Excel Set to Release Her Gospel CD Celebrating God’s Excellence!

Seriously, when you are looking for an unassuming person, look no further! If you seek someone with the beauty of God radiating all around, we are glad to introduce to you, South Africa based Nigerian Gospel Artist, EXCEL. A lady that continues to dazzle the Christian music industry with her voice and style. Naija Chit-Chat wasted no time in setting up an Exclusive Interview with her. Enjoy the chit-chat as sent in by our Representative in the Rainbow country, Mantombi Makhubele.

Give us a little info about your person; like Background

My name is Excel Emoshoke Elijah; but I only use my first name, EXCEL in my music carrer.  I’m a Nigerian, born into a Royal family of Auchi in Edo state. My father was a pastor who departed this world some 7 years ago, my mum still lives and doing great works in God’s Vineyard as a Pastor.  As children, we are 7 in number and by the special grace of God, we are blessed and doing well.

I did my primary education in Kano State (Northern Nigeria) while my secondary education was in Auchi where I also obtained my Higher National Diploma in Auchi Polytechnic in Marketing/ Business Administration.

How long have you been in music and what are your motivations?

I have being in the music industry for 10yrs.

Has gospel music always been your first choice or it is just something you dabbled into?

Gospel music has always being my choice of music; it’s my own way of wining souls into God’s Kingdom and giving people hope that Jesus cares through the songs that I sing.

You are a Nigerian, what prompted your relocation to South Africa?

South Africa has always been a country I love so much; it’s my dream country. I’ve always loved the people, the colorful traditional wears, language, people and the way they sing and dance.  In 2010 my father in the-Lord and Mentor, Apostle Johnson Suleman, sent for me and told me that I’ll be joining the team he is sending to South Africa to start a branch of the church, Omega Fire Ministry. It became a dream come true for me; here I was, falling in love with a country I have never been to and her people and God divinely using someone to send me there! That was how I came into South Africa in August 8^th 2012.

You have some songs on ReverbNation that really made Christians take a second look at you; what is the story behind the flavor in your songs?

The story behind my story is the special grace of God. He loves me so much. When I look back from where I came from and my present state, I cannot but to give the Lord all the praise with every fiber of my being hence all I can do is to express it through my songs.

Mantombi Makhubele & Excel

You were once #1 in the ReverbNation Charts for Nigeria for quite some time before changing your Country to South Africa. We have observed you have not climbed to #1 in South Africa. Is it fair to say the music industry is tighter than Nigeria?

Yes, I was No. 1 on the RevebNation Charts for Nigeria for quite some time. However since I am based in South Africa, I decided to change my country to where I live. God has been faithful thus taking me to No. 1 within a week and remaining there for over a month; it was quite an experience because Nigeria has thousands, if not millions of gospel Artists and to become No. 1 in a short time, was quite a blessing and an experience.

I wouldn't say the music industry in South Africa is tighter than Nigeria because music depends on the efforts you put in it.

We see there is a big thing coming up for you on April 20, 2014. Give us the full gist.

I’m so excited because on that day, my CD will be officially released! I will also be having a Concert on that special day in my life, April 20th. God laid in my heart for a very long time to put up a Concert and have my CD released as a joint project. I am about to move into a new phase in my life, and as I take this next step by obeying the call of God, as a Worship Leader with a mandate to recruit and develop an army of worshipers, that will worship Him in spirit and in truth. The Concert and CD release event is tagged. "In The Throne Room"

People are excited and looking forward to it. My father in the-Lord Apostle Johnson Suleman gave me his blessings and support and also my pastor here in south Africa Pastor Emma and Tomi Sule also gave me their blessings and great support as well. My church Omega Fire Ministry is also not left out, the members are so excited and supporting me in their own little way. I feel so happy and honored knowing I’m loved and cared for and people are celebrating the grace of God in my life. I’m truly blessed!

So who are the other Artists coming to share the stage with you? Tell us about them

Wow...... what excited me the most is that God presence will definitely be manifested. As you can see, It’s actually going to be an international event with great ministers of God sharing the stage to give God all the praise. Four of the Artist South African based and the other Two are coming in from Nigeria a week before the programme. The amazing part of it is that they are footing their expenses; this is another show of God’s love upon my life. They just want to support their sister and friend in the gospel music industry I am so proud yet humbled by their love.

