What Distinguishes Me From Other Muslim Singers – Aminat Omotayebi
Having her name amongst top Muslim singers in Nigeria and in the Diaspora has given Alhaja Aminat Babalola Balogun a.k.a Omotayebi an unwavering stardom. With over 15 albums to her name and many duet, she has become cynosure of all eyes amongst Islamic music lovers. Her road to stardom, the pains and gains, her projection as regards her musical career in few years to come are all she bared in this interview with AJIBADE ALABI. Excerpts:
The Glitters: The name Omotayebi, how did you come about it?
It’s a stage name. My names are Alhaja Aminat Babalola Balogun. The journey so far has been wonderful in the last 24 years. My fan base transcends across Nigeria and beyond.
The Glitters: What makes your music unique?
I am a Muslim Gospel songstress, my songs and inspiration is from what I read in holy Quran and the teaching of the Holy Prophet (SAW). The holy Quran inspires me and I love doing my things with standards. Our organization is registered under CAC. It is called ‘Al-Galib Music Promotion Ltd’.
Omotayebi has become a brand name in entertainment. I do lots of other things besides music.
The Glitters: Could you expatiate on that?
Islamic music is what I do mainly, but to the glory of God, I anchor engagement programs at weddings, what Yorubas popularly call ‘Alaga Iduro’. I anchor events and act in movies. All these talents are borne out of passion I have for the job. Therefore, Omotayebi as a brand is of many parts.
The Glitters: Who is your mentor?
I have so many people in mind when we talk about mentorship, but the one I cherish and respect most is Alhaji Kamorudeen Odunlami a.k.a ‘Ayeloyun’. He is a wonderful man with a big heart. He took me in and showed me the best way I could go with my bunch of talents.
How many albums do you have to your name?
I have over 15 alums, which include ‘Olohun ranmilowo’, ‘Fere si ise mi’, ‘Maa sorire’, ‘Soro mi dayo’, ‘Oja ayo’, ‘Happy Day’, ‘News’ and others, while ‘Kadara’ is my new album that is marketed by Epsalum films and records.
The Glitters: What makes your new album, ‘Kadara’ different from previous ones?
It is a master piece, the lyrics and instrumental makes it a good content. ‘Kadara’ came with 3 tracks; ‘Kadara’, ‘Eeyan meje’ and ‘Laarin Ota’. Many out there have lost it because they found it hard praying to actualize their destiny and also praying to avert any evil deeds that could jeopardize what has been destined for them. ‘Kadara’; meaning ‘Destiny’ defines what is expected of any believer as regards our existence on earth.
The life we live in is full of mystery and enmity among men. What everybody needs now is God to fight for us when we aren’t conscious of looming danger.
The Glitters: What are the gains and the pains so far?
It has been splendid. Music has been a rewarding venture for me. I can describe it as a special call. God has been wonderful. My versatility on the business has won me many awards and fan base across the globe. Being around for over two decades has paid well and made my music a force to reckon with in Nigerian entertainment industry.
What we need in the industry is total support from government and private individuals. Music is a big and rewarding business that our great country could exploit and make good incomes from. Music is life and it is an avenue for job creation amongst youths and even the older generation.
The Glitters: What is your relationship with ISMAN politics?
Being a versatile musician and the trust my people have in me earned me the position of ‘Ameerah’ of ISMAN, Lagos chapter, an Islamic music group I belong to.
What is your projection in another five years?
Only Allah determines the current and the next minute of every being. He knows what we do not know, but in shaa Allah (by the grace of God), my plan is to take my music to the next level. I want to tour the world with my music. I want to show the world the beauty of Islam via my music.
The Glitters: What is your advice for the upcoming ones in the industry?
They should be focused and always think God first. If you must sing Muslim Gospel, make sure you are vast with the Holy Quran and the teachings of the Holy Prophet (his Hadiths).
There is no gain in being a Muslim Gospel singer without knowing the word of God. We need to be inclined towards it and live it to be better Muslims
