Faithful in little

Faithful in little

Today’s devotion on Christian Musicians’ Corner is titled Faithful in little. You would recall that we announced some weeks ago that we would also begin to publish insights from Scriptures written by various Christians here on this blog. We call it Devotions. This is the first of it.

Where did I get this thought from?

Lately, I’ve found myself repeating the phrase, “If you are faithful in little, more would be given..” a lot to my wife. Actually, the phrase is found in Luke 16:10. Jesus told a parable about a certain manager who was wasting the master’s possessions. At the end of the parable, he said, “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities”. Jesus taught this same principle in several other places in the Bible. For instance, we see it play out in the parable of the talents in Matthew 25 and in Luke 19. Even in the Old Testament, we see this principle a lot. For instance, Joshua was faithful under Moses and he became his successor in leading Israel. Elisha was faithful in serving Elijah and he got a double portion of his anointing. David was faithful in keeping his father’s flock, and he became the next king of Israel. I could go on and on.

What about modern times?

This is a universally accepted truth and it is timeless. There is no argument about it; if you are faithful in little, more would be given to you. This applies both to resources (like money) and to responsibilities given to us. We’ve heard people say it over and over that the reward for hard work is more work. I’m pretty sure you might have experienced it play out in your life, at one point or the other, where you were faithful with an assignment and then more was given to you.

How does this apply to us as musicians?

Many times, we find ourselves complaining about what we don’t have. We feel we can’t accomplish much because we don’t have those resources that we think we need. We only see what we don’t have and rarely look inwards to recount the little that we have. But the truth about life is that if we are not faithful in little (that we have), we would never get the bigger resources/ opportunities that we need.

Let me give practical examples. You could keep lamenting that the reason you are not writing songs is that you don’t have money for studio sessions to record them. But if you really look at it, you have a phone with which you can record videos of yourself singing. You have friends that both have and can play guitar for you while you sing. You even have friends that could do back-up for you if you need them.  Be faithful in using the little resources you have. It is only when we are faithful in using those little resources that we can get more.

A real life testimony

Today, we all sing and celebrate Grace Lokwa’s ‘Kumama Papa’ song. But you know, before he got the studio versions that we hear today, he just did an acapella video of the song with his friends and posted on social media. That video went viral unexpectedly. Today, Grace Lokwa has been signed to a record label, he has a complete studio album, and he is celebrated in churches. Imagine if he was not faithful in using the little resources he had, do you think he would have gotten the greater opportunity he has today? I don’t think so.

So, to conclude, I just want to remind you again, to use what you have now faithfully. It is only when you are faithful in little that you can get more. I would love to hear your testimonies/ encounters with regards to being faithful in little. Please share your experiences in the comments below, let others learn from yours too.

 

 

 

Do you have insights in scripture that you would want to share to others, to either encourage them or correct them? Especially insights that would benefit Christian musicians. Please feel free to contact us and we will publish them on our blog for our readers to be blessed. You can send an email to jeplunemusic@gmail.com with the title, “DEVOTIONS”. Alternatively, you reach us on WhatsApp. God bless you.

 

Yahweh – Grace Lokwa Ft Prinx Emmanuel (lyrics & meaning)

Kumama Album- Grace Lokwa

This translation of Yahweh – Grace Lokwa was done by Nicholas Okereke and Richard Chiabuotu

Vocabulary:

The verb “kosala” means to do, to work, to act etc
“Sala” is the imperative for of the verb.
The 1st Chorus of this song, Yahweh by Grace Lokwa is a popular Lingala “worship” song in the DR Congo. Minister Grace Lokwa made a rendition of the song by adding some original elements of real inspiration and musical innovation.
The following translation will try to capture the meaning of the individual words used. I believe you will be in a better position to derive the full meaning of the song in that way.
He begins the song in tongues, then moves to the 1st Chorus.

1st Chorus (Lingala)

Yahweh, Yahweh sala, Yahweh sala lolenge na yo, sala (2x)
Sala lolenge na yo
Yahweh, Yahweh do/act, Yahweh act in your way, act (2x)
Act in your way
Ad-libs (Lingala)
Kisi ya soni ee (Remedy of shame)
Azalaka kisi ya soni (He is – and continues to be – the remedy of shame)
Moninga na ngai na ntango nyoso (My friend at all times)

VERSE 1 (Lingala)

Ata mokili bafundi ngai na parquet, nazalaki na ngai na raison.
Lokola baza na ba relations na bango na bakonzi nyoso ya mboka oyo eee Yaya ee.
Ba condamner ngai oyo, balobi naza fautif.
Si ngai na fundi bango na parquet ya lola
Yesu yaka kosambisa biso.
Though the world charged me to court (accused me in court), I was the one in the right
Since they have “relationships” with all the leaders of this nation,
They condemned me, they said I was at fault
So I reported them to heaven’s court,
Jesus come and “judge” us (hear our cases)!
1st Chorus (Lingala)

