John Mako’s Piagbuo Ndi Irom set for launch May 20

No doubt, gospel singer, John Maduekwe, well known as John Mako is one artiste, who has determined to carve a niche for himself with his brand of gospel music, which is often laden with messages.

The talented songwriter, who prides himself in delivering motivational songs and praising God to the high heavens, will on Saturday, May 20, launch his new album titled, Piagbuo Ndi Irom, which translates to ‘flog my enemies’.

The album launch according to John Mako, is expected to witness a musical explosion as the crème de la crème of the society and several top-notch businessmen and women are expected to grace the occasion. His music tells stories of experience, strength, hope and prayer through deep, poetic lyrics juxtaposed with a soulful voice and inspired rhythms. Listening to this new work would readily transport the listener to new heights of spiritual realm with praises to God.

Through his music, John Mako gives fans an open door into the world of emotional and spiritual refinement, which he maintains through a conscious effort, while he stay true to his own style of music delivery.

The new work, a six-tracker includes; Osawo Akarakam, I Will Worship My God, Chinekem Biko, Ojiwe Ego Ka Nmori, Suchra Muzom and the title track Piagbuo Ndi Irom.

Asked what inspired the album titled, the Lagos based artiste, said: “As God’s messenger, I’m passing across a message to the world that when you believe in him, you can achieve greater things. This was what inspired my first album, Chinekem Biko, which was released in 1993.”

“My second album, Nigeria Cho Udo, was inspired by the economic situation of the country. In that album, I called on our leaders to put an end to the economic crisis, because after all the time and money spent in school our youth are still unemployed,” he added.

On gospel artistes, particularly those of Igbo extraction, having their unique beat and way of singing, the singer, who has been in the music industry since 1993, the style of music depends on the producer.

“When your voice out, your lyrics enables the producer to know the kind of beat that can match with the lyrics. It is disheartening that today, whether secular of spiritual, people only sings whatever comes out of their head, which most times are not laden with any message.”

Explaining why gospel artistes in Nigeria, don’t get much publicity like their counterparts in the secular sub-sector of the music industry does, Mako stated that the reason is because people of this generation are more attracted to secular music.

According to him, PMAN should take gospel music forward, adding that there is a gospel music association in Alaba and eastern part of country. “We want the intervention of the government so that gospel music will be known.”

Asked what he thinks are the problems, Mako also explained the recording companies that signs secular artistes are mostly based on hip-hop, and they never thought about the gospel music.

“The most important thing is that gospel music is a form of inspirational message that helps in the society and the world is yet to know Christ that’s why they don’t value gospel music.”