Last month, we interviewed Love Abolade, a musical powerhouse and a lover of God. We had an insightful conversation on the ministry and the importance of understanding one’s calling in life.

Chief Editor: Can you give us a quick background? Who is Love Abolade?

“My name is Love Babatunde Abolade, from Abeokuta, Ogun State. I was born into a family of singers, so music has always been a part of me. I started singing very young and went professional while in the university at OAU.

Right now, I serve at Celebration Church International, and beyond music, I genuinely love the Lord. My hobbies are service and adventure, just not when it comes to food, I’m not adventurous there.

C.E: Tell us more about your family’s influence on your music.

Both my parents lead choirs in their churches. They sang professionally too, as part of a live band that played at events, and so music was everywhere in my home, growing up. Every member of my family, even extended, is musically inclined. Growing up around harmonies, rehearsals, and live music stirred something in me. Long before I encountered the spiritual side of music, I simply loved how music sounded and how it made me feel.

But I still had to work hard to develop myself to the point where I could sing professionally. I tried a lot of other businesses and career paths in school, but nothing worked apart from music. Today, I understand that it’s because music is the call of God for me, and I would not have been fulfilled in any other field.

C.E: There’s an ongoing debate about Afro-gospel. Some say Afro-gospel artists shouldn’t call themselves ministers. What do you think?

I believe every believer has a mandate to share the Gospel. There are two main ways it spreads: through road-side evangelism, which the church does so effectively, and then, through what I call the “influence side of evangelism.” That’s where Afro-gospel comes in.

Not everyone will respond immediately to someone walking up to them with a Bible, but music can reach people in places we can’t physically enter. Through artists like Greatman Takit, Prinx Emmanuel, and every HolySpirit inspired minister, Afro-gospel has the potential to thrive in mainstream spaces, even on top charts, while still carrying the message of the gospel. For me, as long as Afro-gospel stays true to the Word, it remains very important.

C.E: How do you balance staying trendy with Afrobeats while not sounding “too much like the world”?

For me, consecration and accountability are key. I have a Bible-believing church and spiritual covering over me, so I’m never without guidance. Beyond that, God has called us to dominate. That means we can take sounds and artistic expressions that might be associated with the world and turn them around for Jesus.

Think of Yoruba oríkìs: many were originally used to praise traditional gods, but when redeemed, they became powerful tools to glorify Christ. That’s exactly what we’re doing with Afro-gospel. The Holy Spirit makes our music excellent and impactful, and through it, seeds are sown in people’s hearts, even unconsciously.

Watch her Video with Abbey Tee on YouTube

C.E: I came across your performance at GGTQ 2023. What was that experience like, and how did it impact you as a music minister?

Gospel Groove Talent Quest (GGTQ) is a talent show for Christian ministers, organized by eezee conceptz. It aims to identify and nurture Christian ministers in the music industry, for sustainable growth and expansion. GGTQ was a turning point for me. It involved a five-week retreat, and it changed my life as a believer, a minister, and even in the business of music. It shifted my attention away from the glitz and glamour of the music scene, and helped me to understand the importance of service. That season shaped a lot of decisions that were pivotal for my life.

C.E: What do you think is the biggest challenge for singers who aren’t signed to a label?

One big challenge is support. My advice is: seek out people who believe in your gift and can invest in it. Be diligent. Build quality, organic relationships, without ulterior motives. Serve wholeheartedly, because service connects you to people God has placed in your path.

Pastey and Love Abolade

I personally have been carried by my church and my pastor. My life is rich because of the people in my assembly. And above all, always make sure you’re giving out value.

C.E: Finally, what advice do you have for Afro-gospel ministers?

Spend your time at the feet of Jesus. Your secret place is where you get your strength, and you should spend most of your time there, deepening your love for Jesus. Avoid everything that can hurt your relationship with the Lord, and keep believing in his unfailing word.

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