Emmanuel Onyegbula (aka Ema) is a stellar gospel musician who hails from Imo State. After graduating from the University Of Abuja, he decided to delve into full-time music. Ema, who released the visuals for his latest single Nobody Like You, today shared some thoughts with ABISOLA ALAWODE.
1.You have come a long way since the release of your last album which featured the chart-topping song Chukwunonso. How has the journey been so far?
The journey after the successful release of Chukwunonso and its accompanying video has been awesome. And based on the reaction I’ve gotten so far, I now know I have a lot of work to do in order to sustain the standard I’ve set for myself.
- What have you been up to since then?
I have been working hard since Chukwunonso. I’ve released a couple of singles too. Some of these singles are currently enjoying airplay. They include: Sovereign, Chere (wait), Allow God, Lift Jesus Higher, and Nobody Like You. I recently shot the video for Nobody Like You and it will be released officially today.
3.What was the inspiration behind this song Nobody Like You?
The inspiration behind Nobody Like You is simply to showcase the greatness of God. As at the time I was writing this song, I was feeling empty and low. But the Almighty gave my life a meaning and turned it around.
4.There are rumours that you and your crew went all out while shooting the video of this song. Give us an in-depth analysis of the video.
The rumours flying around are true. The director (Director MJ) and I truly gave it everything we had. The video is both thrilling and awesome. Permit me to say that we did what no other gospel act in this country has done. The story line of the video required me to burn a car which I did. It was an exhilarating experience. People who witnessed the shoot did not believe that it was a gospel act that had the guts to burn down a whole car for a music video. My character played a taxi driver who was frustrated and struggling with life. His only source of income his taxi got burnt, but he didn’t give up. Instead he kept on worshipping God who finally answered his prayers
5.In recent times, we have seen more and more international gospel stars coming to Nigeria to perform. What do you think is responsible for this?
I’ll say that no right-thinking person would want to associate him or herself with a musician who is considered a failure. Based on the hard work of musicians based here, our music is now attractive to musicians in other countries. Our work has broken the limitations and barriers we used to face whenever we wanted to invite these international acts for shows or to collaborate with them. Secondly, our fans in Nigeria have developed a good sense of music. And we now see value in working with our colleagues abroad.
6.Do you have any plans of collaborating with any international or local acts?
Yes, I’m planning of doing a song with Micah Stampley, and Travis Greene very soon. I have also done a lot of songs with my local colleagues in Nigeria.
7.How do you think an entertainer can stay scandal-free throughout his or her career?
By simply minding the kind of life he or she lives. Nobody talks about the mad man on the street. What most people are interested in is that thing you carry inside you. It is what they want to pull down, therefore one has still has to be careful. Live a life that reflects Christ and his teachings. One can also stay free from scandals if he keeps his hands clean and stay off evil and satanic acts.
8.What is your ultimate goal as an entertainer and how do you plan to achieve it?
My ultimate goal is to bring people closer to the knowledge of Christ, get my generation inspired through my songs and videos. I want to be a pace setter. And to achieve these, I don’t shoot conventional videos. I have decided to be different. Excellence is my watch word. This you will certainly testify when you see the video for Nobody Like You. Watch out for it on your favourite TV stations and on Youtube.
