The Philippines gave me more than I expected, now am known all over the Country. Word’s from Nigerian born, International music Superstar, Moses Akoh. On his exclusive celebrity of the week interview with www.ngospelmedia.net Star Reporter, Sammy Sas.
Sammy Sas: Please can we meet you?
Moses Akoh: My name is Moses Akoh Oche. I am from Benue state, Nigeria. I am studying in the Philippine, taking up Human Resources Development Management. I am in my final year
Sammy Sas: Interesting… So when did you realized you had a passion for music?
Moses Akoh: I was 14 years old when God gave me the gift of singing. I went for a Teenagers Camp and I asked God for a gift and He he gave me the passion for music, but it remained a passion until I put in the hard work of making my passion to become excellent. And I am still on that path of constant searching for excellence.
Sammy Sas: What type of music do you do?
Moses Akoh: Rnb, Pop, Hip hop, Jazz, Rock and Soul.
Sammy Sas: Nice… So you do the secular type of music?
Moses Akoh: My Faith in The Gospel of Jesus places a limit to what I sing, because Everything that comes out of me must give Him Glory, therefore, I am very selective about secular songs. I believe singing a love song about a woman is permissible, however When it starts to degrade her and make her a sexual object, then the I me, has been crossed for me. So my answer to your question is I have limits to the secular songs I can do.
Sammy Sas: Why so much passion for the Gospel industry, when the secular musicians are making global headings and getting most of the mega contracts?
Moses Akoh: Because I believe in Jesus and His Gospel. What does it profit anyone to gain the while world and loose his soul? The Grammy’s and all that don’t matter. People with all those awards have all the power and fame, but are empty and we commit suicide. I’d rather hold on to the Gospel of Jesus that lasts forever than sign mega contracts and still loose my soul. Jesus is all that matter. It doesn’t have to be the same with everybody, but it is the path I have chosen.
Sammy Sas: So tell us about the few major achievement you have enjoyed, since the inception of your career till date?
Moses Akoh: Most of my achievements have been here in the Philippines. Nigeria have me only a few opportunities, but the Philippines gave me more than I expected, and now I am known all over the country, because of my various TV appearances and MTV Asia guesting.
Some of my achievements and things I do are:
- AbsCbn’s ILoveOpm Finalist,
- Session Back up singer for OPM(Original Filipino Music) Artists,
- Worship Team Trainer and Music Clinician,
- Intern at Concentrix Corporation, Philippines,
- High School Musical Live on Stage West Africa Cast, 2009
- Opening act for Chris Brown Live in the Philippines, 2015. And so on…
Sammy Sas: With your international experience, what do you feel is the major challenge in the Nigeria gospel industry?
Moses Akoh: The challenge is that they are limited to only the American Black Gospel style. There are more genres to explore. I mean, We can use current pop music sounds to write Christian songs and or inspirational songs to them. Also, we need to start thinking outside the box of what we know in Nigeria, to a more broader sense of music. There is more going on outside Nigeria. Finally, it is high time Nigeria song writer on the whole, learnt how to write poetically and not just repetitively
Sammy Sas: If you are asked to record with three secular musicians, local or international act, who would you pick?
Moses Akoh: Tu face, Jasmine Sullivan and Chris brown
Sammy Sas: What was the most embarrassing moment of your career?
Moses Akoh: Forgetting my lyrics during a show
Sammy Sas: Lol… when you won’t find it funny at all..
Moses Akoh: Very embarrassing hahaha
Sammy Sas: So on a scale of 1-10, how well do you know you culture and tradition?
Moses Akoh: 8
Sammy Sas: Which local meal can you prepare very well?
Moses Akoh: Egusi soup and Eba
Sammy Sas: Na So!…… Tell me, who are your role-models?
Moses Akoh: My Mother, Mary Enenche and my Uncle, Dr. Pastor Paul Enenche
Sammy Sas: So is there a possibility of you going into full time ministry, like your uncle Dr Paul Enenche?
Moses Akoh: I am already doing full time ministry. I don’t get what you mean.
We all have been called to full time ministry, whether in the church or outside the church. If you believe in Jesus, you represent him everywhere and in what you are gifted with. Mine is music and worship leading. For my uncle, it is teaching and preaching. That’s his calling.
Sammy Sas: Its we’ll. Wanted knowing if you would someday pastor a church?
Moses Akoh: No. I won’t
Sammy Sas: So what has been the hallmark of your career?
Moses Akoh: I think It is my ability to connect with all kinds of people from all over the world. I am able to influence and relates with all races.
Sammy Sas: What’s you favorite colour and meal?
Moses Akoh: My colours are weird hahaha, I love black and white, and anything checkered.
On a whole, anything that matches, I would match it perfectly … And my favourite meal is eba and egusi soup.
Sammy Sas: Where do you see your career in five years, from now?
Moses Akoh: I have a world vision. I believe my sound is not just local, but it is international. So I am making moves to have me on the world stage. The world needs the Gospel, therefore, I must go into the world and preach the Gospel of peace, love and compassion. In five years, I see myself on the international scene.
Sammy Sas: Amen… So tell us, are you a Husband material or a serving Husband?
Moses Akoh: I don’t understand what you mean by husband material and serving material.
Sammy Sas: lol…. Bros!…. Single or married?
Moses Akoh: Single
Sammy Sas: Whats your advice to aspiring, upcoming Gospel musicians?
Moses Akoh: Humility is a journey and not a destination. It is a lifetime pursuit. So for fellow Artists and upcoming ones, humility is a key to progress. A good skill and talent can take anyone to the top, but only a good character and attitude will sustain him at the top.
Anyone who will fly, must learn to crawl first. He or she must learn to pay dues to people who have gone ahead of them. My advise is anyone who wants to be great is for them to know that greatness is already inside them, but service to humanity, love and compassion is what will fine tune the greatness and bring out the best in them
Sammy Sas: What’s your favorite quote?
Moses Akoh: “The way up, is down”.
Sammy Sas: So how can your fans reach you on social media?
Moses Akoh: Facebook: Moses Oche Akoh, Instagram: Mosesakoh
Sammy Sas: Apart from Jesus, who is your favorite character, in the Bible?
Moses Akoh: Jesus
Sammy Sas: Apart from Jesus?
Moses Akoh: lol Jesus bro
Sammy Sas: lol….. Finally, your last words for your fans out there.
Moses Akoh: To my fans out there, Thank you all for the support and love. I am nothing without Jesus Christ who I follow and serve. I want you all to know that it is only what you do for God that last. Last, watch out for more music from me.
Sammy Sas: Thank you so much for your time Moses.
Moses Akoh: The pleasure was mine. Thank you too.
I know you have enjoyed this interview, make it a date with me, next week on your favorite NgospelMedia – No. 1, International Urban Gospel Blog. For more info follow Me @RealSammySAS Till next week, have a Blissful Week Ahead, Deuces!
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