WHAT MAKES ME DIFFERENT FROM OTHER ISLAMIC ACTS- SARAKI

He is an Islamic scholar, a son of an Imam with vast knowledge in Arabic and Islamic studies.

His advent in music dated back to when he used to sing Modiu (Special songs for the praises of the Holy Prophet), and in quick succession, he delved into music fully and today he is a rising star amongst his peers.

Alhaji Saheed Olorunkemi a.k.a Saraki in this interview explains his journey so far and his plans in taking Islamic music to the next level.

Let’s meet you

My sojourn in music dated back to when I used to sing Modiu,that is the praise of the Holy Prophet being a member of an Islamic group called Tijanniyah. I was well known then as a Modiu crooner.

I started gradually as an Asakir, (An Islamic singer amongst the Sufis) whenever we had event especially during the celebration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammed.

Initially, it was a gradual thing and it later became a full-fledged musical career.

My sojourn in the northern part of Nigeria had significance to my musical career. I was posted there as Noibul Imam by Ansarudeen Society in a town called Gwada in Minna, Niger state.

I could say it became full-fledged during my stay in that part of the country.

For how long did you train?

I never trained under any one, I fell in love with music and I took it up as a career. As a member of Tijanniyah with vast knowledge in Modiu coupled with Dhikir, these really helped me going fully into music without undergoing any form of tutelage under anybody.

Despite delving fully into music based on the great talent God has blessed me with, there is one talented Islamic Act I love in the industry, he is Alhaji Ibrahim Labaika. He used to be an Asakir too before he became a full-fledged musician.

Also, I have another wonderful brother, Abdul-Waheed Aremo, we met in the North; he saw that greatness in me as regards my musical career. He asked me if I would want to take music professionally, and when I answered him in the affirmative, he advised me to return back home to where my music would be well appreciated.

Coming back home, how was the experience?

I did return and with his help I became known in the town with my new trend of music because people used to know me as a Modiu and Dhikir crooner. Meanwhile, these two genres of music have limitation.  

Abdul-Waheed Aremo did play a brotherly role upon my return, I used to go to event with him and anytime there was an opportunity for me to showcase my talent; he would give me microphone and that was how I became known in the town. People started seeing a different me with another trend of music besides what they knew me with.

With that, I started getting engagement and that was how the story began.

Your name Saraki, what is your relationship with the popular politician, Late Olusola Saraki?

Many always wondered about my name Saraki. My dad wasn’t Saraki, his name is Raji Olorunkemi. I got that name Saraki from one of our lecturers in my Arabic School, his name is Ustaz Qozim. He gave me the name based on my status amongst other fellow student. He always referred to me as someone who acts like a well to-do amongst his peers. That was how I got the name. I have got no link with the Sarakis in Kwara. Meanhwile, Saraki in Yoruba means, a well to do somebody, an important personality. Back in school, when others bought things based on what they had, mine was always different and that was how my lecturer saw that in me and always referred to me as an important personality amongst my peers.

What makes you different from other Islamic musician?

I am a Scholar. In my family every member of that wonderful family is well vast in Arabic and Islamic studies. My dad is an Imam, and in my family irrespective of gender, we are all Islamic scholars. The music I sing today I can say I got the trait from my dad. He is well endowed with good voice, though he didn’t take music as a professional call.

He gave me his support and he is always willing to offer advice where necessary.

I took into music because of the passion coupled with the talent I have. Someone did say that I would do my first record before leaving our town. He uttered the statement and it was accepted by God.

What makes me different from other musician is the in-built knowledge of Islamic studies in me and the path I belong to, that is the sufffism of Sheik Ahmad Tijjani. I discovered I had lots of messages I would like to pass to the whole world and I discovered the best way to reach out to people is through music.

People’s attentions are in music, and the best way one can arrest their mind and deliver God’s words is the use of Music, it is a simultaneous thing, they will enjoy the beautiful sonorous songs and at the same time listen to the real gospel truth about God our Creator and the teaching of the Holy Prophet.

The journey so far what can you tell us about your album and other activities?

I am a native of Ejigbo in Osun State

I've produced some joint albums like, Aye talika 1&2, Talore, Akunleyan, and a single record titled Ireti.

I launched the single album (IRETI) on the 11th of March 2018 in Osogbo, where some dignitaries were present.

I went to hajj and Alhamdulillah I did all that was requested of me as a Muslim according to Islamic rites.

As an artist that my fans have missed so much while away, immediately I came back, I got back to stage, because many shows were waiting for me.

My fans club; Saraky Fans Club in Nigeria organized a welcome back show for me in my home town in Ejigbo.

Also, there was another welcome back show in Abidjan by my teeming fans. It was packaged by, DENTELLECI BNAF AND MONSHALLAH CLUB ABIDJAN.

These gestures showed that I have great people behind me, and on my part, I have vowed to always give them the best.

What are your plans, going forward as regards Islamic music?

I have got good plans for myself, my teeming fans and others in Islamic music industry. I believe we still have a lot to do so that we can really win souls for Allah with our music. Islamic songs ought to be a reference point where Muslims and others that are music lovers could use as an avenue to understand more about Islam.

There are serious misconceptions about Islam out there and this is a great challenge for us as musician. We need to use our songs to educate people about Al-Quran and the teaching of the Holy Prophet. These should be our responsibilities. Understanding Islam, and putting a stop to different atrocities some ignorant people are causing in the name of fighting for Allah, this should be our concern. We must educate the world about Islam as a religion of peace; also we must educate people on how to live with love and peace.