Omotola Ekerin popularly known as Omotola Sax is one of the outstanding award winning female saxophonists in Nigeria. She is also the convener and coordinator of one of the biggest musical concerts in Lagos known as the ALABASTER.
The concert takes congregation in thousands and it holds annually at Ejigbo Stadium in Lagos. She is the president of sax presence foundation.She is a native of Ada-Owode, Obokun Local Government in Osun State but born and brought up in Kano state. She studied Music at Lagos State University, married and blessed with two kids.
She held her maiden album launch titled JOMILOJU meaning surprises at Kelly Anns Event Centre Lagos on Sunday 21st July 2019 and there she granted an interview with City People Society Reporter TITILOPE OGUNLEYE. She spoke about her journey into the music world and the many challenges she was faced with as a female saxophonist.
When exactly did you start music?
I started playing the Saxophone ten years ago but I was born into a music family.
Why did you choose Saxophone of all Musical Instruments?
I chose the Saxophone because I love uniqueness, so I picked the saxophone because of its uniqueness. When you see the shape of the saxophone, it is very different from all other musical instruments and I fell in love with it. I would also say that it is a leading from God for me because I believe that is what God wants me to do.
You said you were born into a music Family, can you explain further?
Yes I was born into a music family. My father was once a choir master and I was in the choir as well. My sister too was in the choir so I developed more musical skills right in the choir.
Who taught you how to play the Sax?
About ten years ago, I did a kind of self-training because there was this discrimination against the female trying to learn how to play the sax. The men always have this fear of the ladies hijacking their show and they just won’t teach us. So I found it difficult to get someone to put me through and that was how I started self-development on the musical instrument. Then later Mr Bisi put me through and I developed myself more.
What is your stand about people rating female saxophonists less than a male saxophonist?
I think our stand should be what a man can do a woman can also do better, and if not better she should at least measure up in standard and with that we would have a say. Mediocrity and laziness should not be tolerated because we are females, and with God and hard work, the sky is our starting point.
What has been your biggest platform so far?
By the grace of God, I have had the opportunity to be in great platforms. The Lord has shown me His favour and mercy. I have ministered in big platforms that attracted over 10,000 congregation at several times. With God’s grace I have been able to share the same stage with Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, Pastor Kunle Ajayi, Lady Evang. Tope Alabi, Mummy Bola Aare, Yinka Ayefele, Omije Ojumi and a host of others.
Sharing a platform with the top celebrities in gospel music is no joke. How does that make you feel?
I feel great about it and I know some day I will be celebrated like them.
I have a concert that is organized by me and it is tagged THE ALABASTER. It is always held at Ejigbo Mini Stadium and it is a big one. It has been a major concert that has been selling and promoting the brand Omotola Sax. I have been also privileged to minister in BERACHAH, JUST WORSHIP, BAPTIST NIGHT OF WONDERS, BAPTIST CONVENTION, C.A.C YOUTH CONVENTION and many more.
Who discovered you?
I am a goal getter and whatsoever I want, I go for it. I put my all into it, so I would say I discovered myself. When I started, there was a lot of side talks just to stop and discourage me. People even went as far as meeting my parent to tell them to stop me from playing the saxophone that I would not be able to give birth if I continue but to God be the glory I am a mother of two wonderful children today.
I discovered myself and my husband who is also my Manager Mr Ekerin Shola has been of great support and help. He has been a backbone for me even times when I feel I should drop the instrument because of its challenges, he keeps encouraging me. He has been like a pillar and I really appreciate him so much.
Has there been a time or times that you felt like quitting?
Yes, there have been times like that because of its challenges like going to shows and not being paid well, discrimination to mention but a few.
There are speculations that playing the saxophone comes with different health challenge and that is why some people have their reservations about learning the instrument. How true is that and does it apply to you?
I have not and will not experience any health challenge as a result of playing the saxophone and I don’t know of anyone so I can’t tell if it applies to anyone.
This is your first Album Launch and a lot of dignitaries like the former commissioner of Information in Lagos state came to support you. How does that make you feel?
I feel honoured. I never knew the Lord would turn it to be this way. The wife of Oba of Lagos Olori Fadekemi Akiolu Came, Mama Fashola sent a representative, Dr Seye Kehinde came, Dr Kelly Nwogodi C.E.O. OF BLUE SEA Estate was present.
I cannot even mention all. My fathers in the lord came to support me, so many came from far and wide. They all surprised me with their presence and gifts and I pray that the lord will replenish them greatly. I feel great that these great caliber of people are supporting the gospel of Christ through Music. I am glad that the good news is travelling and making waves far and wide and I am an instrument of worship.
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