JUDAH ZUBAIRU’S STORY: UNAPOLOGETICALLY UNIQUE

“As a pastor’s child, people tend to expect you to be “Holier” than everyone else. People expect Judah Zubairu to act right and growing up that was a struggle. In as much as you are expected to be or act in a certain way, I strongly believe that one’s character has to be genuine. I got to a point in my life where I decided that Judah Zubairu’s lifestyle shouldn’t be based on people’s opinions and expectations. It shouldn’t even be based on the fact that both my parents are pastors. It should be based on my relationship with Christ and what He has called me to do. I am to live right because God expects that from me as His vessel”

Judah Omeiza Olatula Zubairu is a Sierra Leonean gospel minister, worship leader, songwriter and vocalist. Born on the 4th of January, he is the last born out of 3 children. At an early age, he developed an interest in music. Over the years he has used his gift to minister to many all to the glory of God. Dear Reader, let us have a look at his life.

Judah Zubairu’s Life Growing Up

Judah Zubairu’s life growing up wasn’t all a smooth ride. He faced many obstacles and numerous challenges. However, he believes that those challenges were all part of the growth process. “I had some sad moments and fond moments. One of my fondest childhood moments was when I followed my dad to the recording studio. It was fascinating for me. From that early age, I started learning about the concept of music from my dad( he was also a singer) and I was given opportunities to sing in church. Those moments were so priceless.”

Judah Zubairu’s Experience with WAEC Exam

“The transition from primary to secondary was easy academically speaking. Getting good grades for me was not a struggle but WAEC humbled me. So, I had this habit of not studying actively because I’m intelligent ( I will still get good grades regardless). My dad specifically told me to study and prepare because the exam was not like others but I was chilled. We sat for the exams and oh my😂, the result humbled me! I didn’t get the grades I was expecting. However, I sat for the exams again but this time around I studied and was well prepared. I passed and got admission into the University of Makeni to study mass communication. In college, I did my very best to complete my course although my focus was more on music. I graduated and got my degree”

Judah Zubairu’s Musical Career (how it started and the challenges)

“Interestingly, before I was born my parents already knew that I would be singing thus they named me JUDAH (praise). It was not a surprise when I suddenly developed an interest in singing. Apart from that I also got confirmations. There is always this fulfilment in me whenever I sing to the glory of God. From an early age, I just knew that this was my purpose and my love for it kept growing.

From writing my first song when I was 9, to singing in church and learning how to play different instruments, to practising and showing up consistently; that’s how I grew fond of music.”

One way to tell if you are called to do something is to look at the result and the fulfilment you get from it

Jay

What Music Means To Judah Zubairu

“Music to me is beyond entertainment. It’s multifaceted with different dimensions. Some songs can inspire you, some are soulful and others are violent. I believe that music is also spiritual. It’s a tool to bring men to Christ, to minister to people and influence them to draw closer to God“

Music is part of me, it’s an external expression of what’s in me. It’s an extension of the knowledge, growth and relationship I have with God. 

Judah Zubairu’s Challenges

“I wish I can say my musical career has been an easy ride but it’s not. I faced a lot of challenges some of which were:

• Creating a balance between my music and other areas of my life ( academics)
• Having no mentor around when it came to the type of songs I wanted to do
• Difficulty finding good producers to produce the songs the way I wanted
• Building an audience to appreciate the songs because it was not the typical “SierraLeone gospel music”
• Some of the technologies needed were not available
• Financial challenges. Most of my songs are done by producers outside Sierra Leone. Bringing them in and working with them all requires money. Despite all these challenges, God has been providing. I strongly believe God won’t give me an idea without making the provision.”

God won’t give you a vision and not make the provision

Jay

What was going through your mind when you released your first song?

“ A lot was going through my mind. I wasn’t sure if the song was nice, if my voice was good enough or if the people would listen to it. Nonetheless, I released the song because I was convicted that God wanted the song to be out there.

I’m someone who releases songs as I’m led. I have learnt to trust in God’s timing and do things not based on my feelings. I discipline myself to listen to God’s voice and not that of people

[Judah Zubairu music lyrics-click here]

Judah Zubairu’s Wins/achievements

“By the grace of God, I’ve won awards (both nationally and internationally). In 2018 I was awarded “best international gospel artist” by wave plus promotion, Gambia. It felt like a dream, I didn’t expect it.

In 2019 I was the only gospel minister to be nominated in the “best entertainer category” for a national award. It came as a surprise when my sister called me saying I won the award. I was in awe because the other nominees were popular secular artists. God has a way of doing things.

Another win for me is the “we bow worship experience”. This is an annual worship concert that started small but it has grown massively. In addition, there’s also the “musicians motivational Nest Boot Camp” where we gather young musicians across Sierra Leone to teach them about music ministry. All these are blessings and I’m so thankful to God.”

Judah Zubairu’s Inspiration To Do More

“The awareness that God has deposited so much in me that’s yet to be revealed. I remind myself daily that there’s still more to be done. This keeps me hungry to do more. I want to please God, I want to boldly say to Him that I exhausted every talent you gave me, I used all to the glory of your name”

Judah Zubairu’s Life Lesson

“So far so good, life has taught me to truly build dependence on God every day. There’s a tendency to think that your achievement is based on your intelligence, connection or strength and that’s dangerous. I have learnt to stay humble, to stay in that frame of mind that God is the one providing, He’s the one keeping me and giving me the strength to do all I do.”

 when all is said and done I want to be remembered as someone that allowed himself to be used by God and was unapologetic unique. I want to be remembered as that guy that caused a change in my generation. I want to be authentic Judah that changed the narrative through the help of God 

Judah’s Advice To Youths

“Most youths miss out on their purpose because they spend so much time trying to mirror others. Trying to look, sing, talk, and have the same result as others. They end up forgetting to spend time with themselves. Spend time with yourself to understand your strength, weakness and capability. Focus on discovering yourself and accepting yourself the way you are. Be authentic and stay true to yourself. Don’t build your life on a trend or a momentary phenomenon, if it fades away you become insignificant. Be unapologetically unique.”

Conclusion

Judah Zubairu’s story is indeed an inspiring one. Thank you for sharing your story Jay.