My mission is to win more souls for Christ – Gospel Singer, Dupe Alayo
Modupe Odeleye popularly known as Dupe Alayo is a gospel artiste who has carved a niche for herself among the upcoming artistes in the gospel music industry. Her unwavering passion for the kingdom of God is so inspiring both to the young and the old ones who comes in contact with her music. In this interview with Glitter News Online, the Kwara State Polytechnic graduate explained why she ventured into music, and what her fans should expect in her next album among other interesting issues:
Can we meet you?
I’m Modupe Odeleye popularly known as Dupe Alayo. I went to C.A.C Primary School and CAC Grammar School for my primary and secondary educations, I studied Accounting at Kwara State Polytechnic for both my National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND).
Being an accountant, why did you choose music as a career?
Well, I don’t know that I will have passion for music up to this level but I don’t have choice because I’m naturally endowed and once you are talented, your talent will surely showcase you and stand you out of your contemporaries. I discovered myself right from my childhood days and I worked towards it. I started my music career in a juvenile choir and because of my performance, the church authority promoted me to the church choir.
Even during my tertiary education days at Kwara State Polytechnic, I joined a choir group but when they saw the talents in me, I was appointed as the church choir mistress. I give God all the glory for surrounding me with people who have passion for music because I’m receiving help from all and sundry and that is why I made it in music so far.
Are your parents supporting your musical career?
They were elated when they heard that I’m into music because they are also musicians. My mum was once a choir mistress while my daddy is a pastor and he had also led a choir group before.
What are the challenges you have faced as a musician?
They are too numerous to mention, but the major challenges is the financial support and some other peculiar challenges, all these challenges might want to force someone out of music but because of faith and the passion that I have, prompted me to forge ahead without looking back.
How many albums have you produced so far?
I have produced one album titled “Gbemiga” while I’m presently working on the second album in the studio which will comes out anytime from now.
What inspired you to title your album “Gbemiga”?
(Laughs) when I finished the composition of the song, I was perplexed about what to title the album. I discovered that it is only God that can lifts someone up, it was through this ideology that I was inspired by God that I should title the album ‘Gbemiga’
How have you been able to cope with your male fans?
I’m coping. The issue is that, my husband always follows me to any programme that I’m being invited to. So, when I finish my ministration, I'm always by his side and this have been helping me from being approached or being wooed by male fans.
What’s your happiest moment?
My happiest moment was when my first album came out because I don’t expect it at all. I don’t even think that I will be in the studio not to talk about releasing an album. But I thank God for everything, since the release of my first album, I have been hearing good news from my fans and the album is well accepted.
Where do you want to see yourself in the nearest future?
I want to be well-known in the gospel music not only in Nigeria but throughout the whole world. I also pray that God should lift me up and take me to another level before the year 2020.
What makes your song different or better than other artistes?
The uniqueness is that my music is full of inspiring messages and all my songs are based on about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Many artistes have forgotten this, they believe in ‘Tungba’ (Danceable song), I am not trying to condemn anyone, I’m just trying to tell you why my music is unique and my main vision is to bring the lost shepherds back to God’s fold.
Who are your role models?
I have my own style of music but some of my fans do tell me that I sing like Tope Alabi. My number one role model is God and I’m also looking up to Tope Alabi as well.
What are the things that inspired you in Tope Alabi?
I love her because she sings in spirit and her songs are full of inspirations. Many people have been saved through her music.
Your advice for the upcoming artistes?
My advice for them is that they should be patience. Bible says “there is time for everything.” they should wait for God’s time and have faith in the Lord because it is only God that an do all things.
INTERVIEWED BY ABIODUN ADENIYI
