Oluwalonibi John is a Nigerian gospel sensation who have been doing well for himself since his entry into the gospel music industry. The Town and Regional Planning graduate of Moshood Abiola University (my alma mater) who recently got married to his hearthrob is scheduled to release a new single in this month of April. I had a chat with him recently but couldn’t post it in time cos of my busy schedule (abeg no vex). Read the outcome of our chat below…
Who is Oluwalonibisi John?
I am a Child of God. A worshipper and a husband of one wife, Gloria.
Could you please tell us a little bit about your background and Education?
I am a Town Planner by career. I studied Town and Regional Planning at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic. I was a Science Student in my Secondary school days at State High school Oyewole Agege. I also attended Ifelodun Primary School at the same Agege area of Lagos State.
When exactly did you start singing?
I may not be able to state the exact year, but I grew up in the Junior Choir of Oyewole Baptist Church, Agege Lagos. I was in the primary school then. That was about 22 years ago. We bless God for grace to serve Him.
I listen to your song ‘Come to me’ every time, could you tell us what prompted you to do that particular song?
‘Come to me’ was given to me in the place of prayer. I see it as a personal message from God to me. It was a song that God ministered to me personally before it was released. Thanks to Samuel Olawale (Sam Kaka) who I featured on the Piano and the producers that worked with me on the piece.
How many singles and album have you released so far?
I have a few singles I have done with people (They feature me). But for now I have a single called “ALAANU MI”, it drops in April 2015, Easter period.
I have an album which was released in 2013. It is 11 track album titled COME TO ME. We trust God to release many more single this year and we are already working on our next album. God will help us.
The music industry is very big and competitive, how do you cope with the competition?
I follow my heart as I obey God and I run my race. Gospel Music Industry is not a “wahala” ground. I improve myself, brush up my skill, rehearse with my crew and we do our praise and worship to God alone. I believe the sky is big enough for birds to fly without colliding.
What is that thing or person that motivate you to do a song at any particular time?
Sincerely, many people have encouraged me at different times. There was a particular year when almost everyone I meet told me to enter the studio, but I didn’t have the go ahead in my heart to do so. I could say it was God that particularly moved me to do my songs. Thanks to all the people that encouraged me along the way
Do you have any favorite gospel artist(s)?
Oh yes I do. I love listening to Don Moen, Nathaniel Bassey the list is endless because I love gospel music of different genre.
I see that you have a record label, how long have you had it?
The record label was registered in 2008/2009. We want to rebrand it now. We want to change the name and make it a functional company. God help us. So watch out
Do you have any artist signed to your label at the moment?
Not yet, but we have one or two that are showing interest. It takes detailed plan and people to invest in this industry to make it work. We trust God for as great change
How do you relax when you are not singing?
I listen to Music, I read and play with my wife.
Aside music what else do you do?
I get involved with Youth development. I actually coordinate young peoples’ departments in my place of Worship TREM. I speak in conferences and I write too
Where can people find your songs on the internet?
They are on YouTube and www.reverbnation.com/oluwalonibisi
You can follow me on twitter @oluwalonibc and connect with me on my Facebook page www.facebook.com/oluwalonibisiofficial for other details
