Though a promising and wave-making gospel artist, but watching her perform, you will be wooed not just by her stunning gentle and brainy demur, but by her electrifying presence and gripping stage craft that speaks volumes of her artistry.
The world is at her feet and, Deaconess Juliet Oloruntogbe-Taiwo, a sensational gospel singer, popularly known with the showbiz moniker, 'Iwo ni maasin', makes no pretence about her willingness to continually win souls for God with her sonorous and velvety voice, dancing prowess and entertaining mix.
Her display of stage energy and vocal mastery was evident at her performance, during her Annual Praise musical concert, dubbed "Lifting In Praise", held in Akure, Ondo State capital.
The excitement was unquantifiable, the music was soul-transforming and life-changing, the mammoth audience were filled with excitement and the atmosphere, simply electrifying.
It was solely the gathering of gospel music enthusiasts who were thrilled with the rendition of melodious and soul-inspiring songs by famous gospel artistes from within and outside the Sunshine state.
In what looked like festival of songs, famous and talented artistes who mounted the stage and performed one after the other to the excitement of the large and elated audience include the Guest Artist; Biyi Samuel (Igi a ruwe crooner), Remilekun Amos, Tolu Adelegan (Ayo Nitemi), Joshua Johnson, Adeyemi Olujay and host of others.
Igi Aruwe (M), flanked by other artistes
Speaking with The Hope Friday Extravaganza, Chairman of the event and Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Rural and Community Development, Rt Hon Victor Olabimtan, enjoined Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of giving praises to God, saying it remains one of the ways of getting connected to God.
He added that when we praise God and give Him honour and adoration, we get more blessings, grace, mercy and the anointing to do the extraordinary.
"We prove to be serving God, but we are very far away from Him. We should embrace God's assembly more than other gatherings. Gospel songs, when we listen to it, travels straight into our soul, transforms us and connects us with God and by the moment we get connected to Him, His showers of blessings will come upon us", he said.
Olabimtan who charged gospel musicians to be original and creative, admonished them to always come up with songs that will glorify the name of God.
He however opined that true gospel songs are inspired by God and links the people directly to God.
Also speaking, the Celebrant, Deaconnes Juliet said the annual praise concert is staged to thank God for His immeasurable blessings and for taking her to a higher level.
The elated musician who thanked God for the success of the concert, appealed to governments at all levels to invest in gospel songs with a view to making it more popular and acceptable.
"Gospel music is what Nigeria needs to keep the nation together, especially at a time when it is being faced with series of challenges.
"It is very worrisome that the Nigerian government doesn't celebrate gospel music; and gospel music is the kind of music we need in trying times like this to keep the nation together", she lamented.
She however, admonished artistes to worship God in truth and extricate from acts that could dent their relationship with God.
On his own, Biyi Samuel (Igi Aruwe) who described gospel songs as good news, noted that everyone needs it to live right.
On why some musicians quit the stage unceremoniously, he attributed it to finances, lack of vision and in most cases, lack of creativity.
He enjoined them to stay strong, remain focused and always hold on to God who has called them into the ministry.
To be relevant and strive to the peak of showbiz, I think there is a need to constantly update oneself and conform to the emerging trend, as new songs are being composed in every second.
"But most importantly, be sure the talent is actually there. Do not come into the game for the wrong reasons. Let your talent guide you and let your passion drive you", he stated.
Dignitaries who graced the ceremony include; Chairman of Akoko South West local government Area, Hon Augustine Oloruntogbe, his wife, a Broadcaster, Adeolu Gboyega, gospel artistes from within and outside the state and lovers of gospel music.
