Before Stardom With… Rev Shola Rotimi

Can you tell us about yourself, sir?

My name is Rufus Olusola Rotimi, popularly known as Sola Rotimi. I am a native of Odo-owa in Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. I was born on Monday, July 17, 1950, to Samuel Oni Rotimi, a police officer, and Esther Olanihun Rotimi, a trader. Both of my parents are now deceased.

Was being a musician your childhood dream?

Music was not my childhood dream. However, I was a member of the choir at Christ Apostolic Church, Off Ipee Road, Offa. My ambition was to study Mechanical Engineering, but God had other plans. Today, I am a gospel musician and a minister of the Gospel.

What inspired you to make music?

It was obedience to the voice of God that led me to become a gospel musician. As an evangelist, I initially wished to focus solely on evangelism, going from house to house and organising large crusades, just like the apostles of old and great ministers of our time.

When I was employed at Nigeria Paper Mill, Jebba, I joined the choir at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Igbala, Garika, Jebba, because I had a passion for using my gift as a drummer to serve God.

At the time, our church did not have an organ, but we had a piano accordion. Our choir master, who also played the accordion, gained admission to further his education in Lagos and left the church. As a result, there was no one to play the instrument.

Our pastor, Prophet Samuel Olagunju, appointed me assistant choir master and asked me to lead the choir. At first, I hesitated, but after much encouragement from him, I accepted the challenge.

I continued humming hymns during Sunday services, midweek services and other church programmes. Eventually, I no longer felt comfortable simply humming the hymns, so I approached our pastor and requested permission to take the accordion home so I could learn to play it. My request was granted.

Surprisingly, within one month, through prayer and the help of the Holy Spirit, I was able to play hymns and choruses on the piano accordion by ear. I was excited to play the accordion in church. From that day onward, our church had two accordionists. Whenever our choir master returned home during school breaks, I gladly handed over to him until he resumed his studies.

I gave my life to Christ in 1969 and was called into the ministry in 1970. I began singing as a solo artist under the stage name Sola Rotimi – The Triple S (Saved to Serve Singer). In 1972, the name changed to Sola Rotimi and The Triple S (Saved to Serve Singers).

What challenges did you face on your way to stardom?

The devil tried to stop me on my journey to stardom, but the Lord was on my side. I was accustomed to going out for early morning evangelism. One morning, I was attacked by enemies of the Gospel. I knew it was only by God’s mercy that I was not killed. The leader of the gang calmed the others, warned me never to return to their area again, and threatened that if I did, I would regret it. They then let me go.

Because the Gospel of Christ must be preached even in the face of death, I refused to be intimidated. Instead, I encouraged myself to continue.

We also faced financial challenges. Sometimes, we depended on session musicians, especially when some of our instrumentalists were unavailable or when we needed additional instruments. Royalties due to us often did not come, even after repeated requests. It usually took a very long time to receive the little stipend from our marketers. Nevertheless, we remained encouraged.

Another challenge has been wrestling against powers and principalities that seek to corrupt the lyrics of our songs, tempting us to sing the praises of men instead of glorifying God.

How would you describe the music that you typically create?

My music is Spirit-led; therefore, it is gospel music. It is meant to touch the hearts of sinners, leading them to repentance and encouraging them to live holy lives. It also promotes righteousness and sanity in society rather than immorality.

My music is intended to worship God in the beauty of holiness and to give praise to Almighty God, the Creator of heaven, earth and everything in them.

Most of my lyrics are drawn directly from the Scriptures. At other times, I receive inspiration while listening to powerful sermons and sound biblical teachings, as the Holy Spirit leads me. Occasionally, songs come through dreams or from events happening around the world. The bottom line is that gospel music should transform lives and lead people back to God.

Related News Rechael Okonkwo unveils ‘Odogwu Girl’

Tiwa Savage’s resilience inspired me to survive video leak, says ex-FUOYE president

Messi set blueprint for greatness – NBA’s Antetokounmpo

How do you juggle being a Christian singer and a music producer?

I find it easy to balance both because I have a genuine passion for them.

Has stardom deprived you of anything?

Yes, of course. There are certain things I stopped doing, such as going to the cinema in those days, playing draughts and watching football whenever they conflicted with church services or midweek fellowship.

Are you still friends with those who knew you before stardom?

Yes, I am. I believe we should never look down on anyone. We are all created by God, and we are meant to complement one another.

How do you handle advances from female fans?

It takes the grace of God to handle such situations. I understand that it is a matter of the mind, so I made up my mind to practise agape love rather than lust.

I also resist every inappropriate advance, remembering the Scripture that says, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Following these biblical principles has helped me throughout my journey. Joseph in the Bible remains a perfect example of how to resist temptation.

You were away from the music scene for a while. Was this intentional?

Not exactly. I have continued to sing and proclaim Christ through music and the preaching of God’s Word, both within and outside Nigeria, in obedience to the Great Commission.

What project are you currently working on?

I am working on making all our past releases available on digital platforms and social media so they can continue to bless this generation and generations to come.

What is your favourite song to perform?

I am currently working on it, and it will be released as soon as it is ready.

What is your advice to up-and-coming musicians?

My sincere advice to anyone who desires to become a gospel artist is to focus on God’s calling, remain faithful and dedicated, and let the Scriptures be the standard for every song you write. No one can ever exhaust the riches of God’s Word until Christ returns.

Every gospel musician should set aside time to fast and pray regularly, once or twice a week, or at least once every month. As you remain faithful to God’s calling, He will provide everything you need to succeed.

Anyone aspiring to become a gospel musician must first be genuinely born again because not every gospel singer will enter the Kingdom of God.

Finally, I pray for all lovers of gospel music: this is your season, and you shall not end up in hell. May the Lord have mercy on our nation, Nigeria, bring an end to the insecurity ravaging the country, and help our leaders rise and do what is right. May the Lord also comfort and heal all those who have been broken-hearted as a result of the insecurity in our land.