An appropriate title for an appropriate album - 'Me Nyame'
Creative, distinctive, self-assured and trendsetting. Just a few of the adjectives attributed to Ike, one of the most fascinating individuals in the Gospel music scene. Ike's artistic career as a Gospel singer and songwriter has quickly gained national attention for its stark originality and commitment to excellence.
His prolific, profound and infinitely personal compositions have set him apart as a special talent with an ambitious goal in mind for God's music and ministry.
Breaking the record for 4 consecutive weeks in Takoradi, "Me Nyame" (released just months ago) has opened many doors for Ike and Jerivan Music Production. Ike has been traveling a great deal, and he was blessed to perform in Canada and USA last month. The smash gospel hit "Me Nyame" has indeed propelled Ike into the gospel stratosphere because it has hit written all over it.
No wonder the crowd were up on their feet when he recently performed on Music Music. Ghana Music.com caught up with Ike and this is what he had to say:
GM: Where are you currently residing?
Ike: In Ghana but will be leaving for Canada soon.
GM: You are currently a household name in Canada and Ghana. Did you ever dream you would have been known as a gospel star?
Ike: I would be lying if I said yes. God has brought me this far and I owe my life to Him.
GM: Do you have a personal favorite song on this album?
Ike: That is kind of a hard thing to do right now. There are so many 'hit' songs on this album that I don't know which one it is. Let's
see ....It's 'Me Nyame', which is such a powerful song to me.
GM: Tell us a little bit more. Will there be any changes in your class of music on future projects?
Ike: Oh yes, the overall class is definitely Ghanaian but there are different 'flavors' and I am very open to those changes. It shows
the different sides of Ike; it shows how versatile I am (smile). This has proven to be one of my best and memorable projects.
GM: Do you believe you are successful? Do you have any regrets?
Ike: I am successful. I wake up in the mornings and I have health and strength; I am successful. I feel good. I have no regrets.
GM: Where do you see Gospel music in another 10 years?
Ike: I don't know. I've always just remained open and I do what God tells me to do. If I live another 10 years, I assume that I'll be
doing just a little bit of the same thing that I'm doing now. I enjoy what I do, so we'll see.
GM: Isn't it such a blessing to be able to do what you love?
Ike: I've been very blessed.
GM: When you write, do you decide "today's going to be a day to write" or does God sort of tap you on the shoulder and say "Ike,
today's a song writing day"?
Ike: No, writing comes out of everyday living. Something comes up and you feel like you need to write about it, but it's not
designated as a songwriting day. I suppose, after the fact, if you wrote a song you could call it a songwriting day. I've been blessed to do what I do.
As long as we've been able to do it and feel as though the Lord is in it, and to work with the kind of people that
we've been able to work with ... I've been blessed. And also to have wonderful folks like you, talking about our music even when we're not there, it's a real blessing. I don't know how much longer I'll be doing this. At least up until now, this has been a great journey
and a great trip.
GM: Who is financing the project?
Ike: I am currently working with one man I call my father and my uncle; Mr Jeripher Oppong of Jerivan Music Productions. He allows me to feel like I am an important 'voice' in the decision making process of this project and he values my input.
GM: What advice would you give to young musicians starting out in the music ministry today?
Ike: I would probably tell them to have faith in God, and seek His guidance rather than directing our own steps.
GM: In closing Ike, what is the message for this season you hope to convey in 'Me Nyame'?
Ike: The power of God. We should all realize the power that God has. The more we rely on him, the more positive things happen in our lives. So, it's just a time of positive things to happen if we lean on him.