MFON IDEMUDIA: It’s difficult to be successful as a female singer

Mfon Idemudia is a renowned gospel singer, songwriter and guitarist. The versatile singer who has performed in several concerts and festivals across the country speaks with Olaitan Ganiu on how she went astray before finding God, spiritual life, inspiration and more.

How did you fall in love with gospel music?

The Lord told me to do it. Initially, for reasons that go back to my childhood, I didn’t want to serve in Church. I was born again, had a great closet experience with the Lord, was paying my tithe, giving sacrificial offerings to Church but I preferred to stay at the back of the Church. At that time I was on a singing contract in Dubai. But the Lord Jesus Christ just wouldn’t let me. Whenever I was cornered into singing in Church, the presence of God manifested mightily. However, I kept running away. My initial disobedience was very costly; at a point, I lost everything. Afterwards, He proved to me beyond a doubt that He had called me to do His work which includes singing to the glory of His name. After I submitted myself to Him, I realised I had been foolish and short-sighted not to have done that earlier. There is no better place to be. And the Lord has proven Himself faithful.

The Lord continually gives inspirations at any time,  in dreams, when I’m with people when I’m alone when I’m praising or worshipping him, when I play the guitar or play around with the keyboard,  at any time. He is God all by Himself indeed.

I have been privileged to feature prominently in several concerts, festivals and events in Nigeria, Africa, Asia, Europe and America, sometimes with several internationally renowned artists and musicians. I have also ministered in several Churches and Church events all over the world.

I am currently the Co-Pastor of Tower of Refuge Church Int’l Geneva, Switzerland where her husband is the Senior and Founding Pastor. We are blessed with beautiful children.

How would you describe your style of music?

I am a vast musician that fell in love with jazz music very early in life but can flow on any kind of music ranging from soft rock to reggae, blues, high life, RnB, techno, salsa, zouk, dance and a host of others. The Lord made me learn how to sing several styles of music during my performing years, so the inspirations are largely influenced by this experience.

What are your strengths as a singer?

Songwriting is definitely one of the very strong highlights. Also, my voice, musical background and experience.

What are the challenges as a woman in the sector?

I think the challenges are similar across the board, and the main issue is finding your feet in a saturated industry.

What motivates you?

I am motivated most importantly by God, then by my love for people and passion for souls. I desire to see people free from the bondage of satan and I am zealous to empty satan’s kingdom of souls.

What are some of the memorable moments in your career?

I have had many memorable moments in my career among especially my years of stage experience in the Benin Republic, Dubai and several other Countries, Africa fête concerts, my time singing with choirs and many more.

Are you currently working on your album now?

Most definitely and I have dropped three songs off the album. The album promises to be life-transforming, impactful and amazing.

In 2003, when I came back to the country, I released my debut album titled ‘Life’ and later followed it up with a single titled ‘Nigeria’ before I dropped  another album called ‘Brand New Page’.

Your job requires you to attend parties, how do you relax?

Parties are great but most times I find myself not attending many of them.

Who are some of your musical heroes?

I am a well-listened person, especially because I spent many years scoring many songs to perform on stage and later to minister in Church. So I have many artists in mind when trying to answer this question. I generally love worship and praise songs so I listen to and appreciate many gospel artists including Nathaniel Bassey, Travis Greene, Sinach, Hezekiah Walker, Isreal Houghton, and many more.

Tell us about your spiritual life?

I love prayer and enjoy spending time with the Lord. I enjoy praising and worshipping God in my closet. It is such a wonderful thing to be one with the one who loves us most! I love to hear His voice and receive His direction. I am sold out to Him and strive to heed His every command. His thoughts for us are of good and not of evil so who else could we possibly and restfully surrender our all to?

What lessons has life taught you?

Hmmm, that God is good and forever faithful, true to His Word. It is better to follow Him because He has the perfect blueprint for our lives. Also, that time with the help of God heals all wounds and makes all things better and clearer.

Where do you see your career in five years?

Wow! In five years, my music and influence will have grown beyond imagination to where God has ordained it to be for with God all things are possible.