Nigerian rock music general Eben was at the Praiseworld Radio studios today to share about his third studio album “JUSTIFIED” to be released on Sunday, May 12, 2013. “What do you think about featuring secular artistes in your songs?” was among the many questions posed to the rockstar by TOLA, host of the breakfast show. The ‘all the way’ crooner did not hesitate to shed light on it.
“That is the fulfillment of the scriptures right there. We are the light of the world, not the light of the church. If you can influence someone in the mainstream industry to join you in worshiping God and giving Him glory, that’s success right there…”
Eben – Justified Album Cover
“So many times, gospel artistes want to sing to gospel artistes and church members alone, but the truth is we are singing Jesus to every sector of the rest of the world, not just to hear about Jesus, but to join you in singing about Jesus”.
When asked about what he feels about the rapid transition of Nigerian gospel music from slow tempo worship and traditional genre to urban pop, Eben expressed the need for providing relevant music for the various aspects of the Christian life whilst stressing the need for moderation.
“It’s a question of balance. The bible says we should do everything in moderation. Most gospel artiste write songs with a Church service in mind, but the life of a Christian is not always in Church. Christians do house warming events, wedding ceremonies, they go to work, they drive, they go to the gym… we ignorantly do not provide music for those other aspects of the Christian life, which is much needed”, said Eben.
According to the multi award winning artiste, “Ministry is about service, so we need to be conscious of the people we are serving. I began to delve [by the grace of God in my life] into the various angles of a believer’s life”.
“However, when we are doing this, we should not lose focus. We should not now start making songs for the radio stations and streets and forget the primary assignment. Which is why the JUSTIFIED album is a must have”
“It’s like a guideline book as to what a Nigerian, African album should be. It has to have all the elements, it cannot be one sided. I’d like to call it a handbook for gospel artistes. It’s amazing. I can’t wait for it to get out there”.
Speaking about the album to be released on Sunday, Eben explained there is something for everybody in the album.
“There are three segments to the album “JUSTIFIED”. There is the mid soft rock worship segment, the traditional segment, and the praise party”. The album is released under the stables of HHR (Double-H R Records” owned by Eben.
Eben’s 15 track album JUSTIFIED will be released by 4pm on Sunday, May 12 via a release party to be hosted at Rodizzio Hall, 29 Isaac John Road, GRA, Ikeja. The event will see appearances from Sinach, Frank Edwards, Ada, Psalmos, Nikki Laoye, and lots of other friends of Eben as they celebrate the release of the rockstar’s third studio album.
Three songs off the Justified album were exclusively premiered on The Praise O’Clock Show with TOLA this morning, including “Forever”, “Iworiwo (feat Jahdiel)” and “Baba Ni Baba”.
Follow Eben on Twitter @Eben4u and Praiseworld Radio @PRAISEWORLD_
