Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, singer-songwriter Chidiya Ohiagu grew up listening to a wide variety of music from pop to soul and R&B, Afrobeat to classical and gospel. Singing in choirs and listening to boy bands like Backstreet Boys and contemporary Christian groups like DC Talk made him fall in love with harmony, smooth vocals, and varied musical styles. He became a Christian at a young age and his faith in God is what fuels his music.
The artist recently released his new single, “Already Blessed.” I spoke with Chidiya about his new single, musical beginnings, and talented artists from Nigeria.
What are you passionate about your listeners hearing through your music?
I want listeners to hear the scriptures come alive in these God-inspired songs in a way that brings joy and encouragement. I want the music to energize fellow believers to walk in triumph and victory while enjoying their daily lives. The songs share the truth of the Gospel of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and the kingdom of God.
Tell us about your new single, “Already Blessed” alongside the new remix.
I got inspired to write “Already Blessed” because I was feeling downcast due to some unmet expectations in my life at the time. It’s easy to be cynical or ungrateful after all that’s happened in the world over the past few years. To fight back against ungratefulness, I began to count my blessings and so the concept for the song “Already Blessed” was born.
This song is a powerful charge to remember who we are because of Christ and to be forever thankful to God for that. The verses and chorus point to how we are blessed because of our relationship with Christ. And the bridge has biblical affirmations we can declare over ourselves daily. Remembering God’s truth and goodness is critical for remaining faithful as a believer.
With the “Already Blessed (Remix),” I wanted to give folks a fun, upbeat version of the song to move to. I like upbeat music to start my day and so decided it would be cool to give the song a more danceable spin. My friend, Evan Walley, did an amazing job producing it and mixer JLYN’s (that is, Josh Frerichs) mixing is top-notch.
Being from Lagos, Nigeria, are there any local Christian artists that you’d love to give a shout-out to?
I would love to give a shout-out to my brother, Nosa. He has a true worshipper’s heart and is such a talented artist. Also, to TY Bello, who has inspired me since her days in the band, KUSH, and continues to inspire me with her live worship videos and albums.
Whom can we discover from your area?
There are so many great artists coming from Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Nosa and TY Bello are a great place to start.
Do you remember your first introduction to Christian music? Can you tell us about it?
Oh, wow, I have listened to Christian music since I was a child. My dad loved hymns and grew up Anglican so most likely hymns were my first introduction. After that would be my mom’s Christian music tapes of musicians Don Moen, Ron Kenoly, Panam Percy Paul, Maranatha Music, and others.
What’s next for you musically?
I plan to keep writing and growing as a worshipper, worship leader, and artist. I have a couple of new mixes of “Already Blessed” on the horizon including one with producer and programmer Neon Feather that I’m very excited about. Also, I have more new music coming in 2023, so follow me on Spotify and other platforms to stay in the loop so you don’t miss any of it.
How can we be praying for you?
I’m going back to the studio this month to start recording some new music. Please pray that God will breathe on these songs, so they are pleasing to Him and touch the world through them.
Kevin McNeese started NRT in 2002 and has worked in the industry since 1999 in one form or another. He has been a fan of Christian music since 1991.
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