By Damilola Akinduro
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Despite the various challenges bedeviling the nation, especially the current shortage of naira notes and petrol, a famous Akure based gospel artiste, Esther Oluwaseun Balogun has appealed to Nigerians to continue listening to gospel songs which according to her, is filled with messages of hope for a better Nigeria of our dreams.
She said irrespective of what individuals are going through in their private lives, everyone needs to look up to God for a better way out, saying gospel songs which are embedded with God’s messages is all that we need to cope with and eventually outlive the challenges.
The musician, popularly known as ‘Yanfanda’, gave these admonition at this year’s edition of her “Sacrifice of Praise” live concert held in Akure.
The concert, in what appeared to be a thanksgiving service for the year and an avenue for jollification, gathered people from different walks of life in their large numbers to celebrate the day.
The annual event which was a complete rendition of life-transforming gospel lyrics, attracted lovers of gospel songs from across the globe who danced to various melodious tunes by the musician and other invited singers.
Gospel music icon, Prophet Lanre Adebayo OmoAdaniwaye, Anointed Glorious Adebayo, Prophetess Tolu Adelegan, Pastor Bunmi Murphy Arole and other artistes added glamour to the event with the rendition of various melodious tunes.
‘Yanfanda’, while speaking with Friday Extravaganza, appreciated God for the journey so far in the music industry.
She noted that ‘Sacrifice of Praise’ live concert, is her annual thanksgiving programme to give God all the praise for what He has done and what he will still do in her life .
“l want to thank the Lord for making this year’s concert a success and also thank those who in one way or the other contributed to its success.
“I have started this year with Thanksgiving believing that God will make this year better as it’s written in the scripture in Psalm 67; that the land will yield increase, so we need increase in the land, we need peace, we need tranquility, we want things to move forward and get better.
Yanfanda posited that her mission in the music industry was not for pecuniary gain, but to praise God through her ministration.
She advised her colleagues to continue to preach peace through their songs even as the 2023 general elections draw nearer.
“Focus on songs that will transform and win souls into the kingdom of God. When everybody is kingdom-minded, everybody will act well. So let’s continue to propagate the kingdom of Jesus Christ in our songs, we must correct ills in the society with our songs. So when the society is God-fearing, there would be peace as the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.
She also advised upcoming gospel artistes to be prayerful, God-fearing and consult God before they release any song, so that such would make positive impact in the lives of the public.
Asked if she would allow any of her children to become a musician, Yafanda was quick to respond, that she would gladly encourage them should anyone of them indicate interest.
“Now my daughter is one of my backup singers, my generation will serve Jesus because it’s very profitable to serve God. He is settling my bills and what Jesus is giving me is not quantifiable.
While thanking her fans for their supports at all times, she appealed for more of their encouragement, saying without their support, it may be difficult to grow in all ramifications.
Artistes as well as dignitaries who gathered at the event described the musician as God’s instrument of praise who has won many souls through her talent into God’s Kingdom.
They described such event as the best place to be at a critical moment like this to at least ease the current tension.