Yahweh, Yahweh sala, Yahweh sala lolenge na yo, sala (2x)
Sala lolenge na yo
Yahweh, Yahweh do/act, Yahweh act in your way, act (2x)
Act in your way

Ad-libs (Lingala)
Bitumba oyo, nakok’obunda ngai moko (I cannot fight these battles alone)
Nabeleli Papa na ngai ee (I call upon my father)
Mokonzi ya milimo ya bato nyoso (The “governor/president” of the spirits of all men)

VERSE 2 (Lingala)

Eza lisusu likambo ya bomoto te (It is no more an issue for humans)
Ekomi likambo lola il faut eloba (It has become an issue requiring heaven to speak)
Intervention ya lola!!! (Heaven’s Intervention)
2nd Chorus (Lingala)
Intervention ya lola
Heaven’s intervention!!!

3rd Chorus (Igbo)

Eze! Eze ebube mo! Eze, I mewo ihe mmadụ apụghị ime.
(King! My glorious king! King, You have done what man cannot do.)
“Eze ndi Eze” ka a na akpọ ya. Eze ma ihe niile, Eze na-achị ebe niile. Eze meporo ihe, o nweghi onye ga-ekpuchi ya.
(“King of kings” is what he is called. The king who knows all things! The king who rules everywhere! The king who opens a thing and no one closes it!)
Eze is a big, Eze is a mighty, Eze is a wonderful, Eze……!
Outro (Lingala)
Eze ebube na ngai, azwa ngai bomwana (My “Eze Ebube”, he picked up – adopted me – in childhood)
Eze ebube na ngai oyo, Yaya eee (My “Eze Ebube”, my senior brother)

Mr Politician – Silas Aduma (Song review)

Mr Politician Free Download

Mr. Politician is a song by Nigerian Gospel music singer and songwriter, Silas Aduma. He originally  released the song on the 4th of November, 2018. The song has a total play time of 255 seconds (4 minutes 15 seconds) and can be classified under the genre of Christian Contemporary Music.

General Overview:

Mr Politician is the kind of song that gets you to sit and reflect on the lyrics. The song is basically a wake-up call to politicians (and everyone in general), that political positions are not for amassing wealth for the leaders and their families. Rather, those in political offices should use those positions to seek ways to improve the lives of the people.

Strong Points:

  • Relevant message. This is the strongest point of this song. Mr Politican’s  message to both politicians in power and aspirants of the various political offices isvery relevant. The message of the song is clear and easy to understand. Silas Aduma did well in using simple words to convey his message in Mr Politician.
  • Beautiful song composition. Another strong point of Mr Politician by Silas Aduma is how well the song was composed. The melody of the song is beautiful. The choice of the chords used was soothing for the message of the song and absolutely commendable. There were dynamics throughout the song; the melody change from verse to chorus was beautiful. I especially enjoyed the complete change in the chords at the bridge.
  • Good Production. The production of the song was also beautifully done. I commend the choice of instruments used by the producer. The slight use of strings added to the emotions of the strong. The creativity of the producer in creating dynamics between the verses and the chorus, despite having the same chord progression is also commendable.
  • Great backing vocals. The backing vocals did a great job.

What could have been improved:

  • Mr Politician would have been much better if Silas Aduma had featured someone else to do the second verse, as well as the adlips in the chorus and the bridge.

Conclusion

Mr Politician by Silas Aduma is a beautiful song. I enjoyed listening to it. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate the song 7/10. You can listen to the song for yourself on Soundcloud or download it free on Jeplune Music.   You can also watch the lyrics video for the song on YouTube.

 

 

 

Do you want to hear the truth about your songs without sentiments?

Get your songs reviewed by professionals without bias for just a token. You’ll get honest appraisals as well as constructive criticism of your songs. This would help you get better in your music. Plus, other people who might never have heard about you before would get to listen to your songs when they read the published reviews (who knows, they might even turn to fans). If interested, send an email to jeplunemusic@gmail.com with an mp3 (please don’t send wav files) of your song and a few details like release date, artists featured, your artist bio and a link for people to listen to the song.  Check out some music reviews we’ve done in the past. Terms and conditions apply.

 

Immortality – BK ft. Brief Illneiss

Immortality - BK

Immortality is a song by highly talented Nigerian Christian HipHop artist, BK featuring Brief Illneiss. The song reminds believers in this world of pain and temptations that in eternity, immortality will swallow up mortality. And so, despite the (spiritual and mind) battles we fight here on earth, it will all be over one day.

