In this interview, we spoke with Clement Oluwasegun, aka Engo, the pioneer hip-hop gospel artiste in the Church.

CCB: As a Celestial based musician, what limitations do you have breaking into the music industry in general?

Engo: Celestial Church itself has this musical background. Anyone that is a member of Celestial Church or was born in the Church, would possibly have this music gift naturally. That is a positive influence. At the same time there is the negative influence, in that when we grow up, we begin to check other genres of music and some of these genres are restricted, as some people classify them as non gospel or are not christian-like type of music.



They just want the jazz, the blues or the local way, the highlife type of music. When you do something new, like you infuse makosa, rap or rock, they just feel what you are doing is not okay. That is a challenge.

Saying you are a rapper or a lyricist is a big challenge in Celestial Church. But now, we thank God things are changing. Generally, in the whole world at large, Celestial Church has a label, as other people do not understand the mysteries behind the doctrines of the Church and the vision of the Church.

More importantly, they intend to give us a particular negative name. That is one of the things that influenced the song 'Omo Cele'. But the main thing there is that, these things are very wrong. People are taking about preaching against racism and any kind of discrimination, then we have Christians discriminating against each other, and if the scriptures says we are all one in Christ, especially calling us the body of Christ, that means a Church in quote can just say Celestial Church of Christ is demonic. It simply means the right hand is telling the left hand of Jesus Christ, that it is demonic.

In the world at large, there is that restriction because you are a Celestian. Once they know you are a Celestians, not in terms of music alone, but also in other careers too. I have seen people who missed job opportunities because they are Celestians. That can limit us as individuals.

CCB: When it comes to the music business, how easy is it to break into the gospel music market?

Engo: For me, firstly, I will like to say this. I am more of a musician that speak on several subjects, but I am influenced more by the gospel.

Just like a famous rapper called , Chance the rapper. He broke a lot of norms with his style and he has what we call a gospel background. In every of his songs, you see him relating people to God no matter the subject he speaks on.

CCB: Basically, that means you are not into full gospel?

Engo: The truth is I am gospel. Looking at me is gospel. Everything about me is gospel. I am to speak the truth to people and to tell them about Christ and salvation.

No matter the way, I do it, it's gospel. But I want us to remove that classification, because that is one of the limitations we have. Just like we have people saying this one is Cele, this one is this Church. The same way this is gospel music, that is secular.

A secular musician can speak more gospel than a gospel musician. My Gospel influence, should at the same time shown other people the right path to move.

CCB: Do you intend to go full secular?

Engo: What I am doing now is music, secular or gospel. The way anyone want to call it. It is music speaking on subjects that will make people do the right thing.

CCB: Let's look at this, do you perform beyond Celestial Church's programmes and events?

Engo: Yes. I have been to some other Church, I won't want to name.

CCB: Now, let's look at the Experience, do you intend to perform there?

Engo: It will be a great thing to do. But I know if I am from another denominations, it will have been quicker and faster. The fact that I am a Celestian, mean that I have to do a whole lot of things that is appealing to them, that they can understand how it is.

It is all about me as a rapper and the lyrics. Once the lyrics can actually hit them, they can hear that. Performing at the experience is even a small thing if God want to make it happen.

CCB: Also, let's look at the area of the Church as a brand. How would you like to advise Celestians on managing the brand of the Church?

Engo: I must say, firstly of all, we have been doing well. We have been doing well in rebranding. For example, in this type of event we are in, it usually doesn't take place. We are actually trying. When it comes to the label they gave us, it has to take a lot of efforts to wash it away.



CCB: Who's responsibility is it?

Engo: We have the God factor. We do our own part too. The work part is our duty. Our responsibility is to be modest, in everything we do. In our talking and our actions. Not only in the Church, but outside the Church too when we relate with other Christians too.

Let us keep hearing other Christians saying, so you are a Celestian. So Celestians behave like this? If we hear more of that, it shows we are actually improving. It is not a battle for us to fight, it is God's battle.

CCB: Thank you for you time.

Engo: It's a pleasure speaking with you.
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