There aren’t too many people who can handle the saxophone better than Tunji Praise. He uses the saxophone to praise God, and he started doing music at the age of 12. Tunji Praise born Oyeyemi Oyetunji Boluwaji is a Saxophonist and gospel artist who uses the saxophone to preach the Gospel and win souls. In an interview with City People’s ADEOLA FAGBIYE, he spoke on how he started doing music, what inspires him, his love for praising God and his plans for the rest of the year.
How did music start for you?
I started doing music at the age of 12 but I released my first single in 2011 titled “Were Lo Ba Mi Se”. My father was a Choirmaster and Keyboardist back in church when I was growing up. I come from a musical family. All my brothers were in the Choir but are all Pastors now.
Asides playing the saxophone, do you sing?
No, I don’t. I am a Saxophonist. I use the sax to win souls, Praise God, and preach the Gospel.
Why and how did you choose the saxophone?
I love the saxophone. No one taught me how to play it, I learnt on my own and God was my teacher and by his grace I am who I am today.
How would you describe your kind of music?
I am a Gospel artiste, I strictly praise God with my sax, I don’t have a distinct style.
What inspires your music?
Hmm. I will like to say that God is my inspiration: I love to praise him. I can praise him 24 hours, 7 days a week if I am allowed. His beauty, how great he is, his love for me and power inspires my music.
Asides playing the sax, what other things do you do?
I have a band called “Tunji Praise Gospel Ministry a.k.a. “Sax For Praise”. We play at weddings, burial ceremonies, birthdays etc.
How has the journey been for you?
Well, it’s been God: He has remained faithful. I have worked with Olu Jazz, IK Ajao, Ola Johnson, and Dare Melody, since I started officially. I just thank God. I have released 3 tracks: “Were Lo Ba Mi Se”, “Na God”, “Swagger Praise”. I learn from my mentors such as Evangelist Adelakun (Baba Ayewa), I love him a lot, Chief Ebenezer Obey, Kunle Ajayi and Mike Aremu.
Can you briefly give us a few details about you?
I am Oyetunji Boluwaji Oyeyemi, an indigene of Ile-Ife, Osun State, I attended St. Michaels’ Primary School, Ile-Ife, St. John Grammar School Ikorodu but I completed my secondary education at Government College, Ikorodu and later proceeded to Lagos State Polytechnic where I studied Business Administration.
So, what are your plans for the rest of the year?
Well… I am currently working on my musical concert themed: “Sax For Praise”. It is going to be great, it will feature artistes such as Dare Melody, Tosin Bee, BJ Sax. Also I just released my video on YouTube. I plan to promote it more. I need support and promotions, I want people to join hands with me.
