Popular musician, Yinka Ayefele, in a recent interview shared his experience on life without the use of his legs.
Read excerpts below:
Did you have plans to become an artiste before your accident?
Not really. Before the accident, I had released an album, apart from the one I featured in as the leader of my church’s choir. The issue of releasing an album came about when I needed to raise money for my treatment. Instead of going to radio stations to beg for money for further treatment, having been hospitalised for close to a year at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, some of my colleagues suggested that I should release an album since I have the talent. The idea was for the album to be launched and the money that would be raised was to be used for my treatment abroad. Although music had always been a part of me, I never considered taking it up as a fulltime job. I just loved been a broadcaster.
Looking at the rapid emergence of young gospel artistes, do you ever feel threatened or do you have confidence in your lasting reign in the industry?
If I feel threatened, what do you want legends such as King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, K1 d Ultimate, and others to do? These are artistes who have created or recreated genres through which numerous other artistes earn a living. I believe the field is wide enough for everyone to have their own share of fans. We have people who can’t do without Ayefele and we have people who make Ayefele an option. That’s the beauty of life.
As a gospel artiste, who is God to you?
God is everything to me. Who am I without God; a serial-sinner who has only received favour!
As a Christian involved in a ghastly accident that claimed your legs, did you ever feel like God failed you despite your trust in Him?
I never blamed God for the accident. What if I had died? What if I was paralysed from head to toe? The Bible tells us to be grateful in all circumstances. I will forever be grateful to Him. What if I had found myself in a situation where I couldn’t use my talent? Do you know how many people have died this year alone? Do you know how many healthy people that just slept and never woke up? I give thanks to God in all ramifications.
Mr. Yinka What do you remember about the accident?
The only lingering memory I have is that the accident was like a compass that gave my life direction.
Did you go through a phase of denial when you realised you wouldn’t be able to walk again?
At a point, yes! But I’m an incurable optimist. I’m of the firm belief that nothing is impossible. I know I will still walk again. I believe that with God, all things are possible.
Did you ever imagine that your current standing and recognition in the world is where you’d be today, and are you happy with where you are in life now?
My life is work in progress. Just like I usually tell my staff, I’m also working for Ayefele. I believe that the purpose of God in my life has yet to fully manifest. When we started Fresh FM in 2015, I didn’t know we would spread our tentacles to Abeokuta (Ogun State) and Ado Ekiti (Ekiti State) as fast as we did. Yet, the ministry of the radio is still spreading. My life should serve as a lesson to other people. I didn’t relent; the desire to live and not become a liability to society was uppermost in my heart. However, it is not by my doing but just a special grace from God Almighty. I always tell people that if it was by diabolical means (juju), the herbalist would have come out to expose me by now. I’m God’s special candidate.
As a handsome Christian man, how have you been able to handle the ladies who throw themselves at you, especially because of your celebrity status?
Can we do without ladies? I think even the men of God can’t do without them because they’re a necessary evil. I have seen instances where women forced Ayefele on their husbands, insisting that they should engage Ayefele for their next event. And to the ladies who want to have a piece of Ayefele, I always thank them. I’m happily married.
gooo/i-know-ill-still-walk-again-yinka-ayefele/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Source: PUNCH
