I recently spoke to Saelem who’s making his mark on the industry with his unique blend of Afro-soul and contemporary gospel music.
The Lagos-born artist is confident, bold and passionate as he talks about his love for God and his Christian faith; and unapologetic about his criticism of the gospel music industry.
Not that he expects perfection. As he’s quick to admit that it’s not exactly easy or ‘popular’ to be a Christian. Especially in Lagos.
“People like to say ‘nobody holy pass’ But that’s the point. They don’t understand that Christians are imperfect people who found Christ.”
This human imperfection and redemption in Christ is the inspiration behind his new EP For the Lost Ones Who Found Jesus.
“I just wanted to tell my story. Because I didn’t know Jesus before I accepted him
And all the songs on the EP are basically stories of my journey from finding Jesus for myself and my life as a Christian.”
What Church do you attend?
I’m a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of Church. It’s my family church.
When did you give your life to Christ and become born again?
I like that question because people don’t understand me when I say I grew up in church but I only became born again in 2022.
And why did you finally make that decision?
I was in my final year of university and I realized I only have my parents and God. So I remember thinking “what is my purpose in life?”
So I decided to seek God personally, I started reading my Bible and I haven’t looked back since then.
Some gospel artists have recently been criticized for collaborating with secular artists. Would you ever do the same?
Like I’ve always told my team: it’s God over management and God over me so if God tells me to collaborate with anyone, I will. Even though they’re secular artists.
Would it be a secular song though?
So there’s a difference between a secular song and a worldly song.
Artists like Timi Dakolo, Bez, Asa, Omawumi and Waje all sing secular songs, but those are not wordly songs.
I mean, if it’s a secular song but has a good message then I have no problem with it.
But I wouldn’t collaborate on a worldly song.
And this is backed by the scriptures because the Bible says that those who love the world do not love the word.
Do you consider yourself a firebrand gospel artist?
I’m a Christian and I take my relationship with God seriously. I believe the genres are for easy identification. But I see this as God’s calling for me
The music industry does not understand this so they put me in the Afro Gospel category. They feel like once you mix the gospel with worldly beats, it becomes secular.
But for me it’s the message and the lifestyle. For example, some artists have songs about God but their lifestyles are obviously not Christian-like.
How long have you been singing?
Since junior church. At first I didn’t want to do gospel music but then I stumbled on Ephesians 4:11-12 and it spoke to me.
It says the gifts of God fall into three categories and I knew that my gift was supposed to do those three things.
Even though I was dissatisfied with gospel music I forged ahead because I know I don’t have to follow my predecessors because Jesus himself was a pattern breaker.
Who are your gospel music influences? Did you even have any? Since you were so dissatisfied with the industry?
Even though I’m unhappy with the state of the industry I still listen to gospel music because I can’t deny that there is the fire of God in them.
But I don’t exactly have any influences. I used to feel hesitant to say that but I’m getting bolder.
There’s, however, people I’d like to work with. Like Andendlessocean and DC3.
Can I ask what exactly is your problem with the gospel music industry?
It’s not exactly a problem but I don’t like the fact that people just pick a scripture and sing it.
My issue is not with the inspiration but the creativity because why are you repeating a verse 10 times?
Why can’t we have gospel music storytellers? Why must it always be soft rock or indigenous sounds?
I mean, nobody does Trap or Amapiano. It’s just not creative.
Aren’t you worried about how your comments would be perceived by your peers in the industry?
I don’t think I’ve said anything wrong
What can your fans expect from you as the year come to an end
I’m working on something for next year. We’re keeping it under wraps for now, but I’m excited about it and I cannot wait to share it.
Saelem’s new album For The Lost Ones Who Found Jesus is out now on all platforms
Afrobeats Head Contributor