"I don't care about fame", gospel artiste, Koladivine

The thin line between religion and secularisation is blurring in today's world. Matter-of-factly, it is the new normal. While this is cringe-worthy for many yesterday Christians who couldn't live in an isolated world, today's crop bask in the consciousness of "You are the light of the world..." scripture that charges followers of Christ to remain resolute in any corrupt sphere: a sincere prerequisite for the value of one's faith. Shockingly, it's formed a guise of sheer neglect, recklessness, disgraceful and wayward lifestyles among a lot purporting to be artistes in the fold. 

In Pastor Kolawole Peter Ogunremi's (popularly known as Koladivine) case, the blurring line is still very visible. Being a devoted child of God, he prioritises his walk with God and obedience to his call more than fame and fortune; a very rare quality regardless of the pressure to blend in. His music ministry spans many years beginning from his school days in Lagos State Polytechnic where he served as the choirmaster of an interdenominational choral group to 2012 when he released his first five-track album (“Oba to ga ju") and then today to include a catalogue of singles: "E ma Seun mi" (audio and video), "Oba" (audio and video), "Bojuw’ayé" (Audio) and two more in the offing: "Ko ma s’Oba bi Re", "Iyanu ni". In this tell-it-as-it-is interview with Yamilenu Bamgboye, he talks about his calling and shares his views on why and where many gospel artistes get it wrong. Have fun!

There are many gospel singers around. Believe it or not, some are called, many aren't. At what point did you know God was calling you to do music and what did that feel like?

Yes, it’s true,  there are many gospel singers today. But for me, I knew God was calling me to music when I realized it was more than just singing; it became a burden, a message, and a deep longing to minister to souls through songs. It wasn’t about performance anymore — it was about purpose. I started noticing that whenever I sang, lives were touched, people would testify, and I felt a peace and fulfillment that I couldn’t explain. It was like heaven confirming, “This is where I want you.”  The moment I surrendered fully and began to take it seriously in prayer and service, doors began to open not because I pushed, but because He led. That’s when I knew, it wasn’t a hobby, it was a calling.

What has your relationship with God been like...has it ever changed because of fame or challenges?

My relationship with God has been a journey: growing, stretching, and sometimes even tested. Fame ...,hmmm you said fame, though I am not famous yet and I don’t even want to be famous but I  only want to be relevant to generations. Challenges have definitely tried to shake me, but I’ve come to learn that true intimacy with God is what keeps me grounded. I’ve had to intentionally guard my walk with Him, knowing that success without His presence is empty. The challenges I’ve faced actually deepened my dependence on Him. So yes, the relationship has gone through seasons, but through it all, I’ve found that staying close to God is not an option, it’s the only way I survive and remain who He has called me to be.

Some singers say they receive songs. I don't doubt that. In your case, do you receive songs or you consciously compose them? 

For me, it’s both. There are times songs come to me unexpectedly, during prayer, worship, or even in quiet moments,  and I know they’re divinely inspired. Other times, I sit down intentionally to compose, drawing from scriptures, life experiences, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Whether received or written, I believe every song must carry a message from God.

Have you ever done a song that feels like your personal prayer to God?

Yes, most of the time, my compositions seem to address my personal challenges, not intentionally, but coincidentally, they end up ministering deeply to me. For example, one of the tracks from my first release, “E duro” in 2012, didn’t fully make sense to me at that time. But ten years later, the Holy Spirit revealed that the song was actually meant for me. It’s amazing how God works through the songs, even before we fully understand their purpose.    

How do you stay grounded: spiritually, or in all spheres while chasing your music career?

Staying grounded is very intentional for me. Spiritually, I stay connected through prayer, the word of God, and by surrounding myself with people who hold me accountable. I can’t forget my mentor, Rev’d Dr. Israel Ayuba, he never gave up on me. He constantly challenged me and kept me active, always pushing me to grow. I don’t let the music distract me from the One who gave the gift. In other areas, I try to stay humble, focused, and remind myself that it’s not about fame, it’s about purpose. Balance is key, and God remains my center.

Will you say gospel artistes are under more pressure than secular artistes to live perfect, is it even possible?

