Mike Aremu vision

I heal with my music – Mike Aremu, ace sexophonist
By NKECHI NWAJI
Friday, July 14, 2006


Mike Aremu
Pix:Sun Nwes Publishing

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Mike Adeyemi Aremu, popularly known as Mike Aremu, is a notable Nigerian singer and saxophonist. The humble musician who hails from Ogbomoso in Oyo State, started music at the age of four and has over the years honed his skills to become a songwriter, composer and instrumentalist.

Recently, Aremu went on tour of the United Kingdom where he performed at different concerts in addition to having a stint at a wedding ceremony. He also entertained guests during a convention hosted by the London-based House on the Rock Mission.

While on the performance tour, Aremu equally put finishing touches to his new album, entitled: Unveiled aside seizing the opportunity to complete his new photo album.

Aremu recalled that his lovely mother, Mrs. Janet Aremu, 74, brought him into music through the church choir. He also remembered how his elder sister used to play trumpet in the choir, while they were young. Today, the multi-talented artiste believes God has deposited in him a divine gift through music. He is, therefore, grateful to God for his progress since the release of his first album Oluwaseun, which became an instant hit.

While speaking on his new album, Aremu explained how and why he left Kennis Music for Ojez.

How I started
I started playing music as a chorister at the then Cherubim and Seraphim, Minna, Niger State. Then, we had a tradition whereby we play music, using the local percussions unlike what obtains nowadays. I enjoy playing the drums then but the trumpet has actually been my major instrument for a very long time. I first started with the keyboard and the guitar, later, I trained as a saxophone in 1992 and mastered it but I became a full professional in 1995.

Inspiration
God is my inspiration. I see music as my ministry and not as a business. I use my music to heal the broken heart and give hope to the hopeless and I am contented with the blessing that goes with the music. Recently, I was touched at a concert at Washington DC when a medical doctor walked up to me to commend my music and to appreciate God blessings in his life. He said, " whenever I want to undergo an operation, I play your music because there is so much blessings and faith in it with great spiritual power, I feel the presence of God in the theatre room" I was moved to tears knowing that the lord has being using my music to touch the lives of the sick. And it was my first concert ever outside Nigeria, I was really encouraged by his words and all that the Lord is using me to do in the lives of people.

Journey so far
In 1999, I decided to take music more professionally because music has been my hobby and I find joy in playing instrumentals. I signed a recording deal with Kennis Music being the frontline recording label then in the country to help boost my music as well as bring out the best in me. After my first and second albums, which were released under Kennis music, I released the latest album entitled: Unveiled under my own label, Mike Aremu Vision. The album contains 10 tracks including Bona, Dance 4 Joy, Jehovah, Ose, Halleluyah, Wonder, You Are The One (Iwo ni mo fe) and Unveiled, which is the track’s title. It was released under my label but now, I have re-unveiled it with Ojez recording company.

Why I left Kennis
I left Kennis after my contract expired though I never thought of signing another recording deal with the company. Though we never had any form of dispute before I left, l just decided to move on with my life because I believed in myself and having God on my side, I had the conviction in my heart that I will definitely make it. I have always put God first in all I do in life especially as it concerns my music. So, whatever level I attain in life is traceable to the glory of God upon my life. The statement the label made on some previous publications about some artistes they dropped has nothing to do with me because I had already left the company after my deal expired.

I appreciate God for His mercies in my life and I will always live to appreciate Kennis for all their supports in the past for promoting my music.

Impact of the first album
I feel great being an artiste most especially a gospel artiste because the more I grow the more Lord inspires me. I will say that my first album really made a great impact on my person because it brought out the real Mike Aremu. Though I play inspirational music and it is more spiritual because it has a lot of messages on healing and giving the hopeless hope.

Kind of music
My music is gospel oriented, I play Jazz though Jazz it is not well recognized in the country but I appreciate the fact that Nigerians are beginning to appreciate Jazz especially the gospel form of it. I’m a saxophone player basically and a great composer. I enjoy playing the saxophone because its what makes me outstanding among other artistes. I appreciate my kind of music for its uniqueness and for the fact that everybody can’t play the same music.

