Impatience of  artistes worrisome – Big Bolaji

By Bamidele Kolawole
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Bolaji Adedotun Olarewaju popularly known as Big Bolaji is a famous gospel singer who has taken gospel music across the world. He spoke in an interview with Friday Extravaganza on his music career and how he became the toast of everyone as an entertainer.

What inspired you into singing ?

I guess it’s always been a part of me all through growing up. Permit me to say it’s what I am wired to do (smile).

What are the challenges you faced while growing up?

The usual challenges of growing up, but my childhood memories are great. It was a lot of work growing up on a poultry farm but the training of the early days keep me till now .

I spent early days with my family, my nursery and primary school education was here, my secondary school started here in Nigeria but proceeded to London to round up that part of my education.

How did you achieve your breakthrough?

I wouldn’t say there was a big break as such , just consistent benefits that got bigger, my contacts with Bishop Francis Wale Oke, the presiding Bishop of The Sword of the Spirit Ministries changed my life. My years with Rev Sam Rotimi Ore fanned the flame to fire and my contact with The Redeemed Christian Church Of God , Under the grace of Pastor EA Adeboye turned my ministry around . So you see it’s a string of benefits and access that God gives me daily .

Take us back to the very beginning. Where were you born?Where did you grow up? Schools attended?

I’m Olarewaju, Bolaji Adedotun

My Eulogy ( Oriki ) is Alani omo Erin tin jogun Ola , lol

I was in Ibadan, Oyo state , but  I am from the loins of Osun State , Gbongan. I attended Nursery and Primary School in Ibadan ,Nigeria , Subuola Nursery and Primary school. Attended , Loyolla College for one term and continued and completed my secondary education in London, Archbishop Tenisions High School Oval , London and rounded up my higher education in Nigeria  and graduated as an Estate Surveyor from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. Also,  I have my other professional exams my educational journey has been quite interesting because  I am not done yet . PHD is  in view ( wink ).

I s there a talent trait in your genealogy?

Definitely there is My mother was a broadcaster, she has  music in her bones and took some acting roles .

Do you see yourself as a politician?

No.

What is your view on christianity and politics?

That’s simple. if you believe that your heart will still be able to hold on to your Jesus within the political circle. sure, why not? There’s no rule in the bible that says don’t be a politician. You just have to be sure it’s what you have been called or wired to do.

How do you cope with glamour, fame, female fans and the demands of fatherhood?

I ensure that Jesus is always the centre of all I do, and I play with my wife and kids a whole lot.

How do you place ministry viz a viz money or physical profit?

If your ministry is  according to the leading of the Holy Spirit, teachings and direction, then resources will follow. Finance is quite a challenge. It will take extra concentration on what you have been sent to do not lose focus.

What’s your drive and motivation?

The joy of fulfillment and the vision of finishing strong and well.

Pains and struggles?

All the ones spelt out in his word , we face but in all we are more than conquerors. There are many things I go through that I can’t explain but my thoughts and resolution in all is always that God is a good.

Biggest surprise ever

Not sure. Many things have surprised me and I am sure many will yet surprise me

Hobbies and other talents

I love cooking and movies.

Philosophy about life

Jesus is Lord

Awards and recognitions

That’s a long list. but in all, my prayer is to hear those words from the Most High God ” well done good and faithful servant ” that’s your mansion, that’s the award.

Biggest concern for young talents

A generation in a lot of hurry, want quick fame , quick wife , quick money, quick way out, quick baby , they just want everything quick

Your mentors and popular artists

My mentors; my elder brother Muyiwa Olarewaju,

Panam Percy Paul. Mummy Toun Soetan, Pastor Steve Bamimuye, Bishop wale Oke, Daddy Adeboye , Daddy Abiara, Mama Bola Are, Pastor Femi Atoyebi, Pastor Lanre jooda , the list is long.

If Big B should diversify, what would that be?

I would probably be fully into farming and poultry

What other things would you love to try out?

Many many things we will talk about them in another interview.