Titi Alabi is a gospel singer, minister and a mother who is often mistaken as daughter of a top gospel artist. In this interview by KANGMWA GOFWEN, she speaks about how she began singing, her journey so far in the gospel music industry and her relationship with Tope Alabi.
YOU share same name with Tope Alabi, are you her daughter or are you related to her?
Not at all, the name Alabi happens to be my matrimonial name. It’s a question am being asked often when I meet people. I am married with children. My maiden name is Kolawole. My Dad is an indigene of Iludun in Ekiti State, my Mum is from a place known as Ikot-Abasi, Mkpat Eni Local Government Area of Akwa-Ibom State. I was born and bred in Lagos in a polygamous family, myself and three others with our mum. We are all very passionate singers, only myself made singing a profession.
How did your journey into the music industry began?
I started singing at the age of eight. My step dad was a musician and I was always around him miming his songs whenever I got the opportunity when he was practising his compositions . At the age of 12, I had my first experience of real practical music when my step dad took me to the studio to back up in two of the tracks he was recording. At the age of 15, I joined the choir of the Pentecostal Fellowship at Ejigbo for a three year period being a church member and a consistent part of the congregation. I left with my mum and joined the Pentecostal Cannan Land mission in Ajao, Lagos . I have been in the choir of Pentecostal Cannan Land Mission for 23 years. I was signed up by a label known as Matthew 28. It was a family owned label. I did a few recordings none of which was ever promoted or released and the association eventually came to an end in goodwill and it was mutual. I was involved in various musical projects as a session back up vocalist in studio recordings and live performances.
You won the best promising gospel artist at the YOMAFA global awards, how does that make you feel and what does it mean for your music career?
It’s a good feeling, a positive inclusion to my profile and I am very appreciative of all the support given to me by my team and well wishers for their votes and love. I was actually not able to be present at the presentation ceremony reason being that my church had an annual week long programme at the same time as the award ceremony date and my church event was priority at the time. Actually a date change by the organisers of the award was the main cause of the date clash with my church’s annual event. I was scheduled to attend the ceremony and would have been there if there was no date change by the award organisers.
You recently dropped an EP what was the inspiration behind it?
The inspiration still is in me. It’s the opportunity to express my knowledge of God the Almighty Father, reason why it is titled “Sacrament”, a spiritual reality of my dreams. There are six tracks on the EP each track is an expression of my spiritual feeling for God. It’s available on all on line digital platforms for streaming and download. We are presently working on the second EP scheduled for release in the middle part of 2024, praying for good health and life.
Are you currently signed to any record label?
Yes I am signed to a label, Fern Music, based in the UK . We have been working together for over a year. It seems longer because a lot has been done without any pause. My in-house producer and manager DJC is a workaholic and perfectionist. My relationship with Fern Music began late December 2021. There was a rhythm of a track that an artist sang but the artist was cancelled by the label, but the label liked the rhythm of the track so much and didn’t like the idea of discarding the rhythm. So, they began searching for a competent singer that will re-voice the rhythm despite the fact that the track was at that time in a crisis, it was actively promoted and getting aired. A colleague introduced me to the label and I went to the studio and voiced the rhythm in just one take. The label loved my delivery so much and they invited me to join the team and that was how my journey with them began. The track was titled Immaculate God”.
Do you think artist can do well on their own or they must be signed to a label for them to succeed?
No, I don’t think that an artist can do well on their own, I believe that an artist is better of being signed by a label. Success in most things of which music business is inclusive is easier to achieve when you work in a team. It enables you as the artist to focus entirely on production of your music which is your purpose. Moreover, the Jack of all trade mentality does not get you far if at all there is any movement. Personally, I am benefiting from being signed by a label. I wouldn’t be able to take on what needs to be done to compliment the production part for success.
Though you share same name with Tope Alabi, would you love to feature her in any of your songs in the future?
Of course I will. She has a good voice and a sound profile. It will be positive.
Do you have anyone you wish to work with in the future?
I do have not one but a couple of good singers I will like to work with praying for life and good health when the mood is right . There are quite a few really good gospel singers that I admire. Working with whoever is for my team to decide and how the mood is at the time.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years in the music industry?
I take each day at a time and give thanks to God for good health and life for each day. My aim is to be ever relevant and purposeful positively in God’s ministry. We must not be complacent and take it that tomorrow is guaranteed by our own will. Pray to God to have life tomorrow and give thanks to God for today. One step at a time, one day at a time.
What are some challenges you have faced in the industry since you began singing?
Challenges came later in my singing career when I started having children. Juggling between child care and career commitments is the main issue. I say ‘is’ because I still have children under the teenage ages. Also,some dubious producers I have met along the journey wasted my time and energy. I thank God for giving me the know how and ability to endure the challenging patches along the way, all is now well managed. I thank God for his grace. My team has also been superb with their support I must mention. The team is not just a team to me but a family, we at times go through trying times but God always gives us the knowledge and wisdom to keep our structure on the right path.
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