Before Stardom With… Busola Oke Eleyele (Musician)

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Briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

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I’m Busola Eleyele. I am a recording artiste, a prophetess, a mass communication graduate from the University of Lagos, and a businesswoman.

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Have you dreamt of becoming a musician before?

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I never dreamt of being a musician; I was born a musician. I mean, I was born with the talent. God inspires me to make songs; my musical gift is spiritual.

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Were there some challenges you encountered getting to stardom?

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Well, on my way to stardom, I didn’t really face challenges; everything came on a platter of gold. I was lucky while coming into the limelight, unlike after I got there. It was a different thing entirely.

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What type of music do you make?

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I would describe my music as inspirational because I sing through the Holy Spirit’s direction and also from my everyday life. Things that happen around me inspire me to sing most of the time. My songs are usually true-life stories or experiences.

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You also make secular music. How do you marry the two?

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About that, to me, it makes no difference because both secular and gospel music are similar, because both styles of music deliver good news, but it depends on the type of news, though.

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Would you say that stardom has deprived you of anything?

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Yes, the most talked-about thing of it all is “freedom”. Being a celebrated artiste takes away your freedom automatically. You are like a mirror everyone looks into.

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What has stardom changed about your normal self?

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Of course, stardom has changed nothing in me. I am still the old me. I have friends of over 30 years, and I am not the type that changes for money or status. I remain who I was, and I will always be me.

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What challenges have you faced on your way up the stairs?

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This is a regular question, though, and I keep giving the same reply: it’s not a new thing. But for an artiste, be it female or male, once you focus on what you want, which is your chosen career, you have nothing to worry about. Remember, goal-getters don’t throw stones at every dog that barks on his or her way to success.

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You were scarce at a point in your musical career. Was it intentional?

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No, it was not. I relocated because I got married and had to stay with my kids for a while.

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What project are you currently working on?

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I just concluded Ope featuring Pasuma (Fuji Gospel), Molese Bayidola (Fuji Gospel), and Oloore Mi (My Helper). It’s all out on digital platforms.

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What advice will you give to upcoming artistes?

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My advice has always been the same: be sure you are talented before going into music. Being able to sing is not talent; it’s just an ability.

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