In this interview NEWISSUES Magazine talks to Omo Jesu 1, Abuja and Nigeria’s rising gospel artist on her upcoming album UNLIMITED GRACE.
By George Onmonya Daniel and Kayode Adden Joseph
NEWISSUES: First, let’s get an intro, what is your name, I mean your real name and which state are you from, doesn’t matter but these are the sorts of things fans like to know about?
OMO JESU 1: My name is Princess Mary Usiade
AkA Omo Jesu 1, and my ministry is Foursquare Gospel Church International. I am from Edo State but I prefer to see myself as a Nigerian. I grew up in many places and have traveled all around. I am a part of all Nigerians.
NEWISSUES: We hear you are in the studio working on an upcoming album. What are we expecting and what’s it all about?
OMO JESU 1: It’s about praising God, worshipping God and singing to His glory. God has been wonderful in our lives and every day should be cherished by glorifying Him. My songs are also songs that intends to inspire and make people dance and be happy.
NEWISSUES: What inspire your songs?
OMO JESU 1: Life and living, everyday experiences inspires me. How I feel and what I feel at some moments could just be a song. It is every day people’s experiences, dreams, passion, sadness, happiness or tragedy that inspire us as artists, but I am a happy person and I want to use God and happiness and his abundant love to bring joy to the world through my songs and messages.
NEWISSUES: When did you start singing?
OMO JESU 1: I started singing as a child, perhaps from when I was about ten years old in the church choir. I grew up in the church like most people of my age. It wasn’t long before I was moved to the senior choir in the church even at that young age. Since then I knew I wanted to be a singer and do this. Now it’s time use it to bless the larger world.
NEWISSUES: When are we expecting the new work to be out?
OMO JESU 1: Unlimited Grace is coming out very soon. Very very soon. We have almost finished it all and we are working on the little details here and there.
NEWISSUES: Is there a collaboration with any singer we should know about or is there a plan for that in the future?
OMO JESU 1: This one is all me, but there is a plan to collaborate with several interesting artists in the future on some of the songs in UNLIMITED GRACE or do a new song with them. Let’s see how it goes.
NEWISSUES: Who is your favourite gospel artist?
OMO JESU 1: We have some great gospel artists in Nigeria, both males and females, we are all doing excellently well in the music department in Nigeria. But I have some personal favourites, we all have. Mine would be Ngozi Chinwe if I m to mention my one favourite. But believe me Nigerian gospel artists are some of the best in the world.
NEWISSUES: Thanks for your time
OMO JESU 1: Thanks for having me.
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