Exclusive: Heartsonglive Meets Deborah Olusoga

Deborah Olusoga is back with something massive! Setting the standard with amazing sound from her entry into the music scene, London based singer songwriter is dishing out new hot single in Alagbawi. HeartsongLive caught up with her to discuss her new single, future plans and more. Get yourself a cup of coffee and enjoy a good read.

Deborah: We are enjoying your new release, tell us about it from the unrecorded stage?

 Wow! It’s a long story but I give the glory back to God, the giver of all things beautiful. I write some of my songs through life experiences whether good or bad. I wrote ‘Alagbawi’(Advocate) when I was going through a difficult time.  For people living in the developed world, you have some standby bills monthly or annually that you have to pap in addition to other responsibilities. At some point, I got into a debt but all effort to resolve it didn’t work so I was taken to the court. It was like a death sentence, I wanted to defend the case but all the reasons under which I could defend the case were not genuine reasons according to the court summon  papers I got. It was during this difficult period that the Holy Spirit inspired me to write the soon one afternoon. I kept singing this song and praying that God would speak on my behalf. On the day I appeared in court. When it was my turn to appear in the court room,, I stood up,  I was still at the entrance when I heard the judge said that I shouldn’t bother to come and that the case had been settled. I couldn’t believe my ears, I asked the judge to repeat what he said and he said the exact same thing that I should go because the case has been dismissed. I was dumfounded at how the Lord had gone before me to advocate on my behalf.

 Deborah: So many would be asking who is Deborah Olusoga?

 Deborah is that easy going lady but full of life and energy. A true daughter of the Most High God. I love God and I love people around me even though reaching out to many might be a bit challenging but that wouldn’t stop me from loving them. I’m a worshipper, a writer or Christian author. I love motivating people to fulfil their dream and I enjoy propagating the gospel at every slightest opportunity.

Deborah: You shared a few info on the uncooked stage of the song you just released earlier, lets get into it properly, the production process and the feedback you getting upon the release?

 

Getting the song recorded was a sacrifice I had to make at the time I recorded it. I listened to a song by Olan Adefihan titled ‘Let Me Know You’, I love the song and I felt, the sound I just heard sounded similar to the song God gave me, it’s soul stirring and I decided to speak to Olan. He’s also a music producer, I sent him the rough demo of the song to him with my amateur keyboard playing underneath hahahaha. I call myself amateur keyboardist because am still struggling to learn how to play that instrument. We then spoke and arranged a studio date and that was it. Oh! That wasn’t it. Myself and Olan are both busy people, so getting to find a suitable recording date for me wasn’t a joke. At some point, Olan had to give me a push because my first day of visiting him at his studio, I managed to spend 40minutes before I ran away for another appointment. His patience is second to none. Thanks Olan. See you at the Grammy (J . I cannot but thank God for making it possible as the testimony has been amazing, the positive response is beyond me. I thank God I released the song at this unprecedented time too.

Deborah: Following this new single should we expect more releases and probably an album before the end of the year?

 

Wow! Who am I to say no! If God says yes, so watch out! J  I have a lot of songs am yet to record but by God’s grace, I’m planning to start working on them after  the lockdown because its impossible to go to a recording studio at the time.

Deborah: Is your latest single ‘Alagbawi ‘ your first? or you have previously released some records?

No! My first single is titled ‘Mighty God’ it has a simple hallelujah chorus but it’s a song of appreciation unto God for how he has been working with me and transforming my life day by day. I ran into the studio after God restored my voice after 4 months of not been able to speak properly. Doctors and pharmacists prescribed medication did not work, until obedience to a call to minister at a cross over service to the year 2017 gave me the miracle I’ve been praying for. ‘Mighty God’ was produced by the multi award-winning Evans Ogboi. The song actually pass my imagination because the way people received it was just so amazing, testimonies were trooping in even till now. It also won me my first music award. All I could just say is thank you Mighty God.

Someone heard the song and reached out to me that he’s willing to sponsor my music but the stories I’ve read about sponsors made me took to my heels and never return to the sponsor. Hahaha! Well, am still learning on this Gospel Music Ministry journey. Am now open to sponsorship by the way.

2 of my other songs in my EP were produced by Tony Frost. Tony has given me permission to tell people about him and that’s why I would say this, he’s such an amazing man, talented is an understatement. He was born blind, very independent and music is his own way of engaging with the world. I celebrate him and I pray that the Lord would continue to keep him safe. He’s  worked with great talents like Witney Houston and he also has his own band in Kent, UK. He’s one of those who has been encouraging me on this journey.

I released another single titled ‘There is Power in the name of Jesus’ was produced by the Nigerian extraordinaire producer, Sunny Pee based in Abuja.

Am glad with the producers I have worked with, I celebrate them and may God bless them and keep them all.

Deborah: Are we likely to see you star in any tv series or movies in future?

 

Hmmm! Am not very sure but if am called for one, I have the gift. I used to be in the drama ministry with my mum over 2 decades ago but another experience made me run away. I once shared the experience on a tv interview last year.

Deborah: If you are to feature in a duet right now who will it be with and why?

Wow! Is that an open cheque? Hahaha

 

Wow! Nigeria has so many great ministers of the gospel both home and abroad to choose from. I can’t really chose one in particular to be honest because I do things whenever am led to. I have a single that am planning to do with another worshipper, I dreamt about it and hopefully it would come to pass soon. If am to duet with someone right now, I would go for Mali Music J. Mali music attracts youths attention. He tends to use the ‘catch them young’ tactics to draw people closer to God or to freshly introduce Jesus to them and the main focus of this ministry is to bring people to Christ through sounds and spoken words. He also tells story with his music which is also what I found very common in all my songs. They tell stories.

Deborah: What advise will you give to someone who is looking at venturing fully into gospel music?

If God has truly called you into this, you’re fit for purpose. God has seen your tenacity, your authencity, your ability and other good qualities in you. God has qualified you and His grace is made perfect in our weakness. Finally, do not be a waster of the resources that God has poured into you. Go for it and see you at the top. Remember, you cannot run or hide from God. The story of Jonah is a big lesson for us. (Johan 1). I have tried to run from this calling too until I received warning with sings from the Holy Spirit but I thank God I yielded.

Deborah: Are they likely challenges you faced and will like to share so that upcoming will not fall victim?

 

So many challenges really but they’re all common to men as the bible says. Is starts from sending the new music release to people, pleading help me to listen, share. There is also the financial aspect of it when we’re not making the money in return? Promoting the song also which doesn’t come free. All we could ask for is grace and that God will continue to provide all the necessary resources needed for the journey. The scripture also warns that we should not give with the hope of expecting anything in return. There is no going back because if God has called us into this, He would always make a way. Finally, all the challenges prepares us for the future, so count it all joy when you face any challenge.

 

Deborah: How can fans connect with you and find your music

 

 

Facebook: Deborah Olotu-Olusoga

Facebook fans page: Debby Olusoga

Instagram: @debbyolusoga

Twitter: @debbyolusoga

Youtube: Deborah Olusoga

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