I Had the Privilege of Hearing My Granddad Sing

gramme. While there, I ministered a song on the second day of the programme titled ‘Take It’ and he was so touched that he flung his car key to me and said ‘take it’. That was my first car – a brand new Toyota Muscle. When we got back to Lagos, I was with my family rejoicing and later on while I was praying, the Holy Spirit told me that was no my car and told me to give it out. So I gave it out as a seed. When the news got to Dezman that I had given out the car he gave me, he called me to confirm. The next thing he did was ask me to go to his garage and pick any car of my choice and when I got there, there were big pretty and slick cars but I chose a small one I could maintain, a Toyota Sport 2005 version. He then asked why I preferred that among all the cars I saw and I replied him that it was the one I believe I was capable of maintaining. He was impressed and promised to be giving me a car every year. And that’s how it’s been.

Which of your songs would you consider the biggest?

All the songs are big because they glorify God. I started with ‘David Dance’, then Lambano and then Igara. Let me say Igara opened some doors. It brought the street to the church and took the church back to the street, , but the song gJ Jehovah brought the money. Another one is still coming; so it is from glory to glory. I can’t say one particular one is the biggest.

How effective has the Street Gospel Movement been?

It has been amazing because taking gospel music to the streets has wowed many people who had no idea that gospel music can be fun and done in an exciting manner. Consequently, we have people who have joined us. We set up our band in the streets, go to them where they smoke and drink and share with them. I don’t have to condemn them in what they do because I do not come with a message of condemnation but that of good news. So they easily accept Christ. We therefore need to be creative in taking our music to the world. And Christ can trend better and indeed should. To buttress this, MTV Base in one of their programmes used the Igara song. It was Igara that was playing in the background. I’m not sure it has ever happened before. So yes, we can do more as gospel artistes to attract young ones to Christ and away from immoral inclinations with our music, through creative ways.

Apart from the music business, what other business are you involved in?

I have a clothing line called JAGS Wear, I have TMJ Audio; these are branded music speakers. There is also TMJ Gas, a retail gas outlet. These are all small businesses meant to service the common people and encourage them. I also have my band ‘The Testifiers Band’. We play in weddings, birthdays and other events.

How do you contend with the distraction or attraction from women?

I see them as blessings. You don’t want to go to any show and see only men. It depends on how you see them. For me they are no distraction.

Are you in any relationship? When are the bells ringing?

I am not mar- ried but I know one day I will when the time is right. I am not into any relationship either and I am not searching. For now, I am more focused on soul winning. It’s all about the gospel and also about my career. It’s an opportunity I have been searching and waiting for, so I am taking full advantage of it.

Where do you see Mr. JAGA in the next 5 to 10 years?

Mr. JAGA in the next 5 to 10 years will become one of the greatest, impactful, creative and richest musicians across the globe.

What are your hobbies and how do you wind down?

I love boxing. I love cooking and I am still a studio rat. I love to make people laugh all the time. I love music and wind down with music.

Is there any message to young aspiring gospel artistes and your teeming fans out there?

For the aspiring gospel artiste, I’ll say don’t try to run faster than your shadow. Don’t imagine you’d just wake up one day and become a superstar without working towards it. Most important of all, have God and give Him prominence in your so song g and in all yo you do. oo For my y fans, s, yo you are all wonderful. Always remember, Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.