Stop trying to be like others, own your authenticity — OBA

By Ayo Onikoyi

Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter and leadership coach Bamike Adeyemi, popularly known as OBA, has urged aspiring musicians, ministers and creatives to embrace their uniqueness instead of trying to imitate others in pursuit of success.

Speaking during an appearance on Conversations With Kenni, OBA reflected on her journey of more than two decades in the music industry, noting that many people lose their identity because they are desperate for recognition and acceptance.

According to the gospel artiste, she has witnessed different seasons in the industry and observed how the pressure to gain visibility often pushes people away from their authentic selves.

“There is quite a lot of pain, especially for someone like me who has been there for years. When I mention underdog, I have seen different seasons unfold. A lot of people are losing their identity, showing up in ways they are not supposed to and losing their authenticity,” she said.

OBA stressed that people should resist the pressure to become copies of others, insisting that everyone has been uniquely created for a purpose.

“You don’t need to be like Mr A or Mr B. If God wanted that, He would have made a replica. What I tell my people is to own who you are and wear it with your full chest, even if it is only one person that is following you,” she stated.

The singer further encouraged creatives and ministers to remain faithful in serving wherever they find themselves rather than becoming consumed with the desire for larger platforms.

“A lot of people are afraid and keep asking, ‘They don’t know me, how will they call me?’ Let them not call you anywhere. Show up in your local assembly and do it like your life depends on it because your life depends on it,” she said.

She also cautioned against seeking shortcuts to success, emphasizing that growth and impact require patience and commitment to the process.

“A lot of people want to cut short the process. God doesn’t operate like that,” she added.

Known for her soulful vocals, indigenous Yoruba chants and signature “divine African sound,” OBA said creatives must learn to trust the process, stay authentic and focus on developing their gifts rather than chasing validation from others.

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