Beautiful with a sonorous voice, Philadelphia Ekesiena, popular in the gospel music industry as Philadelphia Kes is an artiste to listen to. From the southern part of Nigeria, specifically Delta State, she holds a BSc in International Economics from the Ternopil National Economic University, Ukraine. In this interview, she speaks on her love for good music, how a graduate of International Economics can become a gospel musician and her recent project.
Tell us how a graduate of International Economics ended up being a gospel musician.
It’s my love for music, good music I must say. I love good music, fashion, intellectual conversations, and honest people. When I’m not singing, I’m checking out new fashion styles, trends and all. So, my love for good music led me to this path.
How did music start for you?
Like most successful musicians, it started in the church. I literary grew up in the church. I joined the children’s choir at a very tender age and became one of the best at the time. Well, as a child I did music for fun, I didn’t think of becoming a professional someday, but I kept sharpening up the craft. While in high school, I still kept at it. It was at the university when I went to study hoping that I would someday become an Economist that I realised that my love for music was beyond just doing it for fun and that I’d like to do it full time. So, my undying love for music inspired my decision to go into it fully.
Did joining the church choir at a very tender age influence your genre?
Yes, it did. Gospel music is everything I’ve known as a child up until now even though I listen to diverse genres. So yeah, the love for gospel came naturally.
How far can go with names such as Sinach, Frank Edward, Tim Godfrey, and the likes already known?
I have a sound I’m set to project, I want to be as original as possible, with that I’m sure I’ll stand out and in turn break even. I’m sold out to making Jesus famous through my songs as that’s the whole essence of salvation. I see myself proclaiming the name of Jesus around the world and anywhere my feet step on.
What challenges have you encountered in your career?
It’s not easy putting out good music. Having to keep up with financial commitments has been a major challenge. I mean the whole process of producing, engineering, promoting. However, somehow, God has been making a way.
It’s a given that International Economics has taken the back seat for now, what height do you hope to take your career?
The peak. Own or co-own a record label someday where I can sign upcoming artistes to relief them from some of the stress I’m passing through now. I would also want to help young artistes so that music-making can become easier and fun-filled.
Do you see yourself achieving this dream with the challenges in the Nigerian gospel music industry?
Most certainly. Achieving a set goal makes me happy, and until I achieve it, I am driven. We must understand that gospel music in Nigeria is still growing. It has got a lot of potentials even across West Africa and the entire world. We have a lot of very talented gospel artistes presently, but we need help in the area of awareness, promotion, distribution, and production. Media houses need to promote gospel artistes and the genre of music more, and of course, we’ve got room to improve. So, yeah it is achievable.
Who do you look up to for inspiration in the gospel music industry?
I love Maranda Curtis, when I grow up I want to be like her. I love Efe Nathan as well, her vocal strength is one which I covet. So I keep working hard every day.
You recently released a single titled “He Came Through”, is there a story to that song?
There was a time in my life when depression, regular mood swings were the order of the day. Then my cousin came up with the song and we co-wrote it, and that was how I was able to express myself through the lyrics of the song.
How challenging was it to write the song knowing it was your personal experience?
It took about five years because we had the song since my university days and decided to revamp it four years after graduation.
Are you looking at dropping a complete body of work anytime soon?
Yes, of course, a couple of other songs are cooking already, and eventually, I will drop something for my fans.
On a lighter note, you seem to have a sense of fashion, tell us about it.
I’m very good with clothes, fashion generally such that I have plans to set up a fashion outfit soon.
The best musicians play an instrument, what do you play?
For now, I don’t play any.
You are a beautiful lady; what would your ideal man look like?
God-fearing, intelligent and tall. I also dislike virtues like lies, deceit, backbiting, and extortion.
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