British-Nigerian Gospel Musicians
UK Christian Artists Discuss the African Influences in their Music
Nov 5, 2009
The West African country of Nigeria has churned out the most artists in today’s UK Gospel music scene, from the record-selling Muyiwa and Riversongz to gospel grime artist FaithChild.
Three of these British-Nigerian acts, neo-soul band Four Kornerz, R’n’B and Hip Hop collective GK Real and garage duo Commission tell Suite101 about how being Nigerian influences their music.
Four Kornerz Describe their Nigerian Influences
“I think music and Nigerian culture go hand in hand because like music, Nigerian culture can be expressive and vibrant. Music is in our blood.” says Deji, the lead singer and oldest of the four brothers including TJ, Vidal and Daniel who make up Four Kornerz.
Since winning the GMTV Gospel Challenge in 2003, the band have made an impact nationally and internationally, and their 2007 debut album Soulectric was nominated for a MOBO award. Deji reveals that their love for music began in Nigeria where the brothers spent their childhood before moving to England.
“Growing up in Nigeria, music is not just an art form. It goes beyond faith- it’s a passion, and that shows in our music and our performances,” Deji explains.
“Also the beauty of the Nigerian culture is that the language, clothing, food etc is all about expression, and that is also conveyed in our music. Growing up in the church in Lagos was like boot camp, you learnt to give a 100% when it came to music, having a talent wasn’t enough- you have to be able to bring it to life.”
Four Kornerz and Nigerian Gospel Music
The band have also tried to keep up with the gospel scene back in their country of origin: “I don’t get to follow [Nigerian gospel music] as closely as I’d love to (someone send me CDs please!) I’ve heard Kush, who are absolutely awesome and The Rooftop Mcs which blew me away. We also work regularly with a gospel/jazz saxophonist called Mike Aremu who is based in Lagos and he’s the bomb.” says Deji.
So how do Nigerians view their success? “They think its great that a group of guys who are not originally from Britain can come and gain success here, especially through positive music and lyrics,” says Daniel, the co-vocalist of the group.
Their Nigerian roots is an aspect of their identities that the brothers hold dearly: “There’s the national pride you get from knowing you’re [representing] your country and culture where ever you go. We sometimes feel like ambassadors when we go to foreign countries, and people are excited to know we have African roots!”
How Nigeria Inspires Gospel Group GK Real
And they’re not the only ones putting Nigeria on the map- GK Real (God’s Kingdom is Real) are another group with a Nigerian origin that are making waves in the UK Gospel industry.
Formed in 2002, Gozi, Karl, Remmie, Emmanuel, Ayodele and Lanre got together while still members of their church’s worship team and they have since released their first album It’s All About You in 2004 followed by Not About Me soon after.
Members of the group also grew up with strong Nigerian influences around them, but they are careful to emphasize that their ministry is meant to be a blessing to all nationalities.
“When other Nigerians find out we are all Nigerian it’s an encouragement to them,but we know God has called us to be a blessing to people of all nations because in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, it’s all about Christ who moves through us all. Since Nigeria is the country of our origin we feel the need to especially bless where we come from- we will not forget the rock from which we are hewn from.”
However, this ‘rock’ isn’t always so steady. Although Christians in Nigeria regularly pack churches in their millions and continue to keep church figures up in London, most people in the country live in poverty and reports of corruption within the government is commonplace.
Gospel Grime Artists Commission and their Nigerian Heritage
“There can be a church on every street but if a man’s heart is dark inside it will be dark outside” explains Tope Dibia aka MC Icie, who along with his brother Gabriel, aka Bless MC make up the UK’s foremost garage group Commission.
The duo’s music whose of bold beats and direct lyrics is aimed at a young urban audience and their 2005 single Up 2 U spent three weeks at the top of the UK’s UB1 Hits charts. After a short break, the group returned in 2009 with Take Note taken from their forthcoming album The Alternative.
Although Commission were born and raised in London, they remain proud of their musical roots: “Africans in general seem to gravitate towards music because it is a tool we use to outwardly express that which is within” explained MC Icie.
These second-generation British-Nigerians hope their music will not only help to revitalize the dying faith of Britain, their adoptive home, but also inspire Nigeria to turn its ample faith into constructive action.
“Probably the biggest obstacle to the awesome talent that Nigerian Christian artists have is the platform to showcase that talent to a global audience. Hopefully once God blesses us with the resources, we can do something about that” said Deji.
MC Icie agrees: “I feel we can use [our music] to encourage the youth because a lot of them feel there is no hope for their nation. Hopefully when we go over [to Nigeria] we can see about holding a few seminars on ambition and purpose because the future lies in the next generation.”
And the recent success of British-Nigerian Gospel acts like 2009 MOBO award winner Victizzle and Faithchild, who's album is due out in November 2009 are showing that the future for Nigeria, UK and Gospel music is bright.
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