This is the page where we
aim to probe the mind & heart of the worlds
leading Christian artists and ministers.
This month, Nonye
catches up with Tiko.
Interview
with tiko angelos
September 2007
Nonye: How did you come
about your artiste name - Tiko, I’ve read that your
birth name is Lyndon Sterling.
Tiko: I used to be
called Technical Knock Out because of the nature of
my lyrics and so I later inserted ‘I’ for easier
pronunciation and that’s when the name Tiko was
born.
Nonye: How did you come
to know the Lord?
Tiko: I accepted the
Lord Jesus at the age of nine but slipped away and
finally made a firm decision to commit to the Lord
after my A Level Education.
Nonye: How did your
music career begin?
Tiko: It began in my
teen years and I later went on to partner with
Denton Peschier aka Gitta to produce the debut album
“Royal Priesthood”. We later changed our name in
2002 to Tiko and Gitta.
Nonye: You are studying
a degree in Bible and Theology, how do you strike
the balance between being a successful reggae gospel
artiste, a student, a fire officer, a member of
the Church Council and blimey, a Youth Minister
Tiko: I am what I am by
the grace of God; it’s a miracle. I believe the
Bible message is relevant to help us in our ministry
with God.
Nonye: Tell me about
your new album – The Proclamation (release date –
September 2007); what inspired the album; what
were the major challenges you faced during this
project and how did you overcome them?
Tiko: Proclamation did
not start as an intended project. In 2002, I was
basically doing songs, heavily involved in ministry
and teaching in church. I already had the lyrics for
the album and a producer encouraged me to produce
the album; this I did last year. The title of the
album- The Proclamation is derived from the last
track of the album – Proclamation which declares
things about God and tells people what they should
do to respond to God’s love based on John 16. As for
challenges, these can not be avoided especially in
the production of an album where one is working to
tight deadlines and trying to get everything
properly co-ordinated. I faced all these including
with the prospect of the album cover not being ready
as well. I dealt with these challenges by rejoicing
and giving God thanks regardless of the situations I
was facing.
Also, I have already started
work on a second solo album with Calvin Smith
(Frenzy Productions UK associated with Third Diamond
Studios).
Nonye: What advice do
you have for Christian youths today especially as it
is much more challenging these days to live a
successful youth life with the constant peer
pressure and crime etc on the increase?
Tiko: I think the key
thing here is for youths to remember God in the days
of their youth by focusing on God. God will
ultimately direct their paths.
Nonye: On a personal
level, which artistes have inspired you in your
career and spiritual growth?
Tiko: Gibraan and Shiselon
from Trinidad.
Nonye: You speak Spanish,
should we expect any Spanish gospel reggae albums
from you in the future.
Tiko: Hopefully, I will
record some songs in Spanish in the future.
Nonye: What is something
that people would be surprised to know about you?
Tiko: I once had a lisp
– a speech defect condition!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nonye: What do you have
to say about some Christians who are still listening
and buying secular music?
Tiko: It’s a challenge,
there’s gospel music out there that Christians
should listen to.
Nonye: Where do you see
yourself in 5 years’ time?
Tiko: I see myself using
music as an instrument to teach and preach the Word
of God. I believe this will open many doors for me.
Reviewed by
Nonye Chidomere
September 2007
Previous Big Interviews:
Truce Ministries
• The 29th Chapter
•
Stephen Hurd
•
GK Real
•Delirious?
•
Lisa
McClendon •
Stichie
• Sherwin
Gardner •
