The
music industry in Nigerian just keep getting better and the boost is launching
even deeper with more people with even more capacity for delivery emerging
especially on the Gospel scene. We reflect our phenomenals such as Sinach,
Frank Edwards, E-Ben, Tim Godfrey, and many more. Our first “talk news” session
is with the music maestro and kinesthetic gospel singer, Stephen Hezron who is
just about releasing his first single “Greater” which is a departure from his
choir ministrations. Having begun music as a teenager, been through tutulege
from greats such as Panam Percy Paul, he is unleashing his exuberant style of worship
on the world to bring healing. Right here in a chat with our correspondent Jenny
Chisom, he shares bits of his life that are purely inspiring. Read along as we
anticipate the release of GREATER in less than 48 hours - Dec. 28, 2017 via www.stephenhezron.com.
TNN:
Can you tell us about you and growing up!
Hezron: My name is Stephen
Hezron. I am simply called Hezron. I can’t explain why people chose the surname
rather than the first but I have become used to it. That is also why I am
@officialhezron all over social media.
I am the third of Seven Children and I
grew up in the midst of a large family, with cousins and nephews and other
extended family members living with us. That informed my sense of community and
love for people outside my immediate family. My parents both retired as
teachers, so we experienced what teachers’ children experienced back in the
days.
I have loved singing since I was younger
and have been attracted to any place where singing happen. Singing became more
common activity in my life while I was in Secondary school, and I decided to
learn to play the bass guitar in addition to singing. I grew up under strict
tutelage and have been monitored by parents when I am at home, and guardians
when I am in school.
TNN:
What was your first knowledge of music like?
Hezron: Like I mentioned, I started
active music with playing the bass guitar in my secondary school. After
secondary school, I proceeded to Adamawa State Polytechnic and on the
encouragement of my Music Director, Rev Simon Manabete, I started singing and
taking solos in my church choir. This formed the foundation of my love for
music. At a point I even wanted to study Music in the University, but of course
the Engineer in me refused to let go, so here I am.
TNN:
What inspired you to take music seriously?
Hezron: Music is a great
weapon for the soul and the spirit. The importance of music to any human being
cannot be over emphasized. First, I experience so much lifting in my spirit
whenever good music is being played. I listen to some singers, and the way they
sing or write their lyrics move me to tears.
Music takes me on a journey each time I listen to it and it also gives me the opportunity to glean from the experience of the singer or writer.
So it is what I
experience that I give to whoever listens to me.
TNN:
Tell us a bit about why you chose Gospel music?
Hezron: First, Gospel music
is timeless. It is unlike other songs that are celebrated today and tomorrow
when a new tune comes along, are forgotten. Every Bible based song is timeless,
because the spirit in the song is reborn every time it is sung or played.
Secondly, I can only give what I have. What I have is the gospel and nothing
more. So that’s what I give.
TNN:
What have you learnt from leading choirs? Any advice for choir leaders/lead singers?
Hezron: From leading choirs,
I have learnt patience and humility. Patience, because not all choir members
are on the same level. Many are good, others are not. In fact some are not in
the choir to sing, but they play very key roles in the functionality of the
choir. So the choir leader has to patiently know how to categorize these.
Humility, because that’s the path to greatness. As a music director, you must
know that you don’t know everything and that you need your team for desired
impact. You must listen to them and differ to them when their point of view is
superior to yours. You must not be seen as the custodian of the music of the
church who knows everything and lacks nothing, but a team player in the bigger
picture, with everyone assisting to make the musical experience impactful.
TNN:
What inspired this your first single Greater!?
Hezron: I am a product of
God’s greatness. He has shown me severally that He is greater than everything I
can imagine and He can do beyond my wildest imagination. Everywhere I turn, His
greatness is written boldly for all to see. The song ‘Greater’ is not an
original composition, but adopted and tweaked with a contemporary feel. I use
the song to remind myself that I serve a God that is more than able.
TNN:
Do you intend to write songs and make an album soon?
Hezron: Interestingly, the
album is already done. I am just releasing this “Greater” as the first of the songs
to be heard. There will be 2 or more singles before the complete album finally
drops. It may interest you also to know that the song was not done yesterday
and released today; we kept waiting for God’s timing, and finally it is
here.
TNN:
Are there future plans for more music?
Hezron: Yes!! There is more
to come from this vessel.
TNN:
Tell us about your family life!
Hezron: Well, I am the third
from a family of 7. My parents are retired teachers and they did their best in
bringing us up. I am married to Esther and together we are blessed with 2
wonderful children, Jamiel and Janelle, ages 4 and 2.
TNN:
What is your major passion for life?
Hezron: My passion for life
is seeing people happy, and music is that vehicle that makes it happen for
me.
TNN:
How do you relax?
Hezron: My wife says I
hardly relax (laughs) but one way of relaxation for me is with my family.
Another way is when I listen to Gospel music.
TNN:
Any closing thought?
Hezron: I have been in the
gospel music industry for some time. I am stepping out of my normal church
ministrations to a greater community with a high expectation. I want people to
enjoy what they hear and to be blessed by it. This is the first of many steps
to come.
TNN: Thank you for
chatting with us and sharing a bit of your life.
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