By Gabriel Olawale

Nigerian gospel artiste, Joshua Oluwatosin Onagbiye aka Tosinguitar, has that Nigerians should expect his next big project which is a live gospel Jazz concert album between November and December 2023.

Onagbiye stated this in an interview, adding that at the country’s present critical time, Nigerians needed to be focused on God and have faith that things would become better and easier. 

Speaking on the evolution of jazz, he said, “Jazz is a distinctively American style of music that developed in the early decades among the black African/American. I was inspired by its roots which were Afro– American folk music traditions, such as spiritual work songs entertainment after all work, soul-lifting melodies, and the quiet blues.  

“I was inspired by Jazz because of the range of  different styles to create a sound that is distinct and unlike what was experienced before using different instruments and that was why I decided to put  De Zenith Jazz Band together.” 

Speaking on the roles he played, he said, “One, laying out the group’s (band) vision and to enact the cultural vision of the Jazz band as the leader. 

“I ensemble together musicians (different instrumentalists e,g the Keyboardist, Bass Guitarist, Saxophonist, Drummer.) I select and create materials for them and shape the music’s Dynamics and expression in rehazals teaching the musicians what to play and how to play. I also play the lead guitar alongside these musicians as the leader.  

“l also take logistical responsibilities for group booking live or studio gigs, scheduling rehearsal time, preparing music for playing, getting concerts to perform in, hiring and payment.”  

Meanwhile, on the challenges of jazz music, Tosinguitar said, “A major problem in jazz band is that the wind players or the rhythm section will usually cover the soloist, so we overcome this problem by encouraging the rhythm section to support the soloist by maintaining the energy and drive without playing over the soloist, this means if the soloist is playing quietly the rhythm will play softer. 

“Improvisation is another challenge, players are afraid to play improvised solos for fear of sounding bad. We overcome this problem by encouraging them to practice consistently and they will get it. 

“Another major challenge is rhythm integration. Rhythm players have the mentality that they need to play exactly what is written in their part, but encourage them to get their eyes out of the music and have visual communication with other members of the band then move with the music and make collaborative music.” 

On his recent exploits, the artiste said, “The Best of Jazz Ibadan was organised by Ibadan Jazz Forum in which Tosinguitar De’  Jazz band performs yearly. Upcoming Artists can sustain this tempo by choosing to promote Jazz Jazz music, continuing the Jazz festivals and concerts, teaching younger ones about Jazz music e.g. Improvisation and collaboration Also teaching the younger ones the origin and history of Jazz music. My next big project is a live gospel Jazz concert album between November and December 2023. 

“At this time, I think Nigerians should be focused on God having faith that things will become better and easier. At this time Nigerians need to be United, without unity, we can not move forward. 

“The Bible says in Mathew 12:25  that a house divided against itself can not stand. Unity will help the nation progress. Also, prayers is very important, though we are different ethnic groups, language, and religion, when we pray God hears.”