RayEnjel: Born Into Gospel Music, Now Ready To Make His Mark

Name: Raymond Udofiah

Stage Name: RayEnjel

http://www.jango.com/music/RayEnjel

With a smash single now trending online, titled MY TRUST.  This sure is the work of a great.
Gbemisola Momoh


Definitely, his story is that of a mission backed with a vision to do that which he was commissioned. His name Enjel and his mission, to charge the spirit of men towards serving GOD and keeping his commandments. He describes himself as one who carefully studied and got the necessary training to enter into the music ministry. And that indeed was lavishly showcased in his latest solo effort which has since become one of the most charming of songs on the airwaves and cyberspace in Nigeria.

He describes music as an inborn thing and the choir has been part of his life as long as he can remember which of course had positively influenced his singing and composing prowess.

Indeed, it thus made it a difficult decision to want to think of anything outside the realms of music in life. This indeed must have geared him to publish what can be termed as Nigeria’s first magazine dedicated to drums which was first published a few years back called Drummer Live.

He describes his musical influence as the work of the Holy Spirit and a confirmation of the commission of GOD for him as he has become a lyric churning machine of sort as the inspiration to write songs keeps coming. He has so far recorded two of the over 150 songs he has in his coffers.

When asked why he had to record now, he said that it was the set time hence, recording the songs is another phase in his call to duty.

He noted that when growing up, Marvin Sapp was one of the artistes he admired. He also pointed Israel Houghton, Kurt Carr, Don Moen, Fred Hammond and Donnie McClurkin. He describe Kirk Franklin as one who turned things around positively in gospel music and today, a lot has happened since he came on board.

However, despite all this, we wanted to know if gospel music can be relied on economically. He explained thus

“Well, I can’t really say conclusively that music is paying or not. I think it has much to do with individuals involve. You know, if the content is good the same will attract money. The good part is that there is appreciation for it in Nigeria. People are beginning to appreciate locally made songs, which is a good point. Artiste with great content who have been able to carve a niche for themselves are however smiling to the bank”.

 

Thus he sees in the future a situation where gospel music will take over the airwaves and celebrated by all and not just a Sunday thing on airwaves and other entertainment places.

RayEnjel believes that Nigeria deserves unity and plans to use his songs as a tool for this. Hence, he believes that is platform is also dedicated to unify Nigeria. He further plans to create an award program

where gospel artistes will be recognized and honoured. Secondly he also plans to float a gospel concert like the annual "Experience-Lagos" where only Nigerians will feature because as he puts it

“I have discovered that everyone wants to sing in Experience yet there's no such slot so why not create something that could appear a substitute”

With so much talent and strength, we wanted to know how he manages the attraction his gifts must have made him have of the females. He simply puts

“I believe the wisdom will come from God to manage them”.

He hopes to work with Fred Hammond, Israel Houghton and Marvin Sapp. In Nigeria, Nathaniel Bassey is his major target. He advises upcoming act to have a vision and understand it clearly, Stay passionately with it. Believe in yourself and understand that every vision speaks the loudest at the end.