• My advice to the upcoming is to continue to rehearse and pray, and also have a close relationship with God... spending as much time with both God as rehearsals.

                  What actually led to your becoming a drummer?

    Paul:Hmm… When I was younger, I used to attend Jesus Family Ministry church, and then, that's where my passion for drumming was conceived… because I would always sit down there, and try doing whatever I would hear or could see the drummers doing. I was mostly surrounded by musicians…

    What Genre of music is your core area of expertise? And how do you always feel while on stage?

    Paul:For now, I do contemporary gospel, and I am a drummer who plays with everything in him... for me it's always about letting God be my inspiration, I tell you, he's the best.

     I have watched most of your gigs, you seem to be an incredible drummer, so tell me, where do you see yourself in the music industry, in the next five years?

    Paul:I see myself far better than where I am presently through God's grace and of course making more cash too.

     Quite a sizeable number of the Nigerian gospel artistes are said not to value instrumentalists; how true is this? Have you ever encountered this problem? What were your reactions and were you able to overcome the negative emotions? Do you think things can change for the better? If yes, how? If no, please tell us why?

    Paul:

    Yes that’s true. Most of them gospel artistes don’t value instrumentalists. They collect huge cash and pay their instrumentalist poorly, and yes I have encountered it well enough. As for my reactions, hmm… in some cases, I would get really sad and wonder why they treat us as such, and then, the negative emotions… well, I always overcame because of God. Though, it can change for the better, if we musicians have one mind; if we can have an association whereby we agree on a standard particular amount of cash, where each artist obeys or goes alone to his or her show, that's the only way.

    Can you mention the names of the artistes who have treated you poorly or badly in the past in the course of your services as a drummer to them? Are there people who have been instrumental to your career success? Can we meet them? How have they contributed to your success or challenges?

    Paul:

    Yes I have met bad people, and I would really not want to mention names, but in our line of work, we encounter our own share of people like that... And yes a lot of people have been instrumental to where I am. First of all, my parents. With all the noise I make, they still let me rehearse in the family house whenever am around. (Smiles…). And then I cannot fail to mention Mr. Oladele Obadimeji (plays for Lagbaja and CPM Hqrs.) He has been a tremendous help to me, meeting him was divine even for the short time we met.. And yes he has contributed to where I am… in short, God has been very faithful… in everything.

     Aside being a professional drummer, do you have other career paths, hobbies or aspirations?

    Paul:Outside drumming I am a business man, I love shoes, and I market them. Mr. Viddawood, you can always send me a picture of what you want and I can get them for you. I also want to go further in music, by being a professional producer too.

    Which Gospel artiste, upcoming or established has affected your life positively ever since you started rendering professional services to gospel artiste? Which artiste do you wish to work with presently?

    Paul:All the artist I work with, are great. From the Music Prophet, to Lekan Oyekanmi, the support has been massive, and the encouragements too. I would love to play for Victoria Orenze, and Dunsin Oyekan, I love their attitude towards God. There are lots of people I would love to play for, but for now, I think they stand out spiritually.

    Do you think people can make a living out of professional drumming?

    Paul:

    Yes o, one can make a living out of professional drumming. But in Nigeria it's, Hmm… It’s not easy o.

    Do you currently belong to any regular band or group?

    Paul:Yes I do work with Flamznation, and of course my Choir. I work with the Lagos provincial Youth choir of LP49

    What is your personal advice to other drummers, both established and upcoming?

    Paul:

    My advice to the upcoming is to continue to rehearse and pray, and also have a close relationship with God... spending as much time with both God as rehearsals.

    Do you rehears at all before your gigs? How long do you rehears? Do you have designated rehearsal venues? What is your biggest inspiration as a drummer?

    Paul:I don't rehearse before any gig, because I have normal times for that, my rehearsal venue is my house, I have a small kit at home, and it usually lasts for about 4hrs, most times.

    It has been an insightful moment with you, Paul. Thank you for your time.

    Paul:Thank you so much, Mr. Viddawood.