 |
| Image: Google |
Nigerian singer and songwriter Johnny Drille has spoken candidly about his relationship with the church and how his music has evolved beyond traditional Christian boundaries while still reflecting his deep faith and moral values.
In a recent appearance on the CreativiTEA podcast, the How Are You (My Friend) crooner opened up about the intersection between his spiritual beliefs and his artistic expression. Johnny Drille, whose real name is John Ighodaro, explained that although his faith in God remains steadfast, his sound and message do not always align with the conventional structure of church music.
“I love God and I’m very much involved in church, but I never really felt my music was for church,” he said. “Sometimes I get invited to perform in church, which is quite interesting.”
The Mavin Records artist, known for his soulful melodies and introspective storytelling, said he has often been misunderstood by some members of the Christian community who expect him to remain strictly within gospel music. However, he clarified that his songs, while not confined to religious themes, are grounded in positivity and values that uplift listeners.
“I’ve gotten some backlash from the Christian community whenever I perform in churches. But the truth is my music spreads positivity. It touches the issues the church tries to avoid,” he noted.
Johnny Drille’s style of music — a blend of folk, soul, and Afrobeats — has earned him a loyal fanbase across diverse audiences, both religious and secular. His storytelling approach and emotionally rich lyrics often explore themes of love, humanity, and faith, subjects he believes should not be separated from spirituality.
The singer emphasized that his artistic purpose has always been to communicate truth and hope in a way that resonates universally, not just within church walls. He explained that his art reflects real human experiences — including love, pain, and joy — which are all essential aspects of life and spirituality.
“The church shies away from talking about love,” he said. “You go to Christian weddings, you hear Davido and Wizkid songs. What if the church decides that we want to start doing their own Christian love songs?”
He argued that love, which lies at the core of Christianity, deserves more representation in gospel and faith-based music. According to him, expressing love through music does not compromise one’s faith but rather reinforces it.
Johnny Drille’s reflections come at a time when many faith-based artists are navigating the fine line between secular success and spiritual authenticity. For him, music is not just about genre but about intention — the power to inspire and connect with people at a deeper level.
The Romeo & Juliet singer also credited his early experiences in church as a foundation for his artistry. Before achieving mainstream success, he served as a music director in his local church choir, where he honed his songwriting and vocal skills.
Those years, he said, helped him develop his understanding of melody and harmony, even though he never felt entirely at home performing within the traditional church structure.
Today, Johnny Drille continues to bridge the gap between faith and mainstream creativity, delivering songs that speak to the human condition while maintaining his spiritual grounding. His message is clear — music inspired by faith doesn’t have to be confined to gospel labels; it can be universal, heartfelt, and still deeply connected to God.
Watch him speak below…
#JohnnyDrille
No comments:
Post a Comment