BIGSONG:
Ibitayo Jeje (also known as IBITAYO), is one of Nigeria’s truest female music ministers. A woman set on bringing hope to the world through the word of God in music, started her music career over 10 years ago. Ibitayo began her singing career performing in various choirs, leading the president Olusegun Obasanjo’s Chapel in otta, Ogun State. She is also the daughter of a foremost gospel minister, Rev Bola Arowolo. She later did collaborations with friends such as Sammie Okposo, Kore, Sonnie Badu (UK), Rocksam, Soji Israel, Mike Aremu and many more.
Ibitayo’s first album released seven years ago was titled “You need a man”. The album was inspired by a desire to educate people about Jesus Christ. Ibitayo went back to the studio in late 2008, defining and refining her sound by creating a distinct brand within an almost lost genre of music called “High-life”.
Her first single from the new album released in March 2008 titled “E no dey slumber” meaning God never slumbers, is causing a wave within the Nigerian gospel music industry. Set Him Off Music, a leading worldwide gospel music label and publishing outfit based in the United Kingdom, describes the single as “a breath of fresh air”, while the Gospel Vibes Magazine describes it as a “….triumph for modern day music. A beautiful blend of African rhythms, salsa and jazz, which gives it that easy listening vibe, which elevates it into brilliance”.
Ibitayo is gradually becoming one of the most influential female voices in Nigerian music and has brought her style of music into international acceptance. Her New Album contains some African inspired songs. It is described as a blend of
highlife music, using the English language as a platform to reach a wider audience with a fusion of pidgin and vernacular within the international community. The first two singles from the album ‘E No Dey Slumber’ and ‘Yanga Fakosi’ have fantastic video, which are currently playing on all national and cable TV networks in Nigeria (on youtube also).
Ibitayo toured in 2008 – 2010, and ministered at various churches, venues and concerts in Manchester, Birmingham, Sheffield and London. She visited quite a number of churches in the United Kingdom during her 2010 tour. She had her album launch on the 4th of July, 2010 in London and it was a blast. She had some of UK’s finest Gospel Artists supporting her on that day, such as Sonnie Badu, Taymee Tee, Andrew Bello, Obi Shine, Vani, Shabach, and a special guest performance from Mike Aremu.
Ibitayo has also performed at events such Praise Jam, Asuza, corporate events, state and government functions to mention a few. She was also nominated as Best Female Gospel Act at both the ‘Africa Gospel Music Awards’ in London, and the Kingdom Gospel Awards (Kingdom Africa TV).
Ibitayo, a graduate of Business administration, is happily married to Pastor Ayo Jeje, a versatile apostle for Christ and minister of the Word, and they are blessed with a lovely son.