I use my music to deliver excellence to Nigerians most especially to those who are downtrodden, assuring them that with God their tears could be turned to joy. He has done it in my life, and he can also do it in other people’s lives too.

Challenges
My major challenge before releasing my first album was that, I feared that my kind of music wouldn’t be accepted in the market because it was new then but I thank God for all his mercies that after releasing the album, it sold and people appreciated it and anywhere I go I get recognition. For my love for culture and tradition when I thought of shooting my video, I chose the village location to boost African culture and tradition and as well used our local fabrics of Aso Oke . I must say that I’m glad that people appreciate the video because I got a lot of commendation for the video and I appreciate all my fans for all their love.

New project
My new album is entitled, Unveiled, which has about 10 tracks. We are at the moment promoting two of the tracks Oluwaseun and Dance 4 Joy. Though, I have played it in London and the crowd appreciated it, I also know that back here in my country, people will also appreciate it because Nigerians love gospel music and I’m happy the way we worship God in Nigeria. I have other tracks like Do Wonder and Haleluyah in which I featured Yinka Davies and Segun Obey. I also featured Soji Israel in the track and Unveiled. I’m still planning on the video because I want to take my time to shoot the video to enable me get the best that will be appealing and different from others.

Record label
My new project entitled: Unveiled was originally released last October under my label Mike Aremu Vision but as an artiste, it is quite challenging to run it alone. Sometime you find out that the artiste, who is supposed to be managed, is at the same time doing the work of the manager. In the kind of music I play, I don’t entertain distraction because it involves a lot of concentration and dedication to compose the music and sound.

Attraction to your new label
Though, I have heard of the recording label for a long time before I signed on with Kennis music, I never knew the man behind the mask called Ojez until I unveiled the mask. Though after I signed off with Kennis I decided to use my own label but I later discovered that I needed a label for promotion and that was when I went for Ojez. I chose the label because I feel all the artistes under label had no regrets and so far, we’ve had a good working relationship.

Eradication of piracy
One way we can eradicate piracy in Nigeria is by organising seminars on piracy to educate people who are patronizing pirated copies in the market instead of the original copies. The recording companies have a major role to play in the issue of piracy if they could stand out and be more aggressive with the marketing strategies to meet the artistes demand of the album produced.

Relaxation
I love hanging out with my friends, going to the movies, or going for swimming though I’m not a very good swimmer but I enjoy it.

Playing on stage as an instrumentalist
I’m naturally a show person, I love entertainment a lot. Singing on stage is something I find pleasant to do because that is what makes me a real artiste. Sometimes, I don’t sing while on stage- my instrumentals speak for me and I enjoy dancing when on stage.

Relocating
I was born in Nigeria and I appreciate my country so much though the economy is bad but I’m happy being a Nigerian. Though I have been away for sometime in the UK, I still have my base in Nigeria. The fact that my wife lives in London doesn’t necessarily mean I have relocated to London. I go on vocation and sometimes when I have concerts or have to visit my lovely wife. I must appreciate my Pastor Paul Adefarasin of House on the Rock for his prayers and support and Captain Jide George of Strong Tower Mission for all their encouragement and love.

Role model
Elton John and a Cameroonian Jazz player, Richard Polar though the latter sings in his language but his music is well accepted in the world as one of the best jazz singers.

Advice to Nigeria artistes
They should keep their head straight and try to put excellence in all they do in life. They have to put God first in all they do in life. They must not lose focus to attain any level they want in their musical career, and they have to stay away from drugs and have the fear of God in their heart.




















- The Sun News

Mike Aremu ”Unveiled”

Mike Aremu Vision



One of ’s best celebrated instrumentalists Mike Aremu, a solo Jazz saxophonist, unleashes probably his most striking project yet.

