Could you tell us about yourself?
My name is Rokanmi Samuel, popularly known as Ibuara. I am from Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State. I am the fifth child in a family of seven.
I had my primary education at Local Government Primary School, Egbe, Lagos State, between 1989 and 1995.
I attended Muslim College, Egbe, and later Logic High School, Adubuleja, Alagbado, also in Lagos, for my secondary education.
Because of my passion for music, I gained admission to Abbey Institute of Music, Ikoyi, Lagos State, which was affiliated with the University of Lagos, where I studied between 1999 and 2001.
After secondary school, I gained admission to the University of Ilorin to study Medicine and Surgery. However, I was offered Zoology instead.
I studied and graduated with a First Class degree after four years. After completing my National Youth Service, I returned to study Medicine and Surgery through Direct Entry at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.
Following my induction, I proceeded to the University College Hospital, Ibadan, for my one-year housemanship programme.
In 2024, I commenced my residency training in Neurocardiology and hope to become a consultant in the coming years. I celebrated my 44th birthday on May 29 this year.
Was music your childhood dream?
Yes, becoming a musician had been my dream for a very long time. I thank God that I have been able to pursue and achieve it despite many challenges, rough roads and seemingly impossible situations. Through God’s grace, I remain more than a conqueror.
How long have you been singing?
I have been singing since childhood, but I started pursuing music professionally in September 2005. Because of my academic commitments, I could not devote full attention to music until after my housemanship in 2016.
In June 2016, I recorded my first demo. In 2019, I entered the studio, M4S Studio, owned by Michael Ayodeji Obe, and recorded my debut album, Afunrugbin, which was officially released in July 2021.
I released my second album, Unfathomable Grace, in October 2024. So far, I have released two studio albums, each containing five tracks, as well as six singles, including Ibuara for Bukky Jesse and Ibuara for Baba Liberty.
People say there is a striking resemblance between your voice and that of the late Baba Ara. What is your take on this?
This is one of the mysteries surrounding my style of music. I cannot explain how my voice came to sound like that of the late Roland Olubukola Olomola, popularly known as Baba Ara.
All I can say is that I have seen him in my dreams three times since his passing. May his soul continue to rest in peace.
What have been your major challenges?
It has not been easy, but with God’s help and sufficient grace, I keep moving forward.
I have faced rejection, envy, financial difficulties and many other challenges. However, I believe I will get to my destination with God’s help.
What type of music do you play?
I play sacred music that touches the human heart and connects souls to heaven. It is music intended for those who are spiritually mature and seeking a deeper relationship with God.
Has stardom deprived you of anything?
Yes. Stardom has reduced my freedom in public spaces and made me more cautious about the way I live my life generally.
Do you still maintain relationships with old friends?
Yes, very much. We remain good friends, and our relationships have become even stronger over the years.
How do you handle advances from female fans?
Advances from female fans can be challenging, but with God’s help, wisdom and diplomacy, I manage such situations appropriately.
You have been scarce in the industry in recent times. What is happening?
Not really. I have been occupied with ongoing projects, which have kept me away from the spotlight to some extent. However, I still participate in church ministrations and other programmes whenever I can.
Are you currently working on any project?
Yes, I am currently working on a project titled Ologbon Omole (A Wise Builder).
Among all your songs, which do you enjoy singing the most?
All my songs are my favourites, and I enjoy ministering with each of them. They include Word of God, Egun Ipile (Foundational Curse), and many others.
What advice do you have for up-and-coming artistes?
My advice to aspiring artistes is simple. First, seek God’s direction concerning your musical calling, style and genre so that a gospel music minister does not unknowingly become merely a gospel entertainer.
Secondly, cultivate persistence, consistency, constant practice, patience, godliness and conscientiousness. These are essential ingredients for greatness and long-term success.