Talking about his inspiration for Immortality and the message, BK said:

“I was inspired to write this song from 1 Corinthians 15: 53-54. Immortality captures the journey of the ‘Regenerated Man’ in a ‘Degenerated World’ & highlights the battles he has to fight in between!

My man, ‘Brieffie’ laces the hook and encapsulates how mortality will eventually be swallowed up by Immortality! In my verse, I used the analogy of ‘Mortal Kombat’ to capture the journey and battles we all have to fight till the very end; when all things are made brand new!”

Besides the strong Biblically truth contained in Immortality, you will thrilled by the skill with which BK arranged and delivered his rhymes beautifully. Heads up; dude rhymed for 2 straight minutes without break in the song. And he was spitting Biblically truth.

Immortality by BK is set to be released on the 13th of June, 2022. You can follow BK on Facebook for more updates regards the release. We also update this press release with the streaming links when they are out.

UPDATE: Here is a link to stream the song on Reverbnation

 

 

Do you want to hear the truth about your songs without sentiments?

Get your songs reviewed by professionals without bias for just a token. You’ll get honest appraisals as well as constructive criticism of your songs. This would help you get better in your music. Plus, other people who might never have heard about you before would get to listen to your songs when they read the published reviews (who knows, they might even turn to fans). If interested, send an email to jeplunemusic@gmail.com with an mp3 (please don’t send wav files) of your song and a few details like release date, artists featured, your artist bio and a link for people to listen to the song.  Check out some music reviews we’ve done in the past. Terms and conditions apply.

Milestone 2; the biggest rock concert in Northern Nigeria

Milestone

The biggest rock concert in Northern Nigeria, Milestone 2, will be taking be place in the city of Jos. This will be the second edition of the concert, but this time, it’s bigger and definitely better. And I’m personally excited about this.

Those of you who know me personally would have known that I am a huge fan of rock music (and rap music too). This is basically for two reasons:

  1. The huge amount of skill and musicianship invested into creating Rock music and
  2. The depth of the lyrics in rock songs.

So, you’ll understand how excited I am that 5 Rock bands from across 4 cities in Northern Nigeria will be teaming up to have one big concert; Milestone 2.

I talked with the management of Chapter 5 band, one of the organisers of Milestone 2 about the theme of the concert.

 This is what he said:

“Milestone was birthed from Acts 20:28. As a mission instructing us to watch over the flock God has given us as ministers. We realised that we can only achieve a little if we try doing it alone but we will be able to achieve much more by joining heads together with other bands with same vision and mission.
So we joined forces with 4 other bands from Kaduna, Zaria, Keffi then those of us in Jos.
Simply put Milestone is a victory stepping stone on making head way to spreading the gospel and planting seed of the Goodnews in young people through Music- Rock music.”

I also talked with the management of StageOneNG, on the organisers of Milestone 2, about what to expect in the concert.

He said,

“Expect fire. All bands are 100% rock, all with the aim to glorify God. We’ll be having The Northmen from Keffi, God’s Rock from Zaria, Fish & Anchor from Kaduna, and of course, Chapter 5 and StageOneNG from Jos.”

Milestone 2 will be held on 26 th of June, 2022, at GodLife Assembly, Yingi, Rayfield, Jos. The time is 3pm.

I can almost tell you ahead of time, that this is not the kind of concert you would like to be told about. Rather the experience is something you should have for yourself. Get ready for Milestone 2.

 

 

 

Do you want to hear the truth about your songs without sentiments?

Get your songs reviewed by professionals without bias for just a token. You’ll get honest appraisals as well as constructive criticism of your songs. This would help you get better in your music. Plus, other people who might never have heard about you before would get to listen to your songs when they read the published reviews (who knows, they might even turn to fans). If interested, send an email to jeplunemusic@gmail.com with an mp3 (please don’t send wav files) of your song and a few details like release date, artists featured, your artist bio and a link for people to listen to the song.  Check out some music reviews we’ve done in the past. Terms and conditions apply.

Ant Man Strategy

Ant Man Strategy

Today, on Christian Musicians Corner, I would like to share what I call, ‘The Ant Man Strategy’. The first time I wrote this article, it was for publication in the maiden edition of Jogama Magazine, 4 years ago. But I think the message is still relevant for us today.

