My talents boost my immune system – Alexander Gospel
Multi-talented artist Alexander Gospel Tochukwu is a rapper, singer, writer and dancer. The award winner of ‘the most promising male of spotlight’ is popularly known on stage as ‘AGT’ which emanates from the initials of his full name. He is the CEO of Versatile Arts and Dance House (VAAD). In this interview, Alexander shares his […]
Alexander Gospel
Multi-talented artist Alexander Gospel Tochukwu is a rapper, singer, writer and dancer. The award winner of ‘the most promising male of spotlight’ is popularly known on stage as ‘AGT’ which emanates from the initials of his full name. He is the CEO of Versatile Arts and Dance House (VAAD). In this interview, Alexander shares his inspiring life and career experiences, and how his form of art has helped the society, among others.
What inspired your kind of art?
Alexander Gospel Tochukwu: There was this period when nothing seemed to work out for my parents. At a very young age, my parents sent me to live with my relatives because there was no fund to send me to school. The situation made me stronger and matured at a tender age. I started putting down whatever feelings I experienced or whatever mood I find myself in.
Secondly, overthinking made me to start writing because the circumstances around me made me think a lot. No intelligent artist would pick a topic from life experiences and not be able to create a theme around that space. In essence, I would say my number one inspiration from now, tomorrow, till I cease to exist is nature.
How were you able to fund your first music? Were there times you felt discouraged to a point of giving up on your career?
Tochukwu: In fact, I went through a lot. I had to save more than I spend to be able to fund myself. Some sponsors who were interested in me helped to support the funding of my first music. At some point, I felt really discouraged, I had sleepless nights, I cried, when I saw how far my friends had gone, and I asked God when? Well, it’s okay to feel that way sometimes but what isn’t okay is to give up.
By the time you give up, the whole essence of you holding up on till the time you give up will become a waste. It was in that state of mind I discovered that if you pour out your mind and put it into creativity, the kind of content you will come out with will be really inspiring; it would touch lives and even pay off eventually.
So far, what would you count as your achievements?
Tochukwu: Nothing good comes easy. I had to put in a lot of work; with encouragement from my real good friends and family. Right now, I have a ‘Dance Academy’ and a ‘Dance Studio’ in Benin, Edo State. I was nominated twice last year as best rapper, Nigerian hype award and West African citizens award. I won the most promising male of spotlight award 2019.
As a writer, a singer, and dance artist, in a chronological order, how did it all start?
Tochukwu: When I was seven years old, I lived with my aunt. On Sundays, she takes me to her church and there’s this segment where kids come out to display their talent, so that was where I started doing what I do. I come up with special numbers or songs composed by me. I was ten years old when I left my aunt and came back to my parents. In my area, I saw a dance group and joined. That was how I discovered my dancing talent.
In what ways has your profession helped you?
Tochukwu: That’s a very interesting question. Beyond me, my professional has helped me to help people around me. It has helped me reach out to people in various ways, including people I can’t physically meet or even reach. I can’t imagine how interesting my life would be without being talented, it would be a very boring life. Realizing I’m gifted with all these talents makes me feel like a super human. The feeling of my talents alone boosts my immune system. I have heard a lot of comments from people I don’t even know; it has helped me to make friends internationally.
In what ways has your art helped the society?
Tochukwu: The necessity of art in our society makes my work help the society. It is necessary for people to be inspired, motivated, to feel some vibes, to celebrate or party, it is necessary for people to find themselves when they are lost. I don’t box myself up on a particular kind of content or lyrics, I make them divergent to inspire, motivate, celebrate or party and so on.
Where do you see yourself in the next few years and how do you hope to actualize that?
Tochukwu: I see myself on TV screens, I see myself in people’s heart, in people’s head and everywhere by the grace of God. On my part, I will try my best to remain on purpose and relevant. You know, consistency also keeps anything going, I would say, consistency is life. I have learnt to see advantage in every disadvantage, I have learnt to see positivity in every negativity. As much as I can, I have learnt to be creative and will always keep being creative.