I have been thinking about this topic since I saw it posted by @leogrowth for today's prompt. And it makes me reflect on my journey into music and what my playlist look like currently.
We all experience music a little differently. Gospel music has been my companion since childhood. When I was growing up, I wasn't just any choir member; I used to be a lead vocalist in my church choir. We'd do concerts around the city, and I just liked every minute of using my voice to touch hearts. Ron Kenoly and Don Moen were my absolute inspirations. Their powerful worship style moved so many people, including me.
Life has its ways of surprising us, though. Nowadays, my voice sounds more like a "frog" than it does any actual singing. My vocal cords just can't hit those high notes anymore. It is sort of sad, but that is how things sometimes go.
Weirdly, my fingers just don't seem to click to those genres that are supposedly making waves out there, like pop, hip-hop, afrobeat. I hear artists like Davido and Wizkid top the charts, but I only know of their success from what I read online. Gospel music just speaks to my soul in a way other genres don't.
These days, my playlist is filled with amazing artists such as Frank Edward, Moses Bliz, Mercy Chiwo, and Dunsin Oyekan. They have really taken gospel music to a whole new level here in my country. The way they combine their incredible vocal talents with deep, inspiring messages just blows me away.
Nothing beats starting my day with some Frank Edward or Dosin Onayikan, their music just has this way of lifting my spirits and getting me ready for whatever the day might bring. It's like having a morning coffee for the soul.
You know how some people have comfort food? Same way, gospel music is my comfort sound. It was always there for me on good days, bad days, and all the ordinary days in between. It brings that much joy and comfort even today, just as it always has.
I add to my playlist more of what feeds my soul as I do my update for new meaningful gospel tracks that speak to my faith and values, not some hot new trend or forced liking of what's popular.
I've always heard that question as to why I'm not open to other genres, but then I've learned through the years it's better to remain true to what really touches you rather than the pressure to move with the pack. Gospel music has been the soundtrack to my life, and it's a journey I would not trade.
May I extend my wishes to every reader to find in music that voice which speaks to the heart, as gospel does to me, regardless of the genre; just as different, yet as long as it serves you with a thrill. Now as we're going into this year, may our playlists be composed of whatever rings the souls in, even though your real voice may sound like that of a frog.
The image used is AI generated.
This is a submission for today's prompt in the #januaryinleo daily writing challenge.