Rev. Fr. Uchechi Okea is currently making waves in the Catholic community with his inspiring liturgical songs/album released recently. He tells SULEIMAN IDRIS in this interview that his mission is to lead worshippers back to true worship with music.
Background
Rev. Father Uchechi Okea is the fourth son and fourth child of my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Augustine Okea. I am the Catholic priest of Owerri Archdiocese in Imo state. I had both my philosophical and theological studies in Seat of Wisdom Seminary, Owerri, and was ordained on August 5, 2017.
I grew up in the village under the tutelage of my maternal grandmother, the Late Mrs. Beatrice Madu, and had the necessary home/domestic training. I enjoyed every bit of my childhood days, especially whenever I was on a play adventure with my peers.
Why priesthood?
I could remember vividly that I loved seeing priests and had always loved to be like them. That’s why I joined the altar servers at a tender age before enrolling at a minor seminary.
Any opposition to music interest?
My being a priest today is a product of my beloved mother, Mrs. Regina Okea, who saw my vocation with a maternal eye. In fact, she talked priesthood into my ears.
On celibacy
Honestly speaking, I heard about the word celibacy for the first time in the major Seminary. All I knew as a child was that priests don’t marry and they don’t have children too to enable them to serve God well. Hence, there is nothing about celibacy I have discovered to be false, right from my major Seminary training days till my years so far in the priesthood.
21st century challenges
The only challenge I have come to know about celibacy in the 21st century is the belief of some persons that it is impossible to live and serve God without being attached to a woman/women. Hence, whenever people see a priest with a woman whether, mother, sister, relations or friends, they draw the conclusion that priest is having ungodly affairs with such female folks. I am not denying the fact that we, Catholic priests, women don’t tempt us in different ways. They really do, especially if the priest is still young. Again, there is this thing among the people that as a priest without a family, you must be rich, as such must solve every problem, especially financial that is brought before him.
Performing priestly role and music
The reason is very simple, because music and its inspirations are in me and I have discovered that it is in destiny.
How did you discover your music talent?
I did that right from my childhood. I could remember standing always near live band players whenever they performed and I desired to play and sing like them. I could stand hours forfeiting my home assignments just to watch them play. Sometimes my parents punished me for that.
Best, worst moments
My best moments are whenever I get new inspirations of composing new songs, when I song while preaching and whenever I play any of the musical instruments. My worst moments usually are anytime I lose my voice and programmes for performance are close at hand. Secondly, when those you came to convert as a priest vow to convert you and decide to make the Church a political power battle field.
Feelings on recording first song
I felt like an already known music celebrity like Celine Dion.
Musical messages
The message I want to pass is that most people have the gift of music and composition, but may die without discovering it, developing and using it to serve God and humanity. Help yourself and help to grow children to see if they are getting on in this regard. I can say boldly here that one of the gifts of God that is giving to many is music.
Why solemn songs?
My gift of music composition usually comes in a solemn manner. I didn’t choose this type of genre, rather any how the inspiration comes, I bring it out that way.
Mission
My music mission and message is simple, to help the world to love God more deeply and to use our musical talents to glorify the creator of music, especially in liturgical worships and praises.
Impression of Nigerian gospel music industry
Honestly, there is an improvement in the Nigerian music industry, but composers should consider composing songs that can be sung generally by the congregation for worship not just for entertainment.
Aside from being a priest
Comedy is in my nature (MC), but I would love to practise orthodox medicine.
Parishioners’ reactions to music
Oh supersonic! They received it with joy. Considering where I am working, no one believed that I could achieve this project by now.
Inspirations
No really! But there were some solemn songs that I used to listen to whenever my elder brothers played his newly bought Radio CD as at then.
Likely desired duets
Yeah, Mercy Chinwo and Flavor! Though a global celebrity now I really want to use my office as a priest to influence Flavor back to where his gift of music started and grew up. That is the house of God.
Best song
For these particular Catholic Church liturgical songs, my best is Christ the ever living bread.
Favorite musical instrument
Though I have little knowledge of most musical instruments, my favourite is the keyboard/piano because it is the mother of other musical instruments. With keyboard/piano alone, music is complete; others are accomplishments.
Social media influence
Social media, I would say, has a positive impact as it is an ample avenue to make the message embedded in gospel music to spread faster.
Desired changes in gospel music industry
I would change the integration of secular style of music into gospel music as seen in the style of most of today’s gospel artistes.
Next music project
It will pure Eucharistic worship song which both Catholics and non-Catholics can use in praising God, especially when using a live band.
Message to worshippers
Let Catholic Churches, priests and choristers make this masterpiece that is in digital staff and sol-fa notations available to themselves and their Church for worshipping of God and uplifting human souls.
