Yvonne May
Yvonne May is a Nigerian music gospel minstrel, entrepreneur and a mum of one, who hails from Delta state but currently resides in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Her new single ‘Lord You Are’ has been generating tremendous responses and blessing lives.
Priscillia Olubunmi-Awoseyi of Praiseworld Radio recently had a chat with her, discussing about her new single, how she lost her husband two years ago, career, marriage and much more.
Priscilla- Congratulations and kudos on your new single “Lord You Are.”
Yvonne- Thank you very much. I’m honored.
Priscilla- I am so curious to know what actually inspired the song
Yvonne- “Lord You Are” was inspired by my journey so far, especially after a tragic incident that happened in my life when my husband went to be with the lord! That birthed so many inspirations in my spirit and “Lord You Are” is one of them.
Priscilla- Hummn! Again accept my sympathy. It is well. How did you start your music career and who are your mentors?
Yvonne – I started singing at the age of 5 when I joined the Choir and as a kid I realized I just wanted to sing and it excited me more than anything else. This has been my strongest mode of expression! And I’m grateful to God for my mum who allowed me do just that. It’s been a beautiful journey so far.
I love a couple of people in the industry who have inspired me; Cece Winans, Jessica Reedy, Mali music to mention a few.
Priscilla – Wow! I’ll like to know the artistes you have worked with so far?
Yvonne – I have worked with Tosin Martins, Hope Davies, Gbemi Olaleye, Folake Umosen and a whole lot I do not even remember. Lol!
Priscilla – That’s impressive, I’m aware you have a releationship with Rev Victor and Jumoke Adeyemi of Global Harvest Church, Nigeria. Are still close to them and how has Rev been able to influence your music ministry?
Yvonne – Rev Victor gave me a great Platform back home in Nigeria and supported my ministry a great deal and I cherish those moments, though we may not communicate so often, he still remains my spiritual father.
Priscilla – That’s good to hear, because I respect him and God’s anointing on him. And I love how he supports his children in the ministry.
Priscilla – What’s your view about gospel singers switching to singing secular music?
Yvonne – Well, I do not buy that idea because people who do that apparently don’t have the seed of God in them. According to I John 3:9-10, it talks about us defining who we are and what we stand for.
Don’t be hot today and cold tomorrow, don’t be a music minister of the gospel today and something else tomorrow. Stop confusing the un-saved about your identity, stick to one thing.
Yvonne May ministering
Priscilla – Hummn! That’s deep, Thanks for that. This brings me further to the sensitive issue of your private life, as a young, pretty, strong widow and mum of one, how have you been able to balance ministry, family and work, handle challenges, relationships and still keep it together?
Yvonne – Hmmmm! October, 2012 my husband passed on to be with Christ and that was like a life stopping moment for me! It felt like the world had ended. We had an amazing marriage and a great son.
But the God in me has carried me in his arms and is helping me through it one day at a time. I also have an amazing family especially my mum and siblings and a few great friends who have stood by my son and I.
Some days are bad, some great, some I just wanna lay in bed and cry all day but my husband now (who is God according to Isaiah 54) just comforts me, strengthens me and gets me going and my amazing hilarious son gets me going.
Priscilla – I respect your inner strength a lot, anytime I think about you, I always send a prayer out to you, I pray God continues to strengthen you, lead you, hold you and keep you both together. I might not feel you, but God feel you and He’s got your back every time.
Yvonne – Amen. Thanks Priscilla. I appreciate that a lot.
Priscilla – I know it’s been a while now; forgive my curiosity, being a pretty, talented, and strong woman, do you have any plans to re-marry?
Yvonne – (Laughing) Personally, I have not given that much thought, because I can’t seem to picture that happening, but if God is up to that business, I can’t stop him.
Priscilla – Loll! Well, good answer for now. Talking about your Album, do we expect a Video or an Album launch soon?
Yvonne – Yes, videos coming out soon, more of God inspired songs and please look out for my album titled SONGS FROM THE BOOK produced by DEEVEECOOL coming your way soon and if you find yourself in Johannesburg, South Africa, please do join my team for my 3rd concert and live DVD recording later this year. More details and information will be passed across.
Priscilla – Who are your favorite artistes (Nigerian & International)?
Yvonne- I love Tosin Martins, Nikki Laoye, Nathaniel Bassey and Pita Linus much respect to them. International artists will be Tasha Cobbs, Vashawn Mitchel and William McDowell
Priscilla – Want to give a shout out to any one?
Yvonne – Big shout out to Praiseworld Radio Crew. You guys rock, doing an amazing job, God bless y’all, and to Nikki Laoye I miss you sister, to my friends out there and my family and the biggest one to deeveecool – my amazing producer thanks for coming on this journey with me.
Priscilla – On behalf of the Praiseworld Radio Crew, I want to thank you for honoring this interview. God bless.
Yvonne- Thank you for having me. I’m honored.
Priscilla – And just in case you find yourself in Johannesburg, make sure you find your way to May’s amazing Kitchen, she makes the best of Suya and appetizing delicacies you can think of. Lol!
Yvonne can be reached by email: mayvettevonne@yahoo.com also check out her Facebook page-Yvonne May, as well as Twitter @mayvettevonne5
