Nigerian Gospel singer, Ada Ogochukwu Ehi, popularly known as Ada Ehi —has shared her career journey and advised fellow artistes to stop chasing fame and serve God with their whole hearts.
In an interview, the 41-year old narrated how she started with Tosin Jegede in primary school.
According to her, she and Jegede attended the same church and she was singled out as a child because she could sing and joined the church band. She said she saw first-hand the industry of music at the New Realm Baptist Church.
The singer who started in 2009 also narrated how she had challenges with her music stating that her songs sounded so foreign that they could not fit the mould of the kind of music people loved then —citing piracy as another challenge.
However, she shared that she was able to overcome those challenges as her passion for singing would keep her going in all.
Ada also highlighted how she became a part of the Christ Embassy choir in campus as she trained some other young people and was given platforms as she was signed into a record label.
Also sharing how her husband is her biggest support system, Ada advised other Gospel singers not to focus on recognition clearing that gospel music should be about ministry and not entertainment.
“Gospel artistes are fulfilling their divine assignment through anointed music, so recognition isn’t our main focus. This is ministry, not entertainment. Recognition is a bonus, not our goal. What matters most is staying true to the message. We pray for more platforms and opportunities to spread the gospel of Christ through music. Awards are welcome, but our primary mission is to deliver God’s message.
“Every song has a purpose and a season. For example, celebratory songs “trend” in December, leading to more streams. But the real success of gospel music isn’t in numbers; it’s in its impact. If even one person’s life is touched, that’s a victory. Awards and views can be distracting. True impact—the kind that transforms lives—is the real reward and can’t be bought,” she said.
The singer further stated that her focus is not fame as the awards and recognitions she have are only useful when she’s introduced on stages.
“Awards mostly add prestige when my profile is read or I’m introduced at events. They are great, but the real reward is the lasting impact of the music. That’s what truly matters—impact that can’t be bought or erased,” she maintained.
Ada also shared how her songs are mostly faith-based narrating a stance;
“Faith-based music is a deep part of who I am. Often, the process starts with a feeling or a sound that resonates in my heart and spirit. The songs come to me in different ways—sometimes through dreams, or when I’m watching something, or even when I’m just sitting down and it suddenly drops into my mind. For instance, I once started singing a chorus that reaffirmed my faith, and the lyrics were about being blessed by walking with the Lord. Another time, during a challenging period when my husband,” she shared.