I am a lover of science fiction and super hero movies. One of my favourites is ‘The Avengers series’. The Avengers are a group of people; some with supernatural powers, some with scientifically modified bodies, some others with highly sophisticated battle suits while others just have unique skills used in battle. They all have one thing in common; they fight to defend the people from external or internal threats to human existence. Now, one of the Avengers that particularly interest me is called Ant Man. He has a special suit that allows him to shrink to the size of an ant. This makes him almost invisible to his opponent, while still retaining the strength of a full grown man. This unique ability allows him to enter a well guarded enemy territory and carry out operations that would have been impossible for others to carry out.

The war we are in

Now, as Christians we are at war (both spiritually and physically) with the devil and the world system. The devil and the world system have been consistently fighting to win the hearts of believers over to their side. And now, they have the same ability as the Ant Man; that means we don’t see them coming at us. The strategy they are using now in this war is the media. Just like Ant Man, the media penetrates our homes and does great havoc to our spiritual lives without us noticing. Our kids are being influenced away from the godly principles and values that we are trying to teach them. Yes, we still have morning devotions with them at home, and yes, we still being teach them in church, but right now, the majority of what an average teenager/ young adult believes strongly are things he/ she learnt from movies and music. Our territories have been invaded by the enemy like Ant Man.

Let me give practical examples

Over the years, just like Ant Man who enters without being noticed, the media have continuously projected an idea to the mind of young people that without money, life is worth nothing. Music artists portray this message in their music videos and the movies pass the same message too. The resultant effect is that greed has become the order of the day. The average young person now has this idea that whatever a person does is justified as long as it yields material gain at the end of the day. And so, they are willing to do anything, I mean ANYTHING at all, even if it is morally unthinkable, as long as they would get money. It is therefore not surprising, the rise in the cases of ritual killings and fraud by young people. Another example is the consistent degrading of the female gender and their portrayal as mere sex objects. This has made our young girls lose their sense of human dignity and so can condescend to any level. Check the kind of videos we see on social media today about our girls and you’ll understand what I’m talking about. But I think, we already got the point.

Now, how do we fight this war?

The solution is obviously not to ban the use of Television or the internet in our various homes. That would be like attempting to stop a moving car with your bare hands (except you are superman). In warfare, one of the best ways to defend yourself against the enemy is to attack the enemy. We need to use the same Ant Man Strategy to attack.

  • Yes, we ought to keep praying for our youth and teaching them at home and in church ( which by the way is VERY IMPORTANT). But in addition to that, we also need to start invading the media and bombarding it with QUALITY godly content.  If we are truly going to engage young people, we need to throw away that ‘mediocre’ mindset. We need to start providing media content that could compete with every other one out there, in terms of quality. Let’s include expertise in our productions; whether we have to spend years getting it or we spend money to hire it. We need to get into the mainstream entertainment industry, like Ant Man, but with our Christian message. By all means, let the content we put out be of great quality and be able to meet up to industry standards. And we don’t have to compromise our message to achieve this.
  • We also need to break down those mighty walls of ‘the secular vs the sacred’ in music genres and entertainment generally. By this, I do not mean that we should start compromising our Christian values in our productions, but let’s reduce the categorization. We should just have rock songs (not secular rock and Christian rock) or rap songs (not Christian rap and secular rap) or movies (not Christian movies and secular movies). Let the audience do the categorization themselves.
  • Another thing is that we don’t have to sound ‘preachy’ all the time in our songs and movies (although sometimes, we need to sound ‘preachy’ and be firm in our message). But what we need to do more is ‘gently’ (without compromise though) re-introduce godly principles, standards and values to the younger generation. In 2Timothy 2:25, the Bible says, “Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth…” Did you notice the word ‘gently’? I could almost replace that word with the phrase, ‘like Ant Man…’ That’s how God expects us to fight this war. A quick example of what I’m talking about is the movie ‘The Chronicles Of Narnia’ by C.S. Lewis. Another example is the movie, ‘The Lost Medallion’ written by Bill Muir. At face value, you would not tag any of these movies as ‘Christian movies’. But when you watch them, you’ll find that they pass strong Christian messages without compromise.

This has been a long article, but it is worth it. If I had broken it into two, the message wouldn’t have been complete. I hope you gained a lot from it though. Let me hear your thoughts in the comments below.

 

 

Do you want to hear the truth about your songs without sentiments?

Get your songs reviewed by professionals without bias for just a token. You’ll get honest appraisals as well as constructive criticism of your songs. This would help you get better in your music. Plus, other people who might never have heard about you before would get to listen to your songs when they read the published reviews (who knows, they might even turn to fans). If interested, send an email to jeplunemusic@gmail.com with an mp3 (please don’t send wav files) of your song and a few details like release date, artists featured, your artist bio and a link for people to listen to the song.  Check out some music reviews we’ve done in the past. Terms and conditions apply.