Ferdinand Ekechukwu
A nointed Psalmist and a vocal powerhouse, Empraiz is a contemporary gospel artiste who readily comes to mind when one needs to relish the dynamic and exhilarating fusions of a spirited songster. Empraiz, whose real name is Emmanuel Olowoyeye, is with undeniable local and global appeal owing to his unique genre of music and his passionate renditions of songs.
As a joyful praise and an intense worshipper of Yahweh, his style of music promptly strikes a chord with any listener who hears him minister in songs. His genre of music which cuts across gospel, contemporary gospel, and worship, highlife, Naija gospel and African melodies are nothing but music to one’s ears.
His style of music promptly strikes a chord with any listener who hears him minister in songs. The Lagos-based gospel crooner is outstanding for his peculiar flavours and embellishments of music and is altogether distinct in his deeply-accentuated and truly-rich indigenous Niger-Delta and lgbo influences in his songs.
But for his South-Western name, it may somewhat be hard for anyone to pin this debonair and anointed gospel musician to a particular tribe as he constantly elevates his craft and as he consistently expresses himself musically beyond his ethnicity with unpredictable versatility and true Africanness.
Undoubtedly, Empraiz‘s relentless pursuit of his musical career clearly reveals that he is no joker neither is he a charlatan in the world of gospel music. With a musical career which spans over twenty years, it is noteworthy that Empraiz has garnered notable appellations and recognitions for his contributions to gospel music especially in Nigeria.
With three albums in his professional journey and in his continual pursuit of his calling as a gospel musician and also as a result of his unflinching involvement in the gospel scene, Empraiz has confidently shared the stage on different occasions with renowned international artistes such as Tye Tribbett, Micah Stampley, Ron Kenoly, Bob Fitts, Alvin Slaughter and Byron Cage just to mention a few.
On the local scene as well, Empraiz has also performed alongside some of Nigeria’s finest musicians including Sammy Okposo, Samsong, Eben, Frank Edwards, Sinach, Midnight Crew amongst others. Empraiz is also known as Da Bishop of Praise.
