Yinka Ayefele Rolls Out ‘Manifestation’

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Gospel musician, Yinka Ayefele recently released his 25th record titled “Manifestation”. The nine-track album released nationwide preceded the 24th anniversary of the ghastly car incident which became a turning point in his life. To mark the occasion, Ayefele, at a ceremony rolled out the drums to celebrate 12 people who, like the rock of Gibraltar, have stood by him through thick and thin. Ferdinand Ekechukwu writes

Yinka Ayefele has continued to wax stronger. For those who truly know the story of this gospel music prodigy, his legacy and love for music has seen the face of gospel music change in Nigeria. When, by happenstance, he released his first album, Bitter Experience, a lot of people said he was patronised because of his condition. His second album, Sweet Experience changed that notion as it was widely accepted.

Following that life changing encounter, it has become somewhat a tradition for Ayefele to drop album annually. A thing Ayefele attributes to the favour of God. Little wonder his kind of music appeals to both Christian and Muslim brothers, and thus has earned him the claim as the only Nigerian gospel artiste with lots of Muslim fans in Nigeria. Now, for the fans of the ‘Tungba’ gospel crooner who waited anxiously to relish his new record this year, it was worth the time as it finally berthed this month of December.

Ayefele’s ‘Manifestation’ was officially released nationwide Sunday, December 19, six days to Christmas. The nine-track record marketed and distributed by Aloy Production International, cascades Ayefele’s signature sounds in songs on the album and template in titles as Iwo ni Oluwa, Oba Awon Oba, We Praise You Lord, Lily of the Valley, Duro De Oluwa, Orin Ogo, Ebu Dike (Hail My Jesus), Gbe Oluwa Ga, and Awon Temi.

The ‘new baby’ of the award-winning iconic singer, ‘Manifestation’, pushes his discography to 25, aside thousands of live records and a handful of singles. Also released is the video of his 2020 album entitled ‘Ekundayo’, which is marketed and distributed by the Ibadan-based Role Model Entertainment Limited. The previous albums released by the gospel musician include Something Else, Divine Intervention, Fun Fair, Life after Death, released in honor of Gbenga Adeboye, a Nigerian radio presenter, musician and comedian, Everlasting Grace, Living Testimony and Prayer Point, among the long list of records.

His foray into music started with his first two recorded singles. “The first two songs I produced were recorded in a cassette, which was in my custody before I had the accident. After I was involved in the accident, two of my mentors advised that I add more songs and release it. That way, it could be launched at a fundraiser for my treatment abroad. My first album turned me into a musician because I still wanted to remain a broadcaster. The acceptance of my Bitter Experience and Sweet Experience albums encouraged doing music more” he recalled in an earlier interview.

It was in appreciation of the electronic media during his trying times the inspiration to float the radio station seared through. He further recounted. “I think it was when I was shooting the video of first album ‘Bitter Experience’, I just flashed back and saw the assistance I received from the electronic media during those trying moments. It was then I thought about owning a radio station and I began the process…”

Ayefele is the Chief Executive Officer of the most popular radio station in Ibadan, South-west of Nigeria, Fresh FM. His first album chronicled his sad experience in a ghastly car crash on December 12, 1997, on his way to Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. Ayefele had worked briefly as journalist and broadcaster at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Ibadan, where he also produced jingles and musical works.

To mark the 24th anniversary of the incident, Ayefele, at a ceremony held in Jogor Centre, Ibadan, on Sunday, December 12, 2021, rolled out the drums to celebrate 12 people who, like the rock of Gibraltar, stood by him through thick and thin. It was an event graced by who-is-who in the government of Oyo State and politicians from across party lines, including members of the State Executive Council, the House of Assembly and the National Assembly.

Tagged 12/12 Thanksgiving, Ayefele heartily gave out awards to the 12 people who are mostly members of his globally acclaimed Merry Maker Band, particularly Mr. David Aremu, his lead talking drummer who goes by the stage name Jegede. His wife of many years and mother of triplets, Mrs. Tope Ayefele, who was among the 12 ‘Samaritans,’ got a four-flat building of three bedroom flats each as a gift from her husband in addition to the award.

Appreciating the ‘good Samaritans’, Ayefele said “Please help me thank these people who have been a strong pillar for me since that unfortunate accident which happened 24 years ago. They have been steadfast and loyal. The accident of 24 years ago was my turning point. I thank God for His faithfulness. I thank God for the manifestation of His grace, mercy and goodness in my life at all times. Today, my bitter experience has turned to sweet experience. Indeed, ekun mi ti dayo (my sorrowful tear has become joy). Thank you all for your love, prayers and support,” he said.

The event was held together with the annual Miss Oyo Beauty Pageant hosted by Mayor Isaac Brown, Ayefele’s man Friday and host of the popular political interview programme on Fresh FM, ‘Political Circuit’. Not only did Ayefele reward his band members for their loyalty, he also extended the celebration to 12 lucky winners who had bought entry tickets to the event. Picked through a raffle draw conducted by the regulatory group, Ayefele in appreciating God for sparing him in the accident lavished nine (9) brand new Hisense refrigerators, a complete living room settee and two brand new TV sets on the winners.

The hall erupted in jubilation as the gifts were issued to the winners who were full of praise to Ayefele and prayed God to continue to bless him. The Ipoti-Ekiti-born singer assured his fans worldwide he will never let them down, promising to continue to dish out good songs.