Absolutely, as a gospel artist, I can honestly say that we are often under more pressure than secular artistes when it comes to living a “perfect” life—not necessarily because we claim perfection, but because of what we represent. When you carry the name of Christ, people expect you to reflect Him without flaw. You’re not just an entertainer; you’re seen as a spiritual example, a role model, even a minister in your own right. So every word you say, every post you make, how you dress, where you go, and who you’re seen with is constantly under a serious watch from both believers and unbelievers alike.

Unlike before, gospel music now transcends different genres. How would you describe your unique style?

While gospel music has beautifully evolved across genres, my unique style preserves the sacred sound and message of hymns, soul-lifting choruses, and early revival songs. I may present them with a fresh touch, but the goal remains the same: to minister, not just entertain. My music is a bridge-connecting the past and the present, keeping the flame of true gospel sound alive.

Is there a non-gospel genre or artiste who influences your music?

To be honest, when I first started composing as a young man with a passion for music, I was influenced by some non-gospel artistes, not for their message, but for their sound, creativity, and delivery. Artistes like Sunny Nneji and Beautiful Nubia shaped my early style. However, as I grew in faith, I lost interest in those influences, realizing that gospel music must be divinely inspired. Now, my inspiration comes solely from the Holy Spirit.

What’s the boldest creative risk you’ve taken so far in your music journey?

This happened when I was preparing to go to the studio for my first album, and at the same time, my wife had scheduled surgery. I chose to use the money I had for the studio work, trusting that the God who owns His work would provide for the surgery. To the glory of God, I was able to complete the album project, and the surgery was also successfully carried out.

Do you write music first from melody, lyrics, or a message you feel God gives you?

For me, it always begins with a message God lays on my heart. Sometimes it’s through prayer, a scripture, or a burden in my spirit. Once that message is clear, the lyrics and melody begin to flow around it. I see songwriting as a divine assignment, not just a creative process. The melody may come first at times, or the lyrics, but everything is built around what God is saying, not just what sounds good. The goal is to communicate His heart, not just create a song.

What’s one part of the gospel music industry you wish fans understood better?

One part of the gospel music industry I wish fans understood better is that it is a ministry, not just a platform for popularity or performance. Gospel music is birthed from a place of spiritual depth, often through prayer, personal trials, or divine inspiration. It’s not simply about sounding good or putting on a show; it’s about delivering a message from God that can heal hearts, strengthen faith, and draw souls closer to Him. Many gospel artistes are not chasing fame; they are answering a call. They sacrifice time, resources, and comfort to carry a message that can change lives. But because the industry sometimes looks similar to others on the outside, fans may forget that these artistes are ministers first.

Would you ever collaborate with a secular artiste and what would be your conditions for doing so?

My calling is rooted in ministry, and everything I do through music must align fully with the message of Christ. While I respect the creativity and talent of secular artistes, my concern is not just about sound or exposure — it’s about the spirit behind the message. Collaboration is more than sharing a microphone; it’s agreement in purpose. If the foundation isn’t Christ, then we’re not building the same thing. I’d rather stay true to the assignment God has given me than compromise for reach or recognition.

Is it hard balancing ministry with the business side of music?

Yes, it can be challenging balancing ministry with the business side of music. In ministry, the focus is on spiritual impact, soul-winning, and delivering messages that glorify God. But on the business side, you have to think about branding, production costs, marketing, streaming platforms, and financial sustainability. If care is not taken, one can easily drift from the calling to focusing on profits. The key is staying rooted in God’s purpose, maintaining integrity, and surrounding yourself with a team that understands both your spiritual mission and the realities of the music industry. That way, ministry remains the foundation, and business becomes a channel, not a distraction.

Apart from God and Holy spirit, is this music thing also about fame for you?

No, it’s not about fame for me. The word fame is something I personally don’t like. It’s a good thing to be known across the world, but one must be very careful not to lose focus in the process. Fame fades, but the lives touched through obedience to God’s purpose remain. If recognition comes, it’s just a platform to do more for His glory, not self glory.

The world mostly thinks pastors and anyone called to do ministry work are immune to struggles and pains common to humans. They are always like "But you know God now, why are you poor?", "Why don't you have this or that?" "Don't you pray enough?" "Did God really call you? If he did, you wouldn't have to go through this." You know, terrible questions that sometimes want to make you doubt God or your calling. Do you think this is fair?

