London-based gospel singer GIFTY OVIRE cut her musical teeth in Nigeria. Tony Cummings quizzed the lady.

Gifty Ovire

Britain's gospel scene today sports plenty of fresh, new talent as witness a stream of independent releases by acts tired of record company apathy. London-born Gifty Ovire has emerged with a critically acclaimed six-song debut Truly Gifted'. Gifty's musical and spiritual roots go back to the '80s in Lagos, Nigeria. "I was invited to church by my brother. At the time I could not believe he had become a Christian because of his past life. Out of curiosity I went to church with him to see if what he was saying was true. At the end of the service I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour."

Gifty quickly got established in the church when she joined the Love Family Church in Lagos. "In less than a couple of weeks I started leading worship because the praise and worship leader was seconded to another church. I had to learn my new role very quickly. Patience and discipline were my virtues and were the key to my progress."

More recently, Gifty has been thrilled by the way God undertook in enabling her to record her debut. "I remember God's faithfulness in 1999. I had made up my mind that whatever it takes in the following year I was going to embark on this recording. In January 2000 I was looking for a manager and a producer for the production of my CD. By February I was approached by Olayinka Cline Thomas, a TC church member who was very keen to coordinate and manage the project. Things happened very quickly - in a matter of days God provided a producer (Charlie Boskic), musicians and backing vocalist. Throughout the recording I held onto God's Word, 'He who had begun a good work in me is faithful to complete it.' This word carried me through the more difficult and challenging times. God was faithful."

Amongst the gigs Gifty has so far played is one at Southern Ireland's ln:fusion festival. "I enjoyed ministering at ln:fusion. I didn't know how the crowd was going to respond because most of the music played was by Christian rock artists. However, I was pleased and grateful that my style of music was well received. It will be great to return to the Republic of Ireland next year."

Gifty is keen to see the division some in the Church show towards black and white gospel styles being bridged. "I feel music ministers to both black and white people. Gospel music is an accessible gift from God in bringing people of all nations together. I find that the concerts I perform in, black and white people are meeting together to worship. I feel gospel music will continue to break down the division between black and white congregations within the Church. Concerts up and down the UK are programming black and white artists which are attracting a more multi-cultural audience."

For the future, Gifty is optimistic. "My initial plans are to develop my music ministry and live performance. I already have a number of songs I would like to release in the new year."