What’s impressive is that in terms of sales (over a million units alone in his native West Africa) Mike has all the qualities to make him a world class act. The ultra-smooth intro “Boma” starts in a conventional Jazz-toned manner and allows for the surprise musical mix to impact the listener greatly. Mike may have his music embedded in the Jazz route but he draws heavily from West African rhythms like on the lead single “Oluwaseun” and on that tune you have a touch of the West Indies (Reggae) thrown in for good measure. Then there’s the fiesta-flavoured “Unveiled” where it’s like he pays homage to the amalgamation of world beats starting off in true Salsa style but soon taps into the infectious upbeat percussive beats of West Africa – vivid and dripping in amazing imagination.

Then to straddle another market, he takes it to the full-on Retro-Jazz vibes on “Dance 4 Joy” where the melodic soft-tinged vocals give it that real throw-back groove. Again going down a similar vain is “Wonder” where he chooses to feature lead vocalist Yinka Davies who scats and harmonises her way through this delightful dinner Jazz number. What sounds like an introduction to the “Lion King” quickly comes into its own riding a Funk-Jazz groove and Mike showing his true skills as a musician playing Sax notes against the bubbling bass line.

With acts like Kirk Whalum and Allen & Allen towing the line the Gospel Jazz/Saxophone scene, Mike brings in a distinct dimension with his world beat compositions and Yuroba-influenced choruses. Truly, a new international star is born.

DJ El Niño © November 2005



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PBC - Con Sabor Y Flava
One of the more recent movers in the Christian Reggaeton scene, PBC (Paid By Christ) comes extremely strong on his latest release.

ZOEgirl – With All Of My Heart, The Greatest Hits
Poptastic US girl trio ZOEgirl set another milestone in the music career with their Greatest Hits album chronicling the various

Bishop Eddie Long Presents Total Praise Choir - A New Beginn
One of America’s recognised ‘mega-Church’ Pastors, Bishop Eddie Long, gets his Church choir into full-swing.

Dimitri – Natural High
From the UK, the band Dimitri comes up trumps from the grassroots music scene on this unsuspecting release

P.O.D. - Testify
West Coast Nu-Metal quartet P.O.D. (Payable On Death) mean serious business with their brand new release.

Lisa McClendon – Live From The House Of Blues
The leading lady of the Neo-Soul Gospel movement presents us with her live album from the world-renowned House of Blues

Nu Life - Nu Life
When press releases use the term ‘long-awaited album’; here, this indeed has been the case with every literal sense of the phrase.

Ivo And Malin - Holy One KT Sounds Worship
Kensington Temple (KT) is one of London’s leading Churches with a combined membership going into thousands

Various - Riddim Invasion 5
Gospel Reggae sound system from the Bahamas return with their popular Dancehall series

Kevin Max – The Imposter
Success is strange thing and Kevin is no stranger to it having been part of the

The Royalpriesthood - Built To Last
It would seem that three is better than one for south London rappers Royal Priesthood

Various - Worship Africa Vol 3
Here we get a collection of songs that have the African sales pitch but to be honest, I’d get more of an ‘African’ experience walking down Peckham High Street

Various -Reggaeton Baptism Lion of Zion
Lion of Zion have long established strong branding with their ‘Baptism’ compilations

James Bowman III - Experience: My PerspectiveJB3 Music
An album that can easily get looked over from the relatively unknown name but if, like me

Adlan Cruz - The Pianoforte Collection
Celebrated Puerto Rican pianist Adlan Cruz has a long classical history that soon merge into

MDD - Modern Day David
As a producer Lawrence Williams aka MDD has worked on various projects including Alexander O'Neal, Groove Theory

LZ-7 - Ruckus
Lindz West was one of the whacky characters from the now-defunct UK Christian Pop band The Tribe

Double Portion - Redeemed Beats – The Mixtape Vol 1
Newly formed UK label Set Apart Records, founded by DJ Yemi, has street culture in full view

Marvia Providence - Thank You
At long last we get the much awaited follow-up to Marvia’s hit, and surprise, debut hit “Shabach”

