Victory Gbakara, wey una sabi as Victorygbaks, na Nigerian singer, songwriter, and lawyer wey get ginger to spread the gospel like bread and butter with im music. Based on say him papa and mama na strong bible scholars, e dey wear him faith like cloth and e believe say him dedication to Christ don open plenti doors for am, including winning the 8th season of Nigerian Idol.
Watch Victory perform at Nigerian Idol
We follow Victory discuss im journey, im new EP The Message, and as e take dey enjoy life as big boy wey love Jesus.
On Identity and Music
SC: You fit define yourself in three sentences?
Victory: I be Victory Gbakara, the beloved of Abba, and my music na Spirit & Life.
SC: How does your music being Spirit & Life tie into your message of the gospel and love?
Victory: The message of love originated from Jesus. Nothing speaks of love like Jesus; His whole persona is tailored to that.
On Nigerian Idol and Staying True
SC: As Nigerian Idol make you blow, shey you wrestle with whether to stay “general audience” or plant your feet firmly in the gospel?
Victory: I no go call am wrestle, but at some point, I was contemplating doing inspirational music instead. Then I realized it was more than just choosing one thing or the other. The best authenticity I can produce is within the gospel line. My creativity is at its best in gospel. I would be cheating myself and my fans if I don’t give them the best on a consistent basis.
SC: Omo! Your conviction is strong o. What has it been like standing for what you believe in?
Victory: I believe it is grace that inspires us to become. Three words that have helped me set myself apart are discipline, kindness, and effectiveness. Being a believer and practicing everything I’ve learned over the years has helped me grow in these areas. For example, my EP took over a year to produce because I was very particular about the excellence and effectiveness I wanted to bring forth. When we are given an opportunity by the music industry, we must do everything possible to maximize it.
On The Message EP
SC: Now wey we dey speak about the music, what is the story behind the EP?
Victory: The Message EP na simply the gospel. It covers everything I believe the gospel is. Formulating the EP, I decided to start with “Best Years”. For me, the song na prophetic and declarative song. At the end of the EP, we close with “Only Love”, because at the end of the day, na only God love fit keep, save, and do all things. Everything about the project, even down to the volume, dey very intentional.
SC: You sound like someone who considers the bigger picture. Have you always been like this?
Victory: Yes, I have. But trial and error and being the music director at Benson Idahosa University shaped me a lot. My manager, Mr. Chuks, also helped; he’s a straight shooter who always looks at the finish line.
SC: The Amapiano style you used on the song “Deliver”, tell us about it
Victory: The Message EP is also a reflection of my personality musically. Gospel isn’t just a genre; it is a message. We can communicate it through several genres. Each body of work I put out must carry a part of my personality
On Legacy and the Future
SC: Imagine 10 years from now, which headline go make you smile and say, “Yes, I am doing well”?
Victory: e fit no be news, it could be a DM or a comment, but it would say: Listening to Victory Gbakara led me to Christ. Satisfaction for me is impact. That’s the number one reason for this EP.
SC: In line with the future, what artistes would you like to feature on your next project?
Victory: Sinach, she revolutionized gospel music in Nigeria. Dunsin Oyekan, I’m a very big fan of Minister Dunsin. Greatman Takit as well.
I’d also like to feature non-gospel artists on a gospel album, regardless of the backlash. I feel like their fans deserve to hear the gospel. Nobody is unworthy of it. Christianity is one beggar telling another beggar where he found bread. For non-gospel artists, I’d like Johnny Drille, Chike, and Don Jazzy.
SC: That’s very interesting. What do we call this project?
Victory: Eat and Tell sounds like a perfect name, haha.
SC: As we wrap up, what is one song you’d use to introduce this EP to our community?
Victory: Glory. When you listen, you’ll get it immediately. The EP is set up in a way that there’s something for everybody, and something for you.
Conclusion
If one word dey to describe Victory, e go be READY. Everything wey e don experience so far don prepared am for this phase of im journey. With his debut EP The Message, e don use different part of the gospel sew better EP wey sweet, still carry the message of God.
And e recommend, make una sharply check out him EP. You fit start with Glory
