Bolaji Olanrewaju popularly referred to as Big Bolaji is a certified Estate Surveyor, however, he is a full time Music Minister. He was converted and raised at the headquarters of The Sword Of The Spirit Ministries under the strict tutelage of Bishop Francis Wale Oke.
He is an ordained minister with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, and has been serving with the ministry for the past 19 years.
In a recent interview with City People, the gospel minister gave insight about his life & career.
See excerpts below…
What made you go into music? And what year?
Music has always been a part of me right from my primary school days. I guess this is because my late mother Rev Mrs Sola Olarewaju had the Arts flowing through her vein (Music, Drama, Poems and more)
What kind of music do you sing?
I do Gospel music and we minister through gospel music on all the platforms made available to us be it a party, church , crusade , Disco hall , anywhere am allowed to step into will get a feel of the brand, which is gospel music .
How did you have your big break?
I wouldn’t say there was a big break as such, just consistent benefits that got bigger, and my contacts with Bishop Francis Wale Oke, the presiding bishop of The Sword of the spirit Ministries changed my life. My Years with Rev Sam Rotimi Ore fanned the flame to fire and my contact with The Redeemed Christian Church Of God , under the grace of Pastor EA Adeboye turned my ministry around . So you see it’s a string of benefits and access that God gives me daily.
Take us back to the very beginning, where were you born? Where did you grow up and the schools attended?
Bolaji Adedotun Olanrenwaju whose eulogy ( Oriki ) is Alani omo Erin tin jogun Ola grew up in Ibadan Oyo State, but am from the loins of Osun State, Gbongan, I attended nursery and primary school in Ibadan , at Subuola Nursery and Primary School. I attended, Loyola College for one term and continued to complete my secondary school education in London at Archbishop Tensions High School Oval, London and rounded up my higher education in Nigeria and graduated as an Estate Surveyor from the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. I also have my other Professional exam qualifications. My educational journey has been quite interesting because I am not done yet I have PHD in view.
Who were those you grew up to like and emulate in music?
Wow! I grew up listening to amazing music from the likes of the late Ayinde Barrister, King Sunny Ade, Alhaji Kollington Ayinla, Ebenezer Obey, Good Women Choir, Mama Bola Are, Evangelist Toun Soetan, Panam Percy Paul, and many on the international scene . But my mentors in Gospel music are my elder brother Muyiwa Olanrewaju, Panam Percy Paul. Mummy Toun Soetan. Pastor Steve Bamimuye.
How come you live in Ibadan?
Hahahahaha It’s where I have the comfort and peace to be my base. Once my guide and partner, The Holy Spirit, says to move to any other part of the country or world, I shall run there expressly.
You have a unique voice and a rich Yoruba intonation. How did you achieve that?
The voice is a gift from God oo. And I am Yoruba by birth and I love the Yoruba language, hence my love for the music and person of Sister Tope Alabi and Sister Sola Allyson.