Dixie-Ann Hunte - Righteous Change
With the dawning of a new carnival season in Trinidad and Tobago, up pops a brilliant three-track

Sam Moore - Splendid Isolation
Having been the word on many lips throughout 2005, brummie singer Sam Moore at long last

Various - Chillout Christmas
With the latter end of the year seeing a heightened release of Christmas albums, they can all

Various - Kingdom Advancement
First we had Virtuous Records bring out a compilation earlier on the year

Muyiwa + Riversongz - Declaring His Power One Voice
From the UK’s popular Praise and Worship singer and radio personality (Premier Radio), comes the follow-up to

Israel Houghton + New Breed - Alive In South Africa
It seems like this man can not set a foot wrong. Being one of the most influential Praise and Worship leaders of

Martha Munizzi - When He Came
US female Worship leader of the moment, Martha Munizzi gets well into the festive season on

Hillsong - Hillsong Ultimate Worship
The Aussie Church music machine keeps things rolling over the Christmas period with his

Byron Cage - An Invitation To Worship
The ‘Prince of Praise’ as he is known in the industry returns with a simply entitled album beckoning people into a

Lil Pito - Distinto Y Diferente Arroyo Dist.
The latest album from US artist Lil Pito offers up a very strong Reggaeton project indeed.

Salvador - Que Tan Lejos Está El Cielo Word / Curb Records
Salvador has built up an amazing reputation for giving some of the best live shows on the Christian music scene.

Khristian - This Year
This maybe a debut solo project from Khristian but of late he has been busy fulfilling

Marcos Witt - Dios Es Bueno
Marcos Witt is the ‘Michael W Smith’ of the Latin Praise & Worship/Pop world and here he

DJ Maj - BoogiRoot
Probably one of the very few ‘celebrity’ Hip Hop deejays in Gospel music, DJ Maj continues to leave

Various - The Best Gospel Album In The World…Ever!
A very bold statement to brand any project and here Virgin/EMI decide to bring their “Best…Ever” series

Various - GreenJade +…The Nu Jerusalem Project Vol. 1
One of the more longer-standing UK Hip Hop crews (ten years plus), south Londoners GreenJade have been spreading

Kyrstal Meyers - Krystal Meyers
Essential Records brings forth a complete gem of an artist and project with this debut release by teenager Krystal Meyers.

S.O.E. - Chase The Dream
One half of the Hip Hop duo Set Free, S.O.E. comes with his solo project and it’s a jammed with

Paula - One Step Away Kingdom Music
In terms of industry experience, Paula’s CV reads as follows: worked with Mica Paris, Chaka Khan and

Spring Hill Worship - Songs From The Bennett House Spring Hi
This album arrived in the office with the sticker ‘Authentic Worship Guaranteed’ which basically means if you

Kay Bakre - Mercy K. Bakre Music
London-based soloist Kay Bakre steps in for a first taste of the UK Gospel industry with this neatly

Vicki Yohe - Hes’ Been Faithful Pure Springs Gospel / EMI Go
Giving Martha Munizzi a run for her money in the ‘white-singer-does-Gospel’ department

Various - Gotta Have Gospel 3 Integrity Gospel / Gospo Centr
Round three in the “Gotta Have Gospel” series with its double disc delight showcasing

Dependance - One Life Alliance Music
Since The Tribe disbanded there has been a gap left in the UK Christian Pop market and Dependance look like

Various - Turn It Up Volume 1 Flow Masters Records
Trinidad’s carnival season may be over for 2005 but if this compilation from Sherwin Gardner’s

Marvin Sapp - Be Exalted Verity
Here we have an album that hits the mark big time in bold and catchy Gospel production.

