By Morolake Ademiju

Gospel music producer and artiste Elijah Ambrose Isen, popularly known as ELI-J, has shared insights into his music career and the story behind the popular worship song “Too Faithful” by Moses Bliss.

In this interview, ELI-J, who formally began his professional music journey in 2010 after joining Christ Embassy Church, reflects on how his passion for music developed. Excerpts:

ELI-J; That name has been widely associated with a lot of great songs. How long have you been in the music scene? Before you answer, a happy belated birthday!

Thank you. God has been gracious and kind. I am Elijah Ambrose Isen also known as ELI-J. Formally, I started doing music professionally in 2010 when I joined the Loveworld Nation known as Christ Embassy Church and a music producer since 2014. But even before then, I have been involved with a lot of songs. Currently, I am a part of the Your Loveworld singers; a spiritual, elite musical team of the Loveworld Nation.

Wow. Your productions are laced with novelty. Kindly tell us a story, particularly the song; Too Faithful by Moses Bliss.

Hmm. A blast from the past. Firstly, I love excellence and I’m always willing to grow. I had known Moses for a while and at the time, he had some songs that were unique but had familiar patterns. One fateful day, I was in Abuja for a concert in which I was invited by the amazing Minister 565. So he had given Moses an opportunity to sing, then I heard the song, well rendered.

When I was called up, I was so blessed by the song that I had to sing it again. While on stage, he came forward kneeling before the altar, I asked him, “how did you get this song?” Because I was deeply moved in my spirit by this song. When I left the stage, a Barrister Ugo who was a brother in the choir met me and told me to do something about this song and then my beloved Deaconess Sonia told me she would sponsor it and all involved. And that was how it began. God bless them.

What a thrilling moment. I could picture it while you spoke. So he came to lagos to produce the song?

Yes he did. In fact the version that is all around the world wasn’t the first he had produced. But thank God that the one we did was the only one worthy to be heard.

You told me that another producer was involved in the current version. 

Yes. His name is J Moses. He is known for producing most of your known gospel songs. A humble soul, versatile producer. I remember telling him I needed a pianist and a producer to work on a song with me and that I preferred him.

That’s humbling. Why didn’t you produce it all by yourself as you had done some other songs?

At the time Moses reached out to me for the productions, I had done a marathon of studio sessions so I needed rest. But I was involved in the direction, arrangement, choice of tones, some of adlibs of the song, mixing and mastering. The plan was to replicate almost exactly as I heard it in Abuja which was a true ministration. And I was not an ace pianist as JMoses, for the song really needed a great piano play.

The song, Too Faithful is timeless and it came out so beautifully. Who else was involved in this masterpiece?

Oh certainly it is. I had the Blessed Jfc on the guitar, ever powerful singers; Sisters Amara and Maggi alongside me as the background vocalists, and the singer; Moses Bliss, also contributed to the overall beauty; he is truly a young man with a sound mind ever destined for greatness.

Lastly, I perceived through the years that you carry people along and known for investing selflessly. Please, what is your drive and what is your advice for those in the fold?

Thank you so much. God is. He works through me. And don’t be bent on expecting an appreciation for it might never come. Whatever you do, do by the spirit else by flesh; the aftermath can be discouraging. But remember God is your ultimate reward and he sees all. Do not make merchandise of God’s work. Be faithful to your uniqueness. Don’t be easily discouraged, be patient and see yourself become a force to be reckoned with. 

Importantly, in the course of producing the song Too Faithful; Moses and I prophesied and was blessed first of all by the song before it blessed the world. Please, take these things to heart and God will bless you in all you do.