Talented musician, Yinka Ayefele’s grass to grace story is still making headlines several years after. After his narrow escape from death about fourteen years ago, the fundraiser album and the immense empathy still resonate. Ayefele shares some of the high and low points of his life with LANRE ODUKOYA


MUSIC, NOT MY FIRST LOVE…
Initially, I didn’t have the passion for music. I thought I would become a banker or work in a firm as a clerk. I did not have the intention of going into music at all, even when I was younger as a chorister. I joined the church choir at an early age. My parents did not encourage me to go into music. It was later after the accident that I decided to take up music as my chosen career. I started music in December 12, 1999. It was at the Bitter Experience album launch. I did the launch to raise fund for my treatment. But people kept calling me to request for more copies of the album: “Ayefele we love that album and we need to get more of it”, they would tell me each time they called. And it encouraged me to do more songs and that was why I decided to really go into music. After the launch of the album, a lot of people deposited money for their copies. So, we quickly went back to produce more copies. When I saw the acceptance of the first work, I decided to go fully into music as my chosen career.

ABOUT MY ALBUMS…
I have 15 albums now. For me, there’s no favourite among them. What I do is that I put all my effort in each album.

MY DEFINING MOMENT…
Yes, the day that I had that accident was a turning point in my life. Probably if it did not happen, I would still remain in broadcasting and presenting my programmes on radio - ‘Piri Lologo Nji’, ‘Big Beat’, ‘Lagbo Faaji’ and ‘Temidire’ on as usual. But I would only be known in my jurisdiction there and not be known globally. I started presenting in 1989. That moment truly rewrote the story of my life. I give all glory to God almighty, because it is not easy to be successful in life and God has really been on my side, I must confess. Looking back at 13 years ago when I had the accident, I never knew that I would still be relevant till today. I did not lose hope and I keep doing what I know best (music) and that explains why I’m where I am today. I give Him the glory for bringing me this far.

PECULIAR CHALLENGES…
The challenges that Nigerian musician face is piracy, because we work very hard to produce these works but our efforts are not rewarded enough. I know that my music travel far and wide, but unfortunately for me, I cannot give account of the financial returns I get because of piracy. For instance, the enlightened people on the internet are defrauding us. If you go to the internet, you will see a lot of people selling my works and I don’t know how to nip it in the bud. They are selling it in America and European countries and getting well paid at my expense. That is the major challenge we are facing in the industry. We have been begging the federal government to intervene and invest in the music industry. Doing that alone will make the industry move forward and piracy can be silenced.

COUNTING MY BLESSINGS…
To God be the glory, I have won a lot of awards, I have a brand name that is solid. I have my own studio well equipped. I have travelled far and wide with my band boys. I usually count my blessings and give thanks to the almighty God.
WHAT I OWE MY LATE BENEFACTORS…
Without Kola Olawuyi and Gbenga Adeboye in my life, I may not be alive today. I was working with Kola Olawuyi by supporting his famous programme, Nnkan Nbe when he was alive. I produced the entire musical jingle he used on his programme and I produced theme songs for the programmes as well. For Gbenga Adeboye of blessed memory, I produced Choices, one of his albums. So, these people really exposed me one way or the other and I have a very good relationship with them till death. In my trying times, they stood by me; they supported me financially and morally. I can never forget them in my life and it is a colossal loss to the entertainment industry to lose these titans. Kola Olotu was the one who came to the hospital and when he saw me on my sick bed, he said, “Yinka, why can’t you put some songs together to see how we can raise some funds for you so that you can go abroad for further treatments.” He was the one who suggested it and thank God I heeded his advice and it worked for me and that is why I will forever remain grateful to Kola Olotu.

MY BACKGROUND…
Yinka Ayefele was born in Ipoto Ekiti in Ekiti State. I started my education at Our Saviour’s Anglican Primary School in Ipoti Ekiti, later to Ipoti Community Secondary School and I finished my secondary school education at Ipoti High School. I went in for Political Science at the Ondo State College of Art and Science, but unfortunately for me, due to financial incompetence, I was unable to finish. So, I moved to Ibadan to join the FRCN Ibadan national station and I had the opportunity of presenting. I later became an independent producer till I had the accident in December 12, 1997.

ROLE MODELS…
Late Orlando Owoh, King Sunny Ade, Dr. Ebenezer Obey and IK Dairo of blessed memory are the ones whose music inspires me.

HAPPIEST MOMENT…
My happiest moment is yet to come, I am still hoping for it. But I am happy every day. I have not accomplished my goals. I never knew music would take me this far and I’m grateful to God because I always remember that I am not the only musician in Nigeria, but my music is well accepted by millions of fans. One thing I want you to know is that God favours me a lot and that was why I give praise to Him every time. I will never give up on coming back on my feet, because I am not God and when God says yes, nobody can say no. God has said it to me that I will still work with my two legs through the men of God and I believe strongly in it. More so, I have seen the vision myself, I don’t know when it’s going to be and how it’s going to happen, but God confirmed it to me that it is going to come to past. And God is no man, He doesn’t tell lies and He honours His words more than His name. I’m patiently waiting for the day.

THE JONATHAN HANDSHAKE…
I have never dreamt of shaking any minister in my life let alone the number citizen of our great country, President Goodluck Jonathan. But it recently happened. To be honest with you, on that faithful day that the president shook my hand, what was in my hand fell down. This was because I was very nervous. To me, it was a great privilege and I felt so happy.

MY FAMILY…
We are fine, my wife and my kids; Ayomide and Olumide are doing great.

Destiny cannot be rewritten.I love your music.I pray that the good Lord will meet you at the point of your need.

Its so touching but despite all he faced he still makes wave in the gospel music he focuses on.

I love his lifestyle..God bless u SiR

God is real