In
this interview with journalists in Lagos, popular gospel musician, Evangelist
Paul Friday popularly known as Omo Abule reveals what many did not know
about him, how he rose from grass to grace and how his hot track “Omo Abule”
shot him to stardom. Excerpt:
Paul Friday |
Que:
Who is Paul Friday?
Ans: I am Paul Friday popularly
known as Omo Abule. I am from a village called Karanla near Abaren, very close
to Mowe under Obafemi-Owode Local Government, Ogun State.
Que:
How did you venture into music?
Ans: I came from a very poor
background and when I came to Lagos, I started as a commercial motorcyclist
popularly known as okada rider. I used to carry passengers on Lagos-Abeokuta
expressway especially from Oshodi to Abule-Egba until the administration of
Gov. Babatunde Fashola banned our activities. When we were restricted from
carrying passengers, everything became hard and I have to defy the security
agents sometimes. My experience as an okada rider was a very tough one. After
we were banned, I started as a chorister in our church, Bible Church
International under the general overseer, Pastor David Olalekan Ayeni. It was
from there I sang my hit track “Omo Abule”. After it was accepted in the
church, I recorded it in a studio, push it out and the rest is a story today.
Que:
What brought about the song Omo Abule?
Ans: I'm a typical village
boy. When I left our village in Ogun State for a greener pasture, I wept
bitterly and hope I would one day return as a hero. So, that made me to sing
“l’ojo kan le o lo royin mi l’Abule” (One day, I would be the talk of the town
in my village) ang glory to God, the track shot me into prominence.
Que:
How many records do you have presently?
Ans: I have done “Omo Abule”,
“Alagbaro”, “Baba Nla” that was a collaboration and “Semiloore”. By His grace,
the fifth one titled “New Glory” is coming soon.
Que:
What message will the song “New Glory” pass?
Ans: The song “New Glory” which
God himself gave me through revelation talks about many things because I could
recall that sometimes around January, I had about three fatal accidents
consecutively whereby the car I boarded in one of the accidents was a total
write off.
But I
can connect the incidents to three Pastors who announced to their congregations
that they invited me to perform in their churches and I turned them down and
that I was dead. Sincerely, I have never been invited to these churches in
question.
After
the issue of the Pastors, I started facing challenges of accidents to the
extent that people started spreading wrong information that Omo-Abule is dead.
Coincidentally, a presenter at Lagos State Television called Baba-l’Abule had a
fatal accident around that time and people thought it was me. All these
experience would be included in the forthcoming album, “New Glory”.
Also,
“New Glory” talks about the “ember” month and its currently receiving promotion
on air.
Que:
You said the song “New Glory” was revealed to you through a vision, can we see
Omo Abule becoming a minister of God soon?
Ans: Well, a Pastor has
implored me to attend Bible College which I ignored, but if God reveals to me
that it’s time to be a Pastor, of course I wouldn’t hesitate. Presently, with
God’s revelation, I know where I’m heading to, but God has not told me that it’s
time to be a Pastor. If I should become a Pastor without God’s approval, the
outcome would be disastrous.
Que:
Your songs are always inspirational? What inspires you to write your songs?
Ans: Honestly it’s beyond my
imagination. It’s simply a gift from God. There was a day I challenged my
manager, Aremo Kabiyesi Owurolawa to give me any title to sing on and to his
surprise, I composed a song on it immediately.
Que:
Are you still in contact with your village? Hope they have not been forgotten
since your stardom?
Ans: I got reconnected with
most of my mates when they heard my songs. Also, I got reconnected to a friend
who has traveled abroad for almost 30 years through my songs. I am like a hero
in my village.
Que:
If you aren’t a musician, what would have been your profession?
Ans: Maybe I would have died as
an okada man.
Que:
What are your ambitions?
Ans: My utmost ambition is to
make heaven. In church, when they ask us to make a request from God, my only
request is “I want to enter paradise”. Maybe that is why I am not yet rich
because I don’t ask God for money.
Que:
Any message for your fans?
Ans: I thank them for their
support and appeal to them to continue with their support. I love them all.
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