Growing up?
I was born in Eket, Akwa Ibom State into a family of seven. While growing up, I lived in various parts of the country like; Lagos, Port Harcourt and Ibadan with uncles and aunties.
What inspires your lyrics?
Past events that occurred in my life reflects in my lyrics and also when I think about the Love of God for us; his children, how He sent his son to die for our sins, I am moved to sing. The teachings of my Pastor also affect the way I write my songs, I re-echo those teachings in my normal songs.
Why did you choose music?
To me, music is life and I enjoy doing music, even when I was not paid for singing, I still enjoyed it. I have always been in the church choir but I can say I started singing professionally in 2009 when I had the opportunity to record my own song in the studio, for a special ministration in church. That was when I started recording my songs and putting them on the internet for free downloads.
Why gospel music?
Actually, I started singing secular music in 2006 when I wasn’t born again and was still moving with some set of friends who influenced my lifestyle, then, I had over 50 songs, all secular music and I used to go to shows to perform. But in 2007, when I gave my life to Christ and joined the choir, I fell in love with gospel music and my vision changed from mere entertaining people to blessing them and changing lives through music. I burnt all the CDs of the song I did while still doing secular music and right now, Don Daniel is a gospel rock artiste and will remain so.
If you were given a music deal of N500 million and asked to drop gospel music for secular music, what will your response be?
(Smiles) Money doesn’t dictate for me, instead, I dictate for money. So, giving me a deal of N500 million cannot make me change my style of music from gospel to secular. The God that I praise through my songs is capable of giving much more than that. I live to praise God and I will always do.
Most embarrassing experience?
Oh! I can’t forget this easily, it was in November last year; I was invited to a church to sing and I gave them my song which I was going to sing when it was my time to minister so that they could play it for me, but surprisingly, when I was called on stage, they started playing a totally different song. I had to walk out of the stage to tell them to change the song to my own. Coming back on stage, I had to summon the courage to create a pleasing atmosphere for the audience so I could minister the song well.
Who are the artistes that you admire?
The only artiste I look up to and I really admire is Frank Edwards.
Songs you have to your credit choice so far?
At present, I have over 70 songs to my credit. I will be dropping my album, ‘Flying High’ in March this year, some of the hit tracks in the album include, ‘Miracle God’, ‘Wa wo ( a praise song, meaning come and see in English); ‘Flying High’; ‘Hold on’; ‘Am not Alone’; ‘Life is Spiritual’; ‘Thank You for your love’ and many more. Also, I dropped my single on Febuary 1, 2014 it’s titled ‘I believe’.
What message does your songs preach?
Just like motivational speakers inspire people through motivational talks and pastors teach people through preaching, gospel artistes are pastors who preach through songs.
My vision as a gospel artist is to inspire people to love God. Some of my songs talk about miracles. You know God heals us because He loves us. My songs also preach about God being the only one anyone could depend on, who would never fail and people should put their trust in Him always.
Words for other upcoming gospel artistes?
Keep believing in your dreams, keep believing in God and never, ever compromise your faith.
source: Nigerian Tribune
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