•Popular Gospel Singers, The ADEGBODU Twins
•Both Talk About Their Music Career
Adegbodu Twins are a gospel music duo who have been making waves in the industry for more than a decade. The talented duo was formerly based in Ibadan, Oyo State before they relocated to Lagos late last year 2017. They have several albums to their credit including Mojere, Oruka Igbeyawo and many more. Recently, City People GBOLAHAN ADETAYO had an exclusive interview with them, where they revealed to us how another Ibadan based music star, Yinka Ayefele brought them back into music when they were on the verge of quitting, how their parents were told that they we have a set of twins who will become musicians among others. Excerpts:
What has been happening to Adegbodu twins lately?
Joy, happiness and other good things have been happening to us, we thank God for what He is doing in our lives. Sound health conditions and being alive alone is paramount.
Some few years ago, you guys were everywhere, what is happening to your careers?
At certain point in your career, you go beyond your present level to acquire more knowledge. We moved further to do some researches and very soon we will release our latest album and we promise you won’t regret listening or buying. That is exactly what really happened.
So what are you working on?
We have several things we are working on. It is not 1, 2 or 3. We have about 5 projects we are currently working on. We are working on our new album and also working on the video of our last album which we released about 2 years ago. We are also working on a film that is coming out soon. The movie is about the story of our lives. How we first started, and how God has been able take us to the stage we are today.
How did you start your career?
It all started from church because our father has a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Awe, Oyo State and our mum was a Chorister. We joined her and since then, we’ve been told that that is our divine path. With time, our parents supported us before God brought us to limelight. That was how we took it as a profession. There was a message before we were born that our parents were going to have a set of twins who will be musicians. They didn’t believe the prophesy not until we were born and they got to realize that it seems these are the kids they were told about. We don’t even know who gave them the prophesy because this is a long time ago.
What were you doing before music?
Music started from our days in primary school, so we started as kids. We were age around 8 or 9 years old then. We’ve not been opportuned to work elsewhere. We released our first album when we got admission to the College of Education and since then, we give glory to God Almighty.
Are your parents still alive?
Not at all. That is even one of the biggest pains we ever got in life. Our mum died the year we produced our first album. Our dad died 10 years after. He was able to see some certain things we are able to do through music.
Share with us your educational background?
We were not really privileged to study much. We attended primary and secondary school as expected and then we went to College of Education. It is now known as Emmanuel Alayande College of Education. One of us studied music while the other did Fine and Applied Art. We just decided to go to school but we already knew we will be musicians.
Apart from music, which other vocation do you now do?
We have always been doing music. We also have a studio we use and other acts also use it. We have an audio/visual studio where movie/video editors edit their jobs. All these are still under music.
Looking at it all together, you will be how old in this profession?
It is over 20 years now. But we have seen a lot of challenges. Before we became celebrities today, we had been to so many trials but we just have to continue striving. Piracy challenge is by the side, challenge of performing at a show that is not favorable, but we thank God. There was a time we thought of quitting because the music didn’t even permit us to pray. We took our time to pray to God and challenged him that you called us into this music, not that we just delved into it, how come things are not working for us accordingly? With prayers, we were able to conquer. There is one challenge that we will never forget, and that is about our first promoter. God really helped us with the album but we made nothing from it. Rather than making it, he used our money to promote other artistes who were even our boys. We just have to give glory to God Almighty.
How is your relationship with other musicians in Ibadan?
We have cordial relationship with those people you just mentioned. Ayefele is a father to us because his impact in our lives is unforgettable. He is one of those who encouraged us to see that this vision came to reality. And Femi Solar is our loyal kid brother and we are all together.
Can you shed more light on the role of Yinka Ayefele in your life?
If you have a story to tell, it will not be complete if you omit some people’s names and that is why we cannot forget Yinka Ayefele. He was the one who really encouraged us not to quit when we were about to. He told us this and this are what you need, so don’t quit.
How did you even meet Ayefele?
We met him through his manager and that was 1999 when we did our first album. His office was at Liberty road, Ibadan. We knew his manager from a church where we ministered and he gave us appointment. Then, Ayefele was not this big but we went to see him, since then, he developed the interest in us.
