‘All i want to do is glorify God with my talent and inspire people’

Popularly known as Temmy Sax, Temitayo Kehinde is an eight years old music talent, who started playing saxophone at the age of six. Though still in primary five, Temmy is indeed a bunch of talent, as he’s endowed with different gifts including ability to play chess, football and lately, the saxophone. A mathematician in the making, he once represented Lagos State in the yearly National Mathematic competition and was later invited as a guest artiste to play at the birthday celebration of governor Akinwunmi Ambode. In this interview with ENIOLA DANIEL, the first runner up in the God’s Children Great Talent (GCGT) show spoke on his love for music and desire to inspire his generation.

Can you give a brief background of yourself?
My name is Temitayo Kayode, I’m from Kogi State, and I’m eight years old. My father’s name is Kayode Sunday. I attend Toygram Joy Children School, Gbagada and currently in primary five upper. We are members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and attend Solutions Centre Parish in Gbagada. I come from a family of five, comprising of my father, mother and my younger twin sisters, who are six years old. How did music start for you, especially the saxophone?
My dad sings and plays the keyboard; my mum sings and dances. My younger sisters also like to sing and dance like my mum, but none of them plays the saxophone.

So, how did you learn to play the instrument?
It started with me watching saxophone players on YouTube and I picked interest in it. I developed interest because there was something about the way they played it that caught my interest. I liked to watch professional players like Mike Aremu, who became my inspiration. I later asked my parents to get me a saxophone teacher, though dad did not believe I had the gift because no one plays the sax in my house. But finally, my mum got me a teacher, who helped me to improve my skills.

You once played for Lagos State governor on his birthday, how were you selected and how was the experience?
My friend’s mum, who knows I play the sax, met my dad and they discussed about my gift and how I could play the sax very well. She later informed my dad that she will be attending the governor’s birthday celebration and would like me to play for the governor. I believe the governor liked what I did for him that day. For me, it was a great opportunity.

You participated in the Gods Children’s Great Talent show?
Yes, I competed in Season five and I took the second position. I won N1.25m; my father is the one keeping it for me and I know he will manage it well because our parents take very good care of us.

What did you learn from being in the competition?
GCGT is a great platform and while I was competing there, I was taught how to have courtesy and etiquette. I was groomed to develop my talents even more but to continue being humble and to remember that all talent is from God. I like the way it was organised because we were all well groomed and trained to be very confident, especially when performing on stage. Every year, the competition seems to improve more than the previous years.

At what age did you discover this talent of yours?
I discovered it when I was four years old, after which I took more interest in it and started developing it even more. I was even more inspired by a great Sax players like Mike Aremu.

What kind of career would you like to pursue?
I want to be a saxophone-playing evangelist and a medical doctor. My parents are comfortable with this path I have chosen and they support me. I also plan to teach my younger ones how to play because for now, they only dance and sing.

How’s your relationship with friends?
It has been good because I have remained myself. I have always been a free person and I respect my elders and even greet younger people. GCGT has taught me humility and to always remember the child of whom I am.

How do you cope with school and your music?
I don’t really play all the time; I rehearse mainly once a week. For now, I face my studies. However, when I’m done with my exams, I will practise more than once a week.

Have you got the opportunity to play at public events?
Last year, I was invited to play at Mummy GO’s birthday, a party hosted for the Chairman of Wema Bank and to minister at Victory House, in the United States of America, as well as Victory House in London. All these people requested for me specifically to come play and minster to people.

Was it on the strength of the GCGT talent show that you were invited to play at these places?
Yes, they also saw my videos on my YouTube from where they picked interest.

What kind of support have you received from your parents so far?
They have been great; they helped me to improve when I first picked interest. My dad has been the one managing me, especially when people request that I come and play for them. I currently rehearse on my own and continue to improve from where my teacher stopped because my teacher is pursuing a course now and cannot continue to come as regularly as he would like to.

Have you started earning money through your performances?
I am earning money, but I don’t even want to think about it for now. All I want to do is glorify God with my talent and inspire people. Already, I teach a few people how to play like my friend Tobi; he’s already playing well, though not as good as me. I want to teach as many people as I can so that they too can glorify God with their talent.