By Oluwadamilola Akinduro

A Saxophonist, Frederick Ajibayo with the stage name Fred Saxophonist is an Ondo State indigene, based in Akure has weighed in on the growing trend of gospel musicians incorporating secular lyrics into their songs.

In an insightful conversation with Friday Extravaganza, shared his perspective on why some gospel singers integrate secular lyrics into their songs, with the aim of making them more commercially appealing.

Ajibayo believes that a true gospel singer is someone who has been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Such a singer, he asserts, is someone who has committed their life to Jesus, and consequently, their lyrics should reflect a divine message.

He explains: “As gospel singers, our songs should be designed to bless souls and magnify God, not to satisfy the desires of the flesh, but to edify our spiritual man.”

According to him, the book of James, Chapter 4, which warns: “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”

Ajibayo stresses that the essence of gospel music is to represent God and shine His light in a dark world, making the inclusion of worldly lyrics in gospel songs a grave misstep.

“We are here to represent God through the lives we live, our lyrics, and other expressions. It is wrong to use secular lyrics in gospel music just for the sake of popularity or financial gain,” he concludes.

In addition to his thoughts on music, Ajibayo also delved into the topic of marriage, stating that neither food nor sex is the key to a lasting union. According to him, marriage is a divine institution ordained by God, as described in Genesis 2:24-25, where it is written: “A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.” He asserts that these verses clearly outline that marriage is between a man and a woman.

However, the saxophonist acknowledges that certain essential factors must be present for a marriage to thrive.

One vital factor is that both partners must be children of God. He references Galatians 5:22, which outlines the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control. These virtues, he asserts, will naturally manifest in the relationship, ensuring both spouses contribute positively to the marriage.

Finally, he highlights the importance of communication in marriage, likening it to fuel that keeps the marriage vibrant. “Doing things together, cooking, talking, playing, praying, fasting, and studying the Bible together all contribute to sustaining a marriage. These practices foster good communication between spouses,” he advises.