Dwayne Tryumf - Ghetto Scripture Tryumf Recording Corporatio
A name that is much respected on the UK Gospel scene both as a producer and artists, Dwayne Tryumf throws out

Charles + Taylor - Charles + Taylor Integrity Gospel
Much build up has surrounded the release of this debut project by teenage brother/sister duo Charles

Joann Rosario - Now More Than Ever…Worship Verity / Zomba
Fred Hammond’s protégé singer burst onto the scene with her much-spoken about debut

Kierra ‘Kiki’ Sheard - Just Until EMI Gospel
For a teenager Kierra seems to be taking a leaf out of her mum’s (Karen Clark Sheard) book as hard working

Canton Jones - Love Jones Holy Hip Hop Music
Having been bubbling on the Urban Gospel scene over the last few years, focus is placed on this new release

Sounds of Blackness - Unity SLR Records
The mighty Sounds of Blackness (SOB) hit the music scene once more with what it seems going back to their roots in


- The Gospel Revue Online

BISHOP T.D JAKES
Pastor, author, artist, entrepreneur, philanthropist... international influence, Bishop Thomas Dexter Jakes began his ministry in 1979 with a congregation of ten people, when he founded the Greater Emmanuel Temple of Faith in West Virginia. Today, Bishop Jakes’ church in Dallas, “The Potter’s House” is one of America’s fastest growing mega-churches from which hope and restoration have reached millions around the world. Multiracial and nondenominational, the Potter's House has 50-plus active outreach ministries, more than 30,000 members, and a full-time staff of 300.

Being a man of wide influence, Bishop Jakes has visited the White House in meetings with both Presidents Bush and Clinton—and shared spiritual guidance with President Rawlings of Ghana and President Obasanjo of Nigeria. He was a guest of the King of Jordan, King Abdullah; the President of Trinidad, George Maxwell Richards, and in January 2005, the president of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri K. Museveni, and his wife, Janet Museveni.


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TYE TRIBETT
Born of preacher parents, Tye learned to make music at an early age. In 1996, he founded the G.A (Greater Anointing) gospel choir which at first, consisted of his friends whose hearts were simply set on making great music. The group won first place in the national gospel choir awards competition that same year. They have since performed with many of the finest artistes in gospel including Yolanda Adams, Hezekiah Walker, Mary Mary, Kim Burrel, John P Kee and Bobby Jones. Tye describes his sound as “earth, wind & fire meet Christ.”


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KURT KARR
Kurt is described as a man who is gifted and anointed in all things musical. Since 1991, he has composed, arranged and released many gospel albums. Starting his own record label, Gospo Centric in 1992, the energetic musical director led his group through several albums of contemporary music. Kurt has been an active promoter of the acts of his record label, including such industry heavy hitters like Trin-i-tee 5:7. Gospel Gangstas, and Kirk Franklin and the family. He has a global mission to reach every nation, tongue and people through his latest release – One Church.


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DON MOEN
As a songwriter, Don has written over 100 songs; as a worship leader, he has led worship on every continent but Antartica. And as a producer and business man, he has recorded numerous albums. He serves as the President of integrity Music and vice president /creative director for integrity Media. As an artist, he has sold over five million units.

In 2002, he was presented with the Ray DeVries Church Ministry award by his peers. He also received a Dove Award for his work on the musical “God with us”. Despite his many creative pursuits, family (his wife Laura and their five children) is his first priority.


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CECE WINANS
Armed with a warm spirit, an abundant faith, a pure heart and the desire for everyone she comes in contact with to have the same experience, CeCe’s abundant gifts also serve as the platform for her purpose beyond the music. The six-time Grammy award winner is a visionary humanitarian with sharp business acumen.

Married twenty-one years with a daughter and son in college, ages eighteen and twenty (respectively), CeCe the wife and mother has managed to balance her personal and professional lives with relative ease. With a supportive, loving spouse (their last name not coincidentally, Love) and having her priorities in order, CeCe is clear about her foundation; God is at the center, everything else revolves around him, and that works in her favour. Being encouraged and inspired by life, CeCe Winans is very clear on her agenda. “Good always conquers evil,” she acknowledges, “we just have to create those outlets.”


