SENSATIONAL juju gospel musician, Yinka Ayefele, has entered the 'Next Level', as his previous album rightly indicates. This is not surprising, as his name now carries the appendage 'Dr.', having been so honoured in faraway Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Eleven years ago, the Ekiti State-born gospel juju rave had thought that his world had come to an end following a ghastly traffic accident that got him permanently confined to the wheel chair. But rays of fortune soon shone on him after recording an album aimed at raising funds for himself. The broadcaster-turned-musician has since been on the rise.

Background
I'm from Ipoti-Ekiti, Ekiti State. My parents are still alive and I'm happily married with my family in Ibadan. I had my primary and secondary education in my home town. I later proceeded to Ondo State College of Arts and Science. After my graduation, I came to Ibadan in search of job. In 1989, I joined the Federal Radio Corporation (FRCN), Ibadan. I was involved in a ghastly auto accident on December 12, 1997.
Becoming a musician

The media support I got during my time of difficulties turned me into a musician. I had been producing musical jingles, station identity tunes and musical tunes before the accident. After the accident, I tried to put some lyrics together to raise funds to enable me receive further treatment abroad. The lyrics I put together were part of what made Bitter Experience, my first album.

Mentor
Since I started listening to the music of Dr. Orlando Owoh, I've been addicted to his kind of music. Even when I was in my hometown, he had been my mentor. I had it in mind that even if I would sing in the church, I would adopt his style. His highlife music stands out.

Yinka with his car before the accidentAlbums
Today, I've released over 10 albums and all of them are doing well in the market. I can't say one is the best. All my albums have been accepted by the public. Even Bitter Experience is still selling fast. I can't say if the previous album, Next Level, will be the bestselling, as it's still in high demand. Even Gratitude is selling fast.

Turning point
I must confess, the day I had the accident was the worst in my life. I never thought I would end up being famous anyway. I thought it was the end of the world; but God spared my life for a purpose. After the accident, I experienced a total turnaround. It prompted me to be a full time musician. I was formerly into broadcasting, which I loved with a passion. Eventually, I ended up playing music as a profession.

Late Kola Olawuyi groomed me in the production of musical jingles. I produced all the musical tunes he used for his programmes. I gained a lot of things from him. I was co-producing Irinkerindo Akolawole Olawuyi on Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC) 2, Abeokuta. Uncle Kola stood out and perfected all things he wanted to do and I learnt that from him.

About a week before his death, he called me and told me: "I'm now a pastor and it's good that you give your own life too to God and probably become a pastor. Stop all these women that you used to run after."

The wreckage of his car after the accident.Eventually, I discovered that it was the last minute message that God sent to me through him. I was unable to see him before he died, but I felt his pains when he was at the hospital. I don't know how.

Ibadan as abode
I don't know why people believe that musicians may not make it elsewhere except Lagos. I want to prove them wrong. Elemure Ogunyemi is based in his hometown and he was successful. Many artistes relocate to Lagos because they believe it's the perfect shore for music.

I believe that if you know what you are doing, you can stay anywhere and still make it. They are used and dumped by the public. I don't want to be used and dumped. They will have shows almost everyday but eventually, they'll be dumped. I can spread my tentacles from here.