Gospel singer Kefee, in a chat with Encomium Magazine while trying to defend her Kokoroko song with secular singer Tamara, told this interesting story of her experience with now happily married Ese Walter's COZA pastor, Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo. Please read:
You started out as a traditional gospel singer, along the line your deviated. Would we say you re-branded?
If you have my album or albums, you would know that I am doing same kind of music, but different genres. For instance, the kind of songs in Branama 1 is the same with other songs, but with improved production and vocals.
Some people were not happy because you featured Timaya in Kokoroko and he’s a secular singer. How would you react to that?
Before I react to that question, let me tell you this short true story. In 2008, I was invited to perform at a church (name withheld) in Abuja for the second time. The publicity for the show was massive, they had distributed invitation card to guests, people were even calling to confirm if I was going to perform. In fact, I got copies of the flyers weeks before the show.
I was getting ready to go to the airport when I got a call from the pastor’s P.A, asking if I had seen a certain newspaper’s story about me. I said yes, it was a scandal.
And he said they don’t want to have anything to do with me because of that scandal. Besides, he added that they have top government officials who worship in their church, and all sort.
I said ok, but the so-called senior pastor, who called me initially to plead with me to accept a certain amount because it was a new church couldn’t call me anymore, he had to send his P.A to tell me that. He didn’t care what happened to me, if it was true what said about me by an angry, bitter man.
I felt really low not because I didn’t do the show but because they cared less what happened to me, because that would have been the end of my career.
Now, I called Timaya. We met at a studio somewhere in Festac town, and Timaya asked me about the same scandal. And he told me what I expected a man of God would’ve told me. I remember, he said to me:
“Don’t worry, if your hands are clean, you will see God turn things around for you. God will help you, my sister.”
I say this in all sobriety, after which we recorded Kokoroko. When Kokoroko came out and Timi (Dakolo) listened to it, he said “Kefee, you dey make me like God in a different way.”
Now, you tell me, who acted like a good human? Who would have ever thought that the so-called man of God, who now has his share of scandal and is still planning a robust reply would act that weird? So, when I heard people talking about me featuring Timaya, it sounded funny. God can use anything, anybody.
Music is an art that transcends all. Timaya was good for that song and he delivered, that’s what matters to me.
I don’t judge people. If he was a doctor, you won’t say he shouldn’t treat you because he isn’t a Christian. It won’t matter then. All you would want is have him do his job and that was what he did. He did a good job on that song you can’t deny that. And to me, that’s what counts.
Many people have criticized you because of your way of dressing, saying that it is not Christ-like. How would you react to that?
Really? I dress the way I like, I like my African print and again, everyone can’t like every style or design. So, that’s acceptable.