The first time I listened to this lady sing, I was ‘wowed’ by
her spell-binding vocals. Her voice is so unique, captivating and carries so
much power. The adorable worship leader is from a background of vocalists and
says she gets her inspiration from the Holy Spirit during her moments of
worship.
In one year, Rosemary has made global hit which
she confirmed in this interview that ‘’when God calls you, He announces you’’.
Please
let’s know a bit about your background:
My name is Rosemary (Rosemary Tony-Ayoko), the last child of 5 children born to Pastor & Mrs. Joseph Osim. I am from Abia state and a graduate of
Economics from Benson Idahosa University. I also hold a Masters degree in
Public and International Affairs from the University of Lagos. I am happily
married and blessed with two handsome boys.
At
what age did you start singing?
I
started singing at the age of 6 and by the time my parents changed church, I
then joined the children’s choir of Glory Christian Ministries and presently
still in the church choir.
Is
your family into music?
My dad used to be a choir master and my mum
also sang in the choir. My older siblings and I, while growing up, started an
Accapella group called "The Vessels”
You
write your songs yourself?
Yes
When
did you write your first song?
Hmmmm, it may surprise you to know that I wrote
my first song in primary 4. As funny as it may sound, it's so good to know that
I still remember the song (laughs)
What
is the process of writing your songs like?
Once God has given a vision He enables you.
He has been the one all the way and with Him involved, I will say it has been
easy writing songs; although, I have a few written by some friends which I have
not worked on. The process of writing any song, for me, is simply being
attentive to what God has or wants to put in my heart. This most times could be
from personal life experiences which might have impacted my life and God wants
to use it to impact others that are going through or might have been through
such experiences. Ultimately being in His presence is the best process.
Why
did you choose to do gospel music?
I sincerely didn't want to go into music. I
had always seen myself as a career woman. But on the 9th of April, 2004 I had
an encounter with God and He spoke to me concerning my ministry. He was very
specific that He has called me into the worship ministry. I still didn't take
this encounter seriously until 13th June, 2013. I was seriously ill and was
admitted in hospital. On the day I was discharged from hospital, I passed on
and had an out-of-body experience but God brought me back to life. I will call
that experience "Life transforming Experience ". I knew God gave me a
second chance to live in order to fulfil His work. After that encounter, the
only thing that mattered and still matters to me is my major reason for being
alive and that is to serve God through the worship ministry. And ever since
that out-of-body experience, the Holy Spirit has been so real to me. It is His
words spoken to me that has kept me on track.
How
and where do you get the inspiration for your songs?
The amazing thing is that most of my songs
come after I have just had an encounter with God. For me, I find myself getting
so attached to those songs inspired from such heavenly encounters because it
makes so much meaning. Also, the Holy Spirit gives me songs during my worship
moments and that is why I try to focus on Him in my time of worship.
Tell
us about your experiences so far:
All I can say is that God has been faithful. In one year, since my first single, it can
only be God- I have seen God open doors for me beyond my imagination. All I
ever desire is to remain in His presence because without Him I am nothing and
can do nothing. My everyday sincere prayer is to have a deeper walk with Him
and then stay on track and not get distracted.
Have
you ever made any mistake while performing?
(Laughs)
yes oh! In fact I was hoping the ground will open up and cover me up but the
good thing was that God taught me something from that experience. It was just
barely one month after the release of my first single "Dwelling
Place" and I was invited to minister the song somewhere. I planned to do the
soundtrack because for some reasons I was unable to get my team together for
that ministration. Unfortunately for me, I had issues with the sound that I
felt so bad. It was such a horrible one. After it happened I went back to God
to ask why He allowed it happen and this was His response to me," did I
call you to do special numbers or lead my people in worship? What stopped you
from starting with worship and then when you are done with it, you could then
take your song?” I asked Him for mercy because I knew He reminded me that His
purpose for my life was first to bring His people before Him in worship and
that has been guiding me. I am so glad that God helped me learn from that
experience.
You
started singing from the children’s choir; do you think the choir still got
that impact on children these days?
Yes, I strongly believe the children’s choir
still has that effect on children but most especially it's the role of parents
to help their child they see towing that music line.
In a
short while, your singles (Dwelling place and Nara Ekele) are making hit
globally. Please tell us about it:
To His praise alone! Dwelling Place was
first ranked number 3 and then number 2 on Rejoice America Radio and then the
video emerged as the video of the month for January and February. It is also premiered on K107 FM in Ontario, Canada. The
video presently airs on PRTV in Pretoria, South Africa, Silver Bird TV, TV
Continental, HIP TV and AIT. Dwelling Place was also nominated and emerged the
top 4 finalist under the best gospel single category for the 2015 Top Naija
music award. At the moment, Nara Ekele also airs on some of our popular local
radio stations, South Africa, America and Ghana. The acceptance, feedbacks and
reviews have been so overwhelming and encouraging. It just drives it in more
that when God calls a man, He announces him.
How
do you balance music with other obligations- your husband, kids, work and
others?
God has helped me balance my music ministry
along side with my family life and I give attention to all. It does not affect
the time I spend with my hubby and children; in fact they have been super
supportive. As regards work, I had to choose between that and facing the
ministry God has called me into. God frustrated me last year that I had to
personally resign. I can never forget that period in my life.It was not a funny
experience at all but I look back today and I am super happy I quit because I
am fulfilled doing this. So the way my life goes now is God, family and then my
ministry.
Which
gospel artiste(s) do you admire?
Wow wow wow! I have
come to love the ministry of these three awesome men and ministers of God...
PITA, Mairo Ese and Nathaniel Bassey. Another minister I admire the anointing she carries is Sinach. They have been a blessing and I thank God
for their lives.
What
does the future hold for you? What should we look forward to?
All I can say is that what ever I will
become is in God and like I said earlier I don't want to loose His presence and
anointing for anything because when I have that I have all. Also for now,
people should look out for a new single soon and also the video of my second
song Nara Ekele (receive my thanks). I do not want to rush into getting an
album out, I want to take it as the Holy Spirit leads me, the bible says "
Those that are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God’’. I want to go at His
pace.
One
word to women out there.
I will
encourage every woman to find God and pursue Him with the whole of their heart
because in Him we will find fulfilment. Keep living that dream God has given
you and do not get discouraged. He will crown you with Honour.
Download Rosemary's song with these links (copy and paste on your browser) or go to iTunes: :
my.notjustok.com/track/download/id/6993/by/M6Oqfs9z7Q
notjustok.com/2015/12/14/rosemary-nara-ekele
notjustok.com/2015/12/14/rosemary-nara-ekele
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