I made up my mind to do music God’s way- Liyia

Joy Ebanehita Aigbe goes by the stage name Liyia; a Hebrew word meaning greatest, beautiful, brave and tame. In this interview, she relays her experience with DAYO EMMANUEL especially as a female gospel artiste who decided to stand for Christ despite being lured to the secular stage which she termed unsafe. Excerpts:
Have you noticed Gospel artistes today seem uniform most times and you keep wondering where our originality is as children of a God so artistic?
To be honest I feel that’s because they don’t draw their inspiration from as supposed to, but they simply copy others. When they are not secular acts but ministers of the gospel through music. A lot of gospel artistes are forgetting why we were called to serve in this dimension. And so they are quick to copy the world music.
How did you meet Christ?
He found me. I started experiencing Christ at a tender age when he first visited me in a dream. But I didn’t understand at that age. I was eight though my mum interpreted the dream to me since I was born into a Christian home. I heard about God but didn’t know Him closely until I had that dream were I saw angels. God kept showing me Himself all through my teenage stage till I got into the university where I made my first confession to Jesus Christ to serve him.
Do you still have such encounters?
Yes I do till now.
Does it equal to a prophetic gift?
Yes it does. It’s what God has been showing me that has kept me. A lot of times He shows me something, speaks to me. I confirm from My Pastor and other servants of God.
How did you start out as a gospel singer or let me say minister?
I discovered I could sing from primary school, and by the time I was entering year one in university I realized I could rap. I did free styles but had not started writing then.
There are not many female rappers. How do you feel in a male dominated and often unaccepted genre?
We are few but we are out there. So when I started writing I wanted to do gospel music and show the world that I could do it God’s way. But the feedback I was getting was negative, people would say why do gospel?

Your music is good but you won’t sell. I ignored the “hear says.” By the time I got in for NYSC, I told God I would use my gift for Him. What made me decide at it was that I was invited for an event. It was a night show where I was to perform. But I was given the wrong information about the date. So I met a lot of big shot that night that could get me the shows.
Was it a secular stage?
Yes. I got home that night and asked myself if I wanted to do my music for God or for the devil. It was secular stage. I thought about it that I cannot dress skimpy or do the night shows with the wrong crowd. So that night I made up my mind to do it God’s way and since 2012 God has helped me not to look back. Even with the offers that have come in various ways. God has helped me to focus only on this Kingdom assignment which He has given to me to win souls for the Kingdom of God.
But don’t you think out there are your audience, your mission field? If you are accepted, can’t you dictate what you wear (smart enough) and what you perform? Can’t it get their hearts for Christ or you prefer to always minister to the already saved always in Churches?
My audience is out there in the world and in the Church.
Then why look away from secular stage. They need the message there too?
We have unsaved people in the Church who go to Church but have not yet given their hearts to Christ. There is no balance. As an artiste you are either for God or not. Some of the offers I got I was asked to dress skimpy and sing raw songs about sex which I turned down. They also said for them to sign me they would have to sleep with me. I ran…I am a contemporary hip-hop rap artist. Fusing various genres to pass my message out inclusive of my dress style. Doing it God’s way involves me dictating what I wear, what I sing, where I go to. If I stayed secular my dressing would have to be their way, I would have to play ball. Same way they do. They are not looking for a good girl. What they want is someone who is ready to do things their own way not God’s way.
I understand
While in university I did a bit of mainstream music before deciding to do it God’s way. I can neither be hot nor cold. The music of God carries power
Do you imply that gospel artistes who relocate or go secular must compromise?
Yes…Because they can neither be hot nor cold. It’s a decision making that is very crucial. It’s a decision making that is very crucial. Hanging with the wrong crowd can do great damage.
How many albums now from Liyia?
My first album will be out this Month (November 2016). It’s called “JOY.” And also my single called Keep Watch is on our Christian Talents Community Album Compilation. I had been busy releasing singles and videos. And now is the set time for my album release.
I guess you write your songs. How do you get your inspiration?
I have 17 Tracks
All in one album?
But it’s a 17 track album thankfully to God.
Why not break it to two?
Not all will be in this album. One of my single is in our TFC compilation so that will not be on this album. I don’t think it’s too much. I just feel if it’s a good song, strong enough to make the album. As the Spirit of God leads. Then it’s cool.
But any music role model?
Yea I love Lecrae’s music. I have liked his music since I heard of him 2012. I also love Da’Truth. They are a lot on my list.
How did you come about the stage name Liyia?
Oh… Liyia started as a stage name and got stuck and when I was baptized. I included it into my names. Liyia is a Hebrew name which means greatest, beautiful, brave and tame.
Do you play any instrument?
Nah…but I can play the drums. I have a thing for drums. But I didn’t take it any further professionally. I thought about learning to play the guitar because I sing rock music as well. I started learning but I have been off it for a while.
How often do you get invitation?
I get invitations.
Do you charge?
I wouldn’t call it charging because I don’t believe anyone can pay me for my talent except God. I discuss terms with them we reach a good agreement and it’s settled.
What did you study?
I studied Mass Communication at the Benson Idahosa University, Benin City.
Where do you worship?
I worship with John 3:16 Christian Center. My Pastor is Pastor Ebun Brodoh.
Should gospel artistes collect money? You even said nobody can pay you, why would you collect?
Liyia: I can’t recall where the scripture is in the Bible that talks about me being paid my wages for my work. It’s ministry. Because the aim is to impact. That doesn’t mean that I don’t have bills or needs to take care of. Recording a single or a video is not free. So I don’t charge because am not a secular act by saying if you don’t pay me this I won’t minister. No, but it also doesn’t mean that I should be exploited.
What else do you do for a living?
Am an entrepreneur. I sell goods, affordable wrist watches. I do professional voice overs for brand companies. I am a writer for BSX Magazine.
What is your advice to young ladies interested in rap music?
Firstly, embrace this gift and commit it to God completely. Because God gives good gifts and Rap music is one of them. Rehearse often, have a good role model. Brand yourself, don’t be afraid to stand out. Trust God for your music inspirations, recordings, promotions and be the best at it.