Ada Ehi: FROM BACKUP SINGER TO MUSIC MINISTRY
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| Picture of Min. Ada Ehi |
This artist's journey to becoming a recognized figure in music is a testament to the power of early influences, unwavering self-belief, and the guiding hand of faith. It all began in the unlikely setting of a Baptist church where, as a primary school student, she crossed paths with former child star Tosin Jegede.
"I was in primary school when I met her. We were in the same church, and her father used to sing; I think he used to write many of her songs," she recalls. The New Realm Baptist Church proved to be a nurturing ground for musical talent. "The church was very keen on music and exploring it, and they just found out that I could sing, but not like I could sing better than other kids. I had a lively personality, so that was how I was drafted into the band."
This early exposure as a backup singer for Tosin Jegede, however modest, offered a crucial glimpse into the professional world of music. More significantly, it provided exposure to other prominent gospel figures of the era. "I saw the likes of Onyeka Owenu and Sunny Okosuns, and those experiences opened my mind to the world of music. I saw first-hand the industry of music at the New Realm Baptist Church." These experiences planted the seed for her own future musical aspirations. It wasn't just about singing; it was about understanding the industry, observing professional artists, and internalizing the dedication required to succeed.
However, the path to realizing those aspirations wasn't without its obstacles. Starting her career in 2009, she faced a music landscape very different from today's. "Starting was not easy, as music requires a lot of belief in oneself. Talent is key, and you first have to do what you can do." The influence of the Alaba marketers, who held significant sway over the Nigerian music industry, presented a specific challenge. "Back then, during the era of Alaba marketers, they had a specific idea of what commercial music should sound like. My songs didn’t exactly fit that mould, so I was encouraged to do my music in a certain way."
This created an internal conflict. "I had to overcome the feeling of selling out and believe that I had what it took to do music. It was challenging to unpack my music, especially in an industry with a different kind of sound and regulations. My sound felt too foreign, and piracy was another issue within the industry." Navigating these pressures required a delicate balance between artistic integrity and the realities of the commercial music world. She had to define her own sound, while also fighting against the prevalence of piracy.
The key to overcoming these hurdles lay in unwavering self-belief and a clear sense of purpose. "I just had to believe in myself. My passion for singing was so strong that I wasn’t overly concerned about how the music would be received. I just wanted to put the music out there, to record the songs in my heart, and get them off my chest. I made up my mind to be content with however far I could go. My main focus was on putting the message out there. I accepted that not everyone might embrace my uniqueness, but I was willing to go the extra mile to stay true to myself. I thank God that resilience has paid off."
It was about embracing her unique musical identity and trusting that her message would resonate with the right audience, even if it meant taking a less conventional path.
Interestingly, her path to music wasn't a straight shot. Her educational background is in a seemingly unrelated field: Chemical and Polymer Engineering. "I always knew I had a passion for music, but I initially wanted to pursue cardiology. However, I realised I preferred the mathematical part of science, likely influenced by my father’s career as an engineer. Eventually, I switched to engineering. At that time, pursuing your passion early on wasn’t as accepted as it is now. My parents made a deal with me that I could pursue whatever I wanted, but I had to finish school first."
Balancing these two worlds demanded discipline and focus. "Balancing engineering and music wasn’t easy by any standard, but my desire to dive into music as soon as possible motivated me to finish my studies. Somehow, I managed to do it." This highlights the importance of having a backup plan and the value of education, even while pursuing a creative passion.
A significant chapter in her journey involves her involvement with the Christ Embassy Choir. "I joined the local church’s campus fellowship when I was in university, and after I graduated, they had a label that signed me. This was before labels evolved into what we know today. My involvement with the Christ Embassy choir began while I was still in school, and it allowed me to help others sing and develop their talents. The youth conferences were especially significant, as they gave many young people, including me, the opportunity to showcase our talents. Being part of the choir and the record label was a formative experience for my music and ministry."
This experience shaped not only her musical abilities but also her sense of ministry. It provided a platform to hone her skills, collaborate with other talented individuals, and develop her unique artistic voice. Her time in the Christ Embassy Choir provided invaluable experience and significantly influenced her understanding of music as a form of ministry and outreach.