly an album. I would describe it as a prelude to the album that is coming. It is like a project ahead of the main album. The project is titled ‘Praise Explosion One’, and it marks the beginning of what I believe God has called me to do through music.
Before music, you were known mainly as a journalist and sports administrator. Tell us about your background…
I have been a journalist since my youthful days. I worked with various newspapers, mainly the Nigerian Tribune and later the Western Post, which is now an online publication. I also worked with individuals, including working as the media aide to Engineer Femi Babalola Jogor when he contested for the governorship seat of Oyo State.
I lately served as the media officer of Shooting Stars Sports Club and was involved in sports administration. I served as Secretary of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo state chapter.
How did the transition from journalism into gospel music happen?
I would say it is a calling. It is something God laid in my heart right from my youthful days.
I have been a choir leader and along the line I discovered that I had a gift for composing songs. Sometimes songs come to me while I am walking or even sleeping. About 90 per cent of the songs on this project are songs I composed myself.
So, it has been God. The Bible says in 1 Peter 4:10 that everyone should use whatever gift he has received to serve others as a faithful steward of God’s grace. I believe this gift is something I must use for God’s purpose.
What genre of music are you doing, and what is the central message?
It is gospel music. It is not primarily about entertainment. My major focus is to praise God, irrespective of the situation.
The songs are filled with praise, and through them I want to preach the gospel, uplift people and strengthen their faith. Psalm 150:6 says, “Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.” That is part of what drives the project.
Why did you choose the title ‘Praise Explosion One’?
The title reflects the direction of the project. It is about praising and celebrating God.
It is also the beginning of a journey. As I said earlier, this is a prelude to the main album that is coming.
Will you perform only in churches?
No. I can perform outside the church as well. I can perform at weddings, burial ceremonies and other appropriate occasions. However, people should understand the kind of songs I sing before inviting me. My music is gospel-centred, and that is the message I want to communicate wherever I perform.
What message do you want people to take away from your music?
My message is simple: people should come to Christ and know Christ. I also want people to understand that talents are given to us for a purpose. Whatever gift God has given you, you should use it.
Initially, I resisted the idea because there are already many gospel singers. I asked myself why I should enter into a field where so many people are already doing the same thing. But the more I resisted, the more I felt that God was reminding me that this was my calling.
The Bible says in 2 Timothy 1:6 that we should “stir up the gift of God.” That is what I am trying to do.
What is your major motivation — ministry, passion or financial returns?
My major motivation is to heed the call of God. It is not primarily about money.
Of course, there are expenses involved in producing music, and if God brings financial returns through it, I will appreciate that. But that is not the reason I started. The conviction I have is that God is saying, “Go and do this; go and do that for Me.” My responsibility is to obey.
The Bible says in 1 Samuel 15:22 that to obey is better than sacrifice. For me, obedience comes first.
What would you say to people who have talents or feel they have a calling but are afraid to pursue it?
I will advise them not to ignore the gift God has given them. They should seek God, develop the gift and use it for the right purpose.
Do not allow fear or the fact that other people are already doing something similar to discourage you. Everyone has a unique assignment.
In my own case, my greatest challenge was not discovering the gift; it was accepting the responsibility that came with it. Eventually, I realised that I had to obey the call.
Finally, what should people expect from Tosin Omojola and ‘Praise Explosion One’?
They should expect music that praises God, strengthens faith and points people towards Christ.
Praise Explosion One is only the beginning. I believe there is more to come, and I want everything I do through music to fulfil the purpose for which God gave me the gift.
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