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ISREAL HOUGHTON
Israel Houghton is considered a forerunner and architect of cross-cultural worship. He has written hundreds of songs for the church worldwide and is an award winning producer and arranger. Israel is the Founder and President of New Breed Music which is a worship movement that crosses all cultural, generational, and denominational boundaries. He also serves as worship leader at Lakewood Church in Houston with Pastor Joel Osteen.

However; simply put Israel says, “I am a husband to Meleasa, a father to Mariah, Israel II, and Milan Lily, and a Friend of God.”


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LIONEL PETERSEN
Lionel Petersen has been leading and teaching worship in churches across South Africa since 1984. Prior to that he enjoyed a successful secular music career, but getting to record Rejoice Africa was something of a dream-come-true for Lionel. Bringing together over 5000 worshipers of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, Rejoice Africa exudes a spirit of unity and reconciliation filled with the indigenous sounds of South African music, live from Johannesburg.



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PASTOR MARVIN WINANS
For almost three decades, Pastor Marvin Winans has led the Winans family to spear-head a musical revolution in the world of contemporary Gospel, R&B and Pop music. With their incomparable vocals, positive lyrics, unforgettable memories and impeccable production, a musical window opened up that let in the likes of Kirk Franklin, Commissioned, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Fred Hammond, Sounds of Blackness and beyond.

Pastor Winans is a six-time Grammy award winner, a world class song-writer, vocalist and entertainer who is recognized, respected and accepted in the Mainstream, CBA, Gospel and General markets. He is the founder and Senior Pastor of Perfecting Church in his hometown of Detroit, Michigan– a church with membership of over 4,500 members


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PAUL ADEFARASIN
An Author, Motivator and Conference speaker, Paul Adefarasin is well known for his clear message of hope, healing and empowerment. He is widely regarded as a visionary leader and a bridge builder. His ability to transcend Race, Tribe and Creed with his unique approach to ministry has seen to the forging of many strategic relationships between the church and secular communities in Africa. He has a burning passion to see the rehabilitation of his generation, his nation and his continent. He is the founder and Senior Pastor of the vibrant multi-ethnic House On The Rock congregation, with over 7,000 worshippers in attendance on Sunday mornings. He is also the Founder and President of the Rock Foundation; a charity based organization committed to social reformation, education, provision of healthcare and relief work for the downtrodden and underprivileged in Nigeria and West Africa.


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ASU EKIYE
Asu first discovered his musical inclination in his primary school days, although he did not explore the gift until much later in life. His ‘hiplife’ style of music which is a combination of highlife and hip-hop explores a lot of traditional elements to give a unique flavour. The award-wining gospel singer is passionate about using his music to change the image of notoriety which is usually ascribed to the Niger Delta Region. Asu’s “back to base” albums are still rocking the air waves.


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MIKE AREMU
Mike Aremu is an innovative Saxophone composer whose ability to draw from traditional Nigerian sounds to create a sound that represents both creative-passion and his culture has distinguished and set him apart. Mike has received industry recognition with the TOMA and AMEN awards where he received Best Instrumental album of the year and Best Gospel Music Video of the year. He was also nominated twice at the Kora Awards (Africa’s best known and recognised mainstream music awards ceremony) in 2003.


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MUYIWA OLANREWAJU
Muyiwa has been described as an exceptional singer/songwriter/radio presenter. Since he burst onto the Christian music scene in 2002 with his debut album 'Restoration', featuring Riversongz, he has been inspiring worshippers across the UK to 'bless the Lord'. Mixing the soul of black music, with rock, pop, soul and r'n'b to create an intoxicating and awe inspiring sound, his album that featured songs like 'Our God Is Good', 'Your Loving Kindness', 'Restoration' and 'We Want To See You' has been embraced by churches across the UK, Europe and Nigeria, and incorporated into their worship services. He can be heard on Premier Radio, where he presents their flagship 'Gospel Tonight' and ‘Worship Tonight' programmes, He also presents ‘Sounds Of Africa’ on Luthansa Airlines.











- The Experience