Alhaja Aminat Folashade Babalola Balogun, a.k.a. Omotayebi is an Islamic gospel singer. In this interview, she spoke about her journey into music and her ambition to dominate the global music scene with her genre of music in a few years’ time.

Who inspired you to go into music?
I think my mother made the most impact. My mother most time while doing her household chores would always have one song or the other to sing. Not just any song but what I call “Islamic waka” which she sings joyfully with her sonorous voice.

You focus on Islamic gospel music. What motivates you?
I see music as live, love and above all a healing medicine that cures both emotional and mental disturbance that any individual might be going through.
I think music is also a means of communication that may come in different dimensions such as: educative, enlightenment, public awareness or announcement, informative and above all entertainment. Let me tell you this, you will never find sorrow at any gathering where good rhythms are being played to people’s hearings.
How many albums to your credit?
To God be the glory and I must testify to His mercy, love and support over my journey through life. With Almighty doing I have released more than 10 including; Esan, Feresi Isemi, Masorire, Soro mi dayo, Ojo Ayo and Happy Day. All these albums pass reasonable and inspiring messages to all my fans and listeners. Recently we just released a new album, titled “ Kadara.”

What do you think makes you different from other Islamic gospel singers?
My music is a mixture of both traditional and modern day Islamic songs in the sense that we connect very well with both the young and adult members of the society. My very rich Islamic background also gave me an edge over others.

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What are your greatest challenges?
Well, it is no more a secret that piracy is one of the greatest challenges of this industry, so one just have to stay focus and be determined with lots and lots of hard work in order to survive in the music industry. I will like to plead with our government to empower the body in charge of the law guiding the industry in order to enable the body perform its duty effectively without any fear.
Music brings fame and is also a money-spinner. But beyond these, do you have any other specific mission for going into Islamic gospel music?
My mission is to use Islamic gospel music as an instrument of information, education, awareness, entertainment and above all bring about positive and high moral standing especially among the present generation of Nigerians.
What is the secret behind your performance so far?
There is no secret behind it. You see in life once you follow your passion and believe in the Almighty Allah, you will always be popular, happy and fulfilled. I have a strong passion for what I am doing and I have the Almighty with me.
When you have the Almighty with you, you have no problem.

Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
I believe the main purpose of Islamic gospel music is to turn people away from doing bad things and also to make them know more about Almighty Allah, and to be of good moral standing. So by the next 10 years, I want to be known world over as someone who uses her music to bring back lost souls to Almighty Allah.

What advice will you like to give to the upcoming Islamic gospel artistes?
I will advise that they should be steadfast, prayerful and put the Almighty first in whatever they are doing.
They should believe in themselves, be original, honest, humble and live a decent lifestyle that that will endear them to the populace.
They should also realize that in music sometimes it is not an overnight thing, it could take time to get up there. That is why they have to be very focused. In life, once you are focused, you will definitely get to your set goal.

Let’s have a brief look at your background
My name is Aminat, an indigene of Ila-Orangun, Osun State.
I am married to Alhaji Muritala Balogun, who hails from Kwara State. We are blessed with wonderful children.