No, it is not fair. Pastors and those called into ministry are still human beings who experience pain, struggles, and seasons of lack, just like everyone else. Knowing God and being in ministry doesn’t mean one is exempt from life’s trials. In fact, many times, ministry invites deeper challenges as part of God’s refining process. Even Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was not spared hardship. “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). He faced hunger (Matthew 4:2), rejection (John 1:11), betrayal (Luke 22:48), and crucifixion (Luke 23:33). The Apostle Paul, a man deeply called and anointed by God, said: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair… struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8–9). Ministry is not a guarantee of material wealth or an easy life, it is a call to serve, often at great personal cost. It is not fair to judge ministers of God based on temporary circumstances. The call of God does not always come with comfort, but it always comes with purpose.

Have you ever met a fan whose story deeply moved you? Or who connected to your ministration and got really blessed. 

Truly, yes, all to the glory of God. I have experienced this multiple times during my ministration seeing  people rolling on the floor and some weeping , and there have been moments after ministrations when someone would walk up to me in tears, sharing how a particular song or message spoke directly to their situation. I don’t minister like someone who is perfect or that doesn’t  have any challenge but once I start ministering, I drop it all at the feet of Jesus and many feeĺ God’s presence so strongly that they decide not to give up on life. Moments like that remind me why I do what I do, it’s beyond the music; it’s about touching lives and being a vessel for God’s healing and hope.

How do you connect with listeners who don’t consider themselves religious?

You mean people who may not be Christians. Well, I connect with such listeners by focusing on universal messages of love, hope, and truth which is in Christ Jesus, messages that resonate with every human heart, regardless of their beliefs. For example, Evang. Tope Alabi’s songs cut across religion, ethnicity, tribe, and class, yet they deeply touch lives.I don’t try to force faith on anyone. Instead, I rely on the sincerity of the message and the power behind the music which is the Holy Spirit to do the work. That’s the space I minister from, and from there true connections and even deeper conversations are born.

Already, people have misconceptions about today's gospel music and gospel artistes. They are even fueled by the lifestyle of some of them. I know one who never does without sleeping with a woman every night. I also know one who is very gay. Yet, they all do gospel music. How would you address this?

This is a serious and sensitive issue. It’s true that many people have wrong ideas about gospel music and gospel artistes, and sadly, some of these views are caused by the lifestyles of certain individuals who don’t live according to the message they sing. It’s painful to see because it makes people question the gospel itself. Gospel music is not just a style of music, it’s a ministry. It’s meant to carry the message of Christ, and anyone involved in it should live a life that reflects that message. When someone sings gospel but lives in a way that goes against God’s word, it brings confusion and can mislead others. Still, I believe we shouldn’t just condemn people, we should correct them in love. Galatians 6:1 says if someone is doing wrong, those who are spiritual should restore them gently. We need both truth and grace. We should speak the truth, but also pray that God changes hearts. To those watching: don’t judge the gospel by the wrong actions of a few. Jesus is still real, and the message is still true. And to fellow gospel artistes: let’s remember we are more than singers, we are messengers. Our lifestyle should speak louder than our songs.

Speaking in tongues seems to be like the in-thing now for every worshipper. Even before they start singing, they are already blasting in tongues. What’s the mystery behind this practice?

Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift given by the Holy Spirit, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:2, where it says, “For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.” It’s a way of connecting with God on a deeper, spiritual level. However, it’s true that in recent times, it has almost become a trend, something people do openly, especially worshippers, even before singing. While there’s nothing wrong with speaking in tongues, it’s important to remember that it is not for show. It should come from a sincere place of fellowship and alignment with the Holy Spirit, not as a performance or ritual. The mystery behind it is simple: when done genuinely, it stirs the spirit, sets the atmosphere, and helps the worshipper connect with God beyond words. But when it’s done without understanding or sincerity, it loses its spiritual weight. So, the focus should always be on genuine worship and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead, not just doing what seems popular.

What’s the most challenging challenge like some will say. Lol. The most challenging thing actually you’ve had to overcome?

Uhmmm, well, for me, it was dealing with fear and intimidation. There was a time  I constantly felt I wasn’t good enough., especially when I was just starting out, like I didn’t belong in some levels or on certain stages. Even when people were clapping, deep down I was battling with doubt. Overcoming that mindset was not easy. It took prayer, constant reminders from God’s Word, and surrounding myself with people who believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself. The fear didn’t disappear overnight, but I learned to show up even when I was trembling inside. And that’s where growth started. So yes, fear and intimidation almost held me back, but by God’s grace, I pushed through.