I rarely take no for an answer. Words from Nigerian born, multi-talented Music minister, worship leader and On air personality, Opera David. On her “Celebrity of the week” exclusive interview with www.nGospelmedia.net Star Host, Sammy Sas.
Sammy Sas: Please can we meet you?
Opera David: I am Opera David – Benson. A Gospel music minister, On air personality and an entrepreneur.
Sammy Sas: Tell us about your early days in life growing up?
Opera David: I was born to the family of Mr and Mrs Aigbirior.. My Dad is a music coach who plays all instruments so having that background for me played a role in my passion for music.. My parents are God fearing and they instilled that in me.. though it took a while for me personally to give my life to Christ but that foundation was the bedrock I needed. I didn’t think I’ll be in music back then, though when I was a kid o.. I always thought I’d be a model, then a dancer, then actress.. Hahaha then finally I found myself..
Sammy Sas: So at what point did you realized you wanted to do music?
Opera David: Well I won’t say I know the exact point but I’ll say.. I was in love with music deep down all along. But I’d say I took it seriously at my university level.. First year. I join a good choir, then eventually became a choir director.. Then it led to my first single.. Then here we are.
Sammy Sas: Awesome! So tell us about your achievement’s, since the inception of your professional career?
Opera David: For me the greatest achievement is the impact God has used me to have on the lives of people when I minister. I have other beautiful moments but I am that type of lady that focuses on the grounds to conquer and not look much at the conquered territories.. But indeed am not where I used to be. God has been faithful to me.. I say this ‘cos I mean it. And yeah I have an album and a few songs out there.. But it’s all God
Sammy Sas: So tell me what type of music do you do?
Opera David: I do almost all styles of music but my content is gospel.. I don’t yet do Fuji. For me, I get songs from God in what ever way they come and I interpret it.. But my strengths will be reggae, soft rock and R n B.
Sammy Sas: So with your experience as a Gospel music minister, what do you think is the major challenge with the Nigerian Gospel music industry?
Opera David: Hmmmm I would say 1- support from the church. I wish churches who have people serving in the music department could spot those with a drive and support financially and otherwise.. Usually it’s after the artist has struggled to make a name that they now come in.. I wish things could be different.. Some are doing it, I wish others could join. Also we don’t have a good structure…
Sammy Sas: Is there a chance of the Nigerian Gospel music, getting to the Grammy’s, with the current set of artistes we have presently in the country?
Opera David: Yes!! A very big chance.. Things are progressing and I know in a short while, this will be a norm in the Nigerian scene.. By God’s grace I’ll be among those who will get it.
Sammy Sas: Amin!…… if you are asked to have a collaboration with three secular musicians, who would you pick?
Opera David: Hahaha that’s a weird question.. But I’d say Timi Dakolo because of his uniqueness and deep songs, Yemi Alade because people say we look alike and she makes crazy hairstyles like me.. (she is copying me) and erm Pathoranking because he does reggae ragga.. Hahaha
Sammy Sas: But wait o,Yemi Alade resemble you o
Opera David: Yeah, so people always say
Sammy Sas: So on a scale of 1-10 how much do you know your culture and traditions?
Opera David: Wow I’ll say 2 ‘cos I pay more attention to Jesus culture and not mine.. I don’t know much. It’s just dem say dem say I know. Lol..
Sammy Sas: Which ethnic group/state are you from?
Opera David: Esan Central LG of Edo state
Opera David: My village is Erhuekpen
Sammy Sas: Which local meal can you prepare very well?
Opera David: Hmmmm I like okro soup.. And I hear my people like it, so I can make that well.. I basically cook varieties of food but I don’t know if it is particularly from my place. My dad always loved okro soup dou.. Hahaha
Sammy Sas: Your favourite colour?
Opera David: It used to be green. But now I’m yet to find a new one. I guess sea green. Lol.
Sammy Sas: All na Green!
Sammy Sas: If you were to be an animal,which animal would you be?
Opera David: I’ll be a lion. I love being in charge rather
Sammy Sas: Who are your role models in both Ministry and Media?
Opera David: In media I’ll say Steve Harvey. Yes he is a comedian who hosts an amazing show. But for me, I admire his balance. He is born again yet affecting lives all over.. In music yes.. It’s hard to have a role model for a long time cos for me it’s more of people who inspire me that can be my model and I keep aiming higher and higher. For now (foreign ) it’s, Maranda Willis, Tye Tribbet and Jessica Reedy.. Oh I love Jessica Reedy so much.. In Nigeria right now, it’s just Nathaniel Bassey and Solomon Lange.
Sammy Sas: What is your favourite quote?
Opera David: All things are working together for my good… I don’t do quotes.. I do scriptures.. Sincerely can’t remember any solid quote. The word is both my meditation and quote.
Sammy Sas: Apart from Jesus,who is your favourite character in the Bible?
Opera David: It has to be Paul because of all the things he did or went through for our Lord Jesus and he is a dogged and seemingly stubborn man. Just like me.. I rarely take no for an answer..
Sammy Sas: What’s your favourite Bible verse?
Opera David: I don’t really have one.. I keep discovering new parts of the word.. So the Bible is just my favorite book.. That’s all I can say..
Sammy Sas: Where do you see your career in five years time?
Opera David: By God’s grace I’ll be a house hold name in Africa and beyond with so many people around the world impacted by my music and ministry. With my God all things are possible like very possible.
Sammy Sas: So what’s your advice to aspiring Gospel ministers in diaspora?
Opera David: My advice is to hold your first conviction about your music close. Don’t loose the first assignment you were given and stay closer to the master than the crowd. Above all be patient knowing that God not the pastor or host is your source. Be focused.
Sammy Sas: So how can your fans reach you on social media?
Opera David: You can contact me via all social media with the name : IamOpera David on all or call +2347032922711. Also you will get links to download my songs on these platforms.
Sammy Sas: So finally your last words to your fans?
Opera David: I really want to thank everyone who has supported my music in any way. But I want you to know that with God in me everything is still possible. Expect the norm and barriers to be broken with my ministry. By God’s grace am going to blaze many trails. I believe I can through Christ who strengthens me. We haven’t seen anything yet trust me. God bless you.
Sammy Sas: Amen Amen Amen! Sammy Sas: Thank you so much for your time Sis
Opera David: You are welcome. Thanks for the privilege.
I know you must have enjoyed this interview, therefore make it a date with me next week on your No1 International Urban Gospel blog www.nGospelmedia.net for participation and inquiries call/WhatsApp +2347068211976 Facebook Sammy SAS Twitter @RealSammySAS. have a glorious week ahead. You will be fine. Deuces!