James Okon, is one of South Africa best of the best. A Nigerian who has brought pride to every Nigerian based here; he a Songwriter, Pastor, Composer, Teacher and Dancer.  He’s widely travelled blessing people with his gift of ministering in songs; he’s been to the United States, Canada, Europe, and other parts of Africa. He collaborated with Pastor Benjamin Dube, Judith Sephuma, Rebecca Malope, Lionel Piertersen, Solly Mahlangu, and so many others in the South African music industry and all over the world. His latest album is titled:  Mambo Sawa Sawa.

Ayo Solanke, is the newest Saxophone sensation in Johannesburg music scene, with a unique soulful style that distinguishes him from the rest. His sound touches the mind and reaches deeply into the soul; always leaving his audience and followers yearning for more. He has been in the industry for over two decades and has featured in dozens of performances and albums as both leader and sideman. He performed and recorded with some of the finest like,  Zahara, Asa, Pastor Benjamin Dube, Danny K, Vusi Kumalo, Judith Sephuma, Oyenka Owennu, Hugh Masakela, Pops Mohammed, Mimi Mtetwa, Tee Mac, Wole Oni just to mention a few. And he’s currently working on his album titled:  "The Journey Still".

Stev Afro Plus, is a great singer and Keyboardist he has performed along side some great musicians like  Adlan Cruise, Shola Allyson Obaniyi, Samsong, Panam Percy Paul, Chobalms and many more. He is presently working on this new album title:  "The White Project".

 

Pastor Anthony Ceemony, is an inspirational singer who he carries the presence of God. He is a word-depth singer. Presently pasturing a branch of Omega Fire Ministry in Pretoria, South Africa. He is currently working on his soon to be release album titled; "Praise Revealed".

Marvel Wisdom aka Marvel Joks is a Composer, Songwriter and a man of the Word. He has performed alongside Asu Ekiye, Buchi, Frank Edward, Samsung, Sammy Okposo, Midnight Crew, Victor Atenaga, Chioma Jesus and so may others.

Johnson Jerry, is taking the gospel of Jesus through music to another level through his Hip-hop gospel style. He has performed alongside Chris Morgan, Samson, Dr Panam Percy paul and a host of others.

I can go on however for time constraint; I have been very brief with a synopsis of the Acts coming to jam with me.

Any special thing you want your fans and loved ones to expect on that day?

Hmm, that day is going to be a day to remember in the history of South Africa.  God is going to show off Himself and pour out His blessings.

Is there any one you would live to give a shout-out to? If “yes” what influence have they in your life?

I would like to give a shout-out to my father and mother in the-Lord Apostle Johnson and Rev. Lizzy Suleman for believing in the gift of God in me and providing the platform to reach millions of souls through music. They have always encouraged and supported me all the way. Also to my mother, Rev. Victoria Elijah Momoh; I say; “Thank you my sweet mummy for your love and understanding. Also to the good people of South Africa for accepting me in their country, which has become my home and also accepting my music. Lastly, to a very dear friend of mine in the United States, Aita, you are indeed a God sent to my life! Thank you for all the wonderful ideas and great work you and your family are doing in my musical career. God bless you and a Happy birthday to you in advance; Aita’s birthday is also on the day of my Concert and CD Release, April 20^th; what a divine coincidence!

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

That’s tough because everything in life is in God’s hands. In answering your question, I see myself becoming a house hold name in South Africa and the world at large. I see the lame walk, the blind see, the deaf hear and lots of Miracle happening in all my concerts and ministrations. This is from my heart and the Lord shall put His stamp of authority in it in Jesus name, amen.

Any special message to your fans?

There is no me without my fans. I love them so much. Thank you my fans for believing in me and standing by me through thick and thin, to see that the name of the Lord is being lifted high. I love u all.

Thank you for doing this interview with Naija Chit-Chat

Thank you for your time. Your guys are doing a great job. God bless you.

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