To succeed, discover your talent —Adoke

Israel Adoke is a fast-rising musician from Okene, Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State. The undergraduate of Federal  Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, speaks with OLUWAYINKA DADA on the importance of discovering and using one’s talent. Excerpts:

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HOW early did you discover your talent?
From  childhood I discovered that God had deposited a special gift in me  and that  is the ability to sing and compose new songs. While in primary school, I used to lead praise and worship at the assembly ground and also in the children’s department of my church. Though I had a lot of things I was doing then like drama and comedy, what I noticed  was that when it comes to singing, I do stand out and to the glory of God, my parents, especially my dad, brothers, friends, well-wishers, my music director (Mr Kayode Agboola) and the church, always encouraged me. Different churches invited me to sing for them especially when they were having anniversary and with the help of some people, we organised different musical concerts within and outside Oyo State. This has made me to  realise that the best way to succeed in life is for you to discover your talent.
When did you start professionally?
To the glory of God, I started professionally  in 2013. That was when I formed the band Dynamic Stars in conjunction with my brother (Adoke David) and God has been using this band to do miraculous things in the lives  of people through music.
Why did you wait for so long?
Rome was not built in a day. That one discovers his talent early does not mean that he should start immediately. It has to be a gradual process, meaning that one needs to work on himself physically and spiritually.
How many songs do you have to your credit?
I have 18 songs at  present but I have seven tracks on my album right now.
What inspires you?
The Holy Spirit has been the major source of my inspiration. I appreciate what He has been doing and what He will continue to do. Sometimes, when I sleep, the Spirit of God drops a song in my heart and I would wake up and write it down. Also, when meditating on the word of God, or just thinking about what is happening in the environment, inspiration flows and all these are the things that keep me going.
How have you been combining music with your academics?
Actually, it has not been easy combining the two, but God has always been on my side. Since I know that it is through education that one can survive in the society, I make sure I create enough time for my academics. Though I go to churches to perform,  I do not allow that to disturb my academics.
What are the challenges  you have been facing?
As an upcoming artiste and also  a student, there are lots of challenges but the major one is finance. Why I say finance is because as a student, the school fees given to me by my parents cannot be diverted  to promote my  music. Because of this, one has to think of sourcing for funds in a genuine way.
How do you intend to break into the industry?
Through prayer, quality works, publicity, promoters and marketers.
What is your assessment  of the Nigerian gospel music industry?
The industry is progressing. Quality works are now coming out and upcoming artistes are trying their best to improve too.
What is your advice to gospel musicians?
My advice to gospel singers is that they should face gospel music squarely and not mix it up  with secular songs.  Gospel music is to propagate the kingdom of God, to bring joy, deliverance, healing, salvation and also to glorify God. Therefore, gospel artistes should direct their motives towards these objectives, they should not sing worldly songs to entertain. Upcoming artistes should not rush to studios to produce albums but work on their songs well and be sure they  meet the required and acceptable standard.