WADUPSASKATOON.CA is thrilled to feature an exclusive interview with Omotayo Adedeji, a rising gospel artist whose debut track, “The Lord, Our God,” from her upcoming album Luminosity, is already capturing hearts. A Nigerian immigrant, Omotayo’s journey is one of faith, resilience, and a deep passion for sharing God’s light through music. In this candid conversation, she opens up about the inspiration behind her powerful single, the challenges of launching a music career in Canada, and how her family and faith keep her grounded.
Congratulations on releasing your debut track, “The Lord, Our God”! What inspired the heart and soul of this song, and how does it reflect your journey as an artiste?
Thank you! Before I answer that question, I’d like to share that The Lord Our God is the first track on my debut album, Luminosity. This song was written as an expression of pure praise—worshiping God for who He is, not just for what He’s done or what He will do. It’s a reminder of the life we’ve been called to as Christians: to give God praise every day, regardless of our circumstances, the state of the economy, or what’s in our bank accounts.
When did you first discover your passion for gospel music, and what was that moment that made you say, “This is what I’m meant to do”?
My love for gospel music started when I was about 8 years old. I still remember the first time I came across Integrity Music—artists like Ron Kenoly, Bob Fitts, and Don Moen. I had heard other kinds of music before, but nothing ever hit me the way their songs did. There was just something about it—it stirred something deep in me that I couldn’t quite explain at the time.
My sister bought me a Walkman, and that pretty much changed everything. I’d listen to music for hours—so much that I’d drain the batteries the same day I got them. I was obsessed. I’d sing around the house constantly, and sometimes I’d take songs we sang at church and tweak them—change the melody, add a bridge, just experimenting, even though I didn’t realize that’s what I was doing.
I was always part of the choir. Church music was a part of my life, but for the longest time, I never saw it as something I’d pursue professionally. I’d write a song, sing it quietly to myself, and then just move on.
But in 2022, something shifted. I felt a strong nudge in my spirit to release my first single, I Will Make It There. I thought that was it—that maybe it was just a one-time step of obedience. But then came another prompting—stronger this time. I heard it so clearly: “Tayo, you are playing small.” That moment hit me hard. Up until then, I was completely content just singing in church choir. But deep down, I knew it—I was being called to more. And that’s when I decided to go all out.
Starting a music career in a new country can’t be easy. What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them to get to this exciting point of releasing your first track?
Music production is no joke—it takes a lot of work, and it’s definitely capital intensive. But despite all that, it’s something I genuinely enjoy doing. As an independent artist, though, the journey can be tough. One of the biggest challenges I face is funding—just being able to afford the actual production of the music, and then everything that comes after, like promotion.
People don’t always realize it, but you can create an incredible song—a potential hit—and without proper promotion, it might never reach the people it was meant to impact. That part of the process, the behind-the-scenes work, is just as important, and unfortunately, it’s also just as expensive.
One thing that’s helped me along the way is choosing to be a student of the industry. I’ve had to learn—not just about music production, but about marketing, branding, and building a presence. And even more importantly, I’ve learned to lean on others. Collaboration has been key for me. I’ve had to rely on the strengths and skill sets of people who know things I don’t. That’s really how I’ve been able to keep going—by building a team, finding community, and trusting the process.
How has your family supported you in chasing this dream, and are there any special ways they’ve influenced your music or your faith?
Oh wow—where do I even start? My family, both immediate and extended, has been incredibly supportive. Honestly, between my mum and my husband, I still can’t decide who’s my number one fan—they both hold that spot in their own special ways.
My husband, though, plays such a huge role in this journey. From the very beginning—even during the songwriting stage—he’s right there. There’s what we call song critiquing, where we fine-tune lyrics and melodies before anything is finalized, and he’s amazing at it. He has this unique ability to hear what I might miss and offer insights that take the song to a whole new level.
He’s involved in every single stage of the process—writing, production, decision-making—you name it. I often call him “the man who wears many hats,” and sometimes, “the man who makes things happen,” because that’s exactly who he is. His support isn’t just emotional, it’s practical, creative, and constant.
And my daughters? Oh, they’re my biggest cheerleaders. They light up when they hear my songs and talk about me like I’m a superstar. It’s the sweetest thing and honestly, their pride in what I do keeps me going on days when I need that extra push.
Looking ahead, what’s the biggest dream you have for your music career? Is there a stage, a collaboration, or an impact you’re reaching for?
Dreams aren’t static—they evolve. They shift, grow, and sometimes take on new shapes as we move through life. For me, my dream right now is simple but deeply meaningful: I want my music to reach the people it’s meant for.
“The LORD, Our God,” feels so powerful and communal. Why did you choose this title, and how does it reflect what gospel music means to you?
In my opinion a song title should capture the heart of the message—what the song truly is. When I was writing this particular song, my purpose was clear: to create something that praises God simply for who He is, not just for what He’s done or what He might do.
That’s why I chose to name it “The Lord Our God.” I wanted the title to reflect that focus—completely centered on Him. Sure, I could’ve gone with something like “I Will Praise the Lord” or something more familiar, but those titles felt more about what we do. This song, at its core, isn’t about us—it’s about Him.
I wanted the name to draw our attention straight to God—His nature, His character, His greatness. Nothing added. Nothing taken away. Just The Lord Our God.
A little more as about Luminosity.
Luminosity is the quality of something that shines with reflected light. As Christians, God is the source of that Light, and we’re called to reflect it to the world around us. In a world so full of chaos, drama, and bad news, it can sometimes feel hard to shine at all. But Psalm 119:130 reminds us that “The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”
When we allow God’s Word to truly penetrate our lives, it changes our perspective. It helps us see the world through His eyes. And only then can we truly reflect His light, shining through the darkness and offering hope in the midst of it all.
The Luminosity album is a collection of 7 songs that reflect this journey of shining His light. It’s about finding light even when things feel dim. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the tracks you can expect on the album, in no particular order: The Lord, Our God, (watch video below), Lost Without You, Seasons, Knowing You is Knowing Me (KYKMi), Come and Worship, Yadah, and Higher Ground.
Each song carries its own message, but together, they all shine with the same light—His light.
