Tosin Omojola: From journalism to gospel music

A seasoned sports journalist and media consultant, Tosin Omojola, has answered a calling that has been close to his heart since his youthful days.

Omojola, who recently served as the Media Officer of Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan and currently works with Western Post, has ventured into gospel music with the release of his debut project, Praise Explosion One, on Audiomack.

In this interview with journalists, Omojola speaks about his career in the media industry, his passion for gospel music and his journey into the world of music. Excerpts:

What is the title of your latest musical project, and is it an album?

It is not exactly an album. I would describe it as a prelude to the album that is coming. It is like a project ahead of the main album.

The project is titled Praise Explosion One, and it marks the beginning of what I believe God has called me to do through music.

Before music, you were a journalist and sports administrator. Could you tell us about your background?

I have been a journalist since my youthful days. I worked with various newspapers majorly the Nigerian Tribune and later the Western Post, which is now an online publication. I also worked with individuals, including working as the media aide to Engineer Femi Babalola Jogor when he wanted to contest for the governorship seat of Oyo State.

I lately served as the Media Officer of Shooting Stars Sports Club and was involved in sports administration. I served as Secretary of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo state chapter.

How did you find your way from journalism into gospel music?

I would say it is a calling. It is something God laid in my heart right from my youthful days.

I have been a choir leader and along the line I discovered that I had a gift for composing songs. Sometimes songs come to me while I am walking or even sleeping. About 90 per cent of the songs on this project are songs I composed myself.

So, it has been God.

The Bible says in 1 Peter 4:10 that everyone should use whatever gift he has received to serve others as a faithful steward of God’s grace. I believe this gift is something I must use for God’s purpose.

What genre of music do you perform, and what is the central message behind your music?

It is gospel music. It is not primarily about entertainment. My major focus is to praise God, irrespective of the situation.

The songs are filled with praise, and through them I want to preach the gospel, uplift people and strengthen their faith. Psalm 150:6 says, “Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.” That is part of what drives the project.

Why did you choose the title Praise Explosion One?

The title reflects the direction of the project. It is about praise and celebrating God.

It is also the beginning of a journey. As I said earlier, this is a prelude to the main album that is coming.

Will you perform only in churches?

No. I can perform outside the church as well. I can perform at weddings, burial ceremonies and other appropriate occasions.

However, people should understand the kind of songs I sing before inviting me. My music is gospel-centred, and that is the message I want to communicate wherever I perform.

What message do you want people to take away from your music?

My message is simple: people should come to Christ and know Christ.

I also want people to understand that talents are given to us for a purpose. Whatever gift God has given you, you should use it.

Initially, I resisted the idea because there are already many gospel singers. I asked myself why I should enter into a field where so many people are already doing the same thing. But the more I resisted, the more I felt that God was reminding me that this was my calling.

The Bible says in 2 Timothy 1:6 that we should “stir up the gift of God.” That is what I am trying to do.

What is your major motivation — ministry, passion or financial returns?

My major motivation is to heed the call of God. It is not primarily about money.

Of course, there are expenses involved in producing music, and if God brings financial returns through it, I will appreciate that. But that is not the reason I started.

The conviction I have is that God is saying, “Go and do this; go and do that for Me.” My responsibility is to obey.

The Bible says in 1 Samuel 15:22 that to obey is better than sacrifice. For me, obedience comes first.

What would you say to those afraid to take the first step toward their calling?

I will advise them not to ignore the gift God has given them. They should seek God, develop the gift and use it for the right purpose.

Do not allow fear or the fact that other people are already doing something similar to discourage you. Everyone has a unique assignment.

In my own case, my greatest challenge was not discovering the gift; it was accepting the responsibility that came with it. Eventually, I realised that I had to obey the call.

Finally, what should people expect from Tosin Omojola and Praise Explosion One?

They should expect music that praises God, strengthens faith and points people towards Christ.

Praise Explosion One is only the beginning. I believe there is more to come, and I want everything I do through music to fulfil the purpose for which God gave me the gift.