I’ve always known how to dance but I didn’t want to dance to secular songs so finding out fast beat afro songs was relieving’ Ujunwa shared as she talked about Afro-Gospel industry with our correspondent.
AGM: Pease introduce yourself
Ujunwa: Hi. My name is Ujunwa. I’m a believer and a minister through dance. I’ve been a dance minister since 2016. I also lead an NGO for children that caters to their social life.
AGM: What do you think about the Afro-gospel culture especially in Nigeria?
Ujunwa: It has really grown. To be honest, I’m impressed at the level of growth and global recognition it has experienced these last few years. We have moved from not just producing slow and “very spiritual” songs to producing spiritually edifying songs around different areas of life such as love(my favorite), friendship, just vibes, and fast beat songs.
AGM: When was your first Introduction to Afro-Gospel Songs? How did you feel about it?
Ujunwa: My first introduction to Afro-Gospel songs was in November 2016. Well, I enjoyed it. I’ve always known how to dance but I didn’t want to dance to secular songs so finding out fast beat afro songs was relieving.
AGM: Quite a number of afro gospel songs are ampiano. Don’t you think it is controversial to use beats specifically known for secular songs sing edifying songs?
Ujunwa: Hmmm… It is controversial no doubt but then again according to Wikipedia, “Amapiano, a Nguni word loosely translated to “the pianos”, is a subgenre of house music that emerged in South Africa in the mid-2010s. It is a hybrid of deep house, jazz, and lounge music characterised by synths and wide percussive basslines”. For me, amapiano is like every other genre of music that could be used for any type of song. I think the choice of using amapiano should be dependent on the consecration of the artist.
AGM: Is afro gospel songs edifying? Is that even a debate for Christians?
Ujunwa: Lol… Yes, it is, please. I’ve learnt that our consecration to God differs from each other. Depending on the call on your life, God will demand certain consecrations. Some believers cover their heads, do not wear earrings or any jewellery as their personal consecration.
AGM: People say most Afro-gospel artists are not so Spiritual, because of their choice of Lifestyle, tinted hair, earrings, and tattoos, what do you think about this?
Ujunwa: Some are not spiritual actually. But then again some of them are and you can see the fruits. Outer appearance is important but not as important as the heart, however, I believe everything should be done in order.
AGM: Who are your favorite Afro-gospel singers and why
Ujunwa: Greatman Takit, Limoblaze, Prinx Emmanuel, Folabi Nuel, Ada Ehi, Angeloh
I love their songs! I love how they communicate the scriptures in their song. I love how they have yielded to be used by God to give us different genre of gospel songs. Their beats too🔥🔥🔥🔥
AGM: If you have to meet any of them today, who would you love to meet and why?
Ujunwa: It’s hard to pick just one but I’ll go with Greatman Takit or Limoblaze or Angeloh. I’m most fascinated about their journey into Afro-gospel.
About Ujunwa
Ujunwa Igwenagu is a dynamic leader and advocate for proper training for children. She graduated from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife with a degree in Accounting. Moving forward, she found her footing in the nonprofit space by focusing on the socio-development of the African child. As the founder of The Future Academy Africa, she has with her team demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the future of society through their high impact contribution into the social life of children and teenagers through coaching, mentoring and support. One of their major contributions to the nonprofit sector highlighted here is their “Summer Outreach Program”; this project employs active collaboration with school administrators to engage students in confidence building exercises as well as activities that affirm their self esteem and true identity.
With a background in marketing, Ujunwa has been instrumental in driving fundraising and operations functions within the organization and beyond. Ujunwa is a key team asset for developing and implementing successful marketing campaigns which increase awareness and support for the mission of teams who have worked with her. When she is not rendering the necessary support to individuals or teams, Ujunwa can be found ministering and teaching dance to individuals of every age. With a smile that lights up every space, she believes that everyone has a potential worth rooting for.
Check out our previous interview with Esther, here
