There is something magnetic about this worship leader, singer-songwriter who love of music is surpassed only by her love of God. Ify began singing at the tender age of five. Early on, she displayed gifts as a worshipper and songwriter- gifts that she would cultivate and later harness to become a recognized rising star among emerging gospel aritsts. Through the years, her passion for worship grew and has led her to direct several choirs and music ministries including Open Heaven Choir Dundee, Christ Chapel Campus Choir in Nigeria and Fountain of Love Choir Aberdeen. Her music ministry has seen her lead praise and worship across nations, with one of her songs even being incorporated into the worship ceremony of her home church. On August 25th 2012, her album 'Be Magnified' was released and is a unique blend of reflective and mid tempo worship songs that are sure to lift even the lowest of spirits. Included in this collection are the songs'We Cry', 'Restorer' and the popular single 'Lord I Worship You'. On December 1st 2013, Ify's single 'You Lift Me Higher' was released. Its combination of powerful vocals and superb acoustic instrumentation have since propelled it up the radio charts and exposed Ify to global audiences. Reporter Blake Wright recently caught up with Ify to learn more about this extraordinary artist and her next steps.

BLAKE: When When did you first discover your love of music?
IFY: I believe it was from my early childhood. I was about five years old. I had always been in choirs both in school and church. Music is my passion.

BLAKE: Your song is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
IFY: I was excited and grateful...I couldn’t believe it was happening to me. I just felt blessed to see that people were now listening to my song and felt so inspired. It is definitely a special moment, when you hear yourself singing on radio.

BLAKE: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
IFY: For me, ‘You Lift Me Higher’ is like a psalm. It came out of my journey in life. We have ups and downs, storms and calm days but we come out stronger when we learn to trust God’s plan. This is really where this song came from.

BLAKE: Would you say that the mood of your other songs is in the same vein as your debut radio single?
IFY: Certainly not. I would say the mood and inspiration behind my other songs are different.

BLAKE: How would you characterize yourself as a musician? (ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving...)
IFY: Inspiring, hard-working, real, focused and down-to-earth.

BLAKE: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
IFY: Funny enough, no I didn't come from a musical background at all. There are no other musicians in my family.

BLAKE: What do you find most rewarding about being a musician? What do you find most challenging?
IFY: The most rewarding part is having people tell you how your songs have impacted and blessed them. This is fulfilling God’s purpose for my life. Also I am grateful to God every time I see a life blessed by my music. And my main challenge is being able to pass my message across to all people which the Holy Spirit always helps to do.

BLAKE: Who are your role models in music?
IFY: Cece Winans, Darlene Zschech and Isreal Houghton.

BLAKE: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
IFY: My best and most memorable performance is leading a congregation in praise and worship, and experiencing the tangible presence of God and people were healed by the Lord Almighty.

BLAKE: Do you have a music video for your single? If so, what can you tell us about it?
IFY: The video was shot in the United Kingdom, in London. Last year I lost an aunt to cancer so while working with the video director Uvi Orogun, who had a similar experience, we agreed on this theme to encourage those who have lost family to cancer. And the prayer behind the song and video is ‘God is our Shepherd’ and ‘He is able to comfort and lift us out and higher.’ This video reaches out to all people who have lost someone to cancer or have been affected one way or the other.

BLAKE: I look forward to hearing it. I wish you continued success and good luck!

http://www.reverbnation.com/ifyo

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