(Gospel) Meet - Sis Sylvia IJ

 

​Every artist's story has its roots, and mine began across the vibrant tapestry of Nigeria. I was born in Plateau State and had the unique experience of being raised partly in Imo and partly in Adamawa State. As a child, I was instantly drawn to the rhythm of life—I loved singing and dancing. My father, recognizing this innate passion, supported my siblings and me in creating an album when I was just 10 years old. That early experience, particularly in Adamawa State, solidified something within me: singing brings me profound peace.

​Growing up, artists like Tiwa Savage were huge influences, and my musical journey initially led me down the path of Hip-hop. However, for deep personal reasons, my focus shifted to Gospel music. Now, artists like Judikay and Mercy Chinwo serve as a major source of inspiration as I navigate this powerful and meaningful genre.

​The Craft: Lyrics, Comfort, and Consistency

​My creative process is deeply personal and driven by a desire to heal. I tend to craft my lyrics before the sound; the message must be clear before the melody takes hold. My inspiration often comes from addressing personal and social issues. I believe many people out there desperately need a comforting form of music—one that can heal them physically, mentally, and emotionally. While writing songs comes naturally to me, the main hurdle has always been the financial challenge of getting to the studio. It's not easy to walk this path alone, but I hold to the conviction that as an artist, this innate understanding of the craft is simply "in me to know."

​When it comes to my sound, I enjoy working in the studio, but my heart is also drawn to the organ. The church I attended frequently used the organ, and I taught myself by observing and learning from those who played before me, combining their knowledge with what I already carried within.

​Stepping onto the Stage: The Journey & Milestones

​My first public step into the professional world of music was getting my songs onto Audiomack. Before fully dedicating myself to Gospel, I released some Hip-hop tracks and collaborated on songs like "Odoyewu" and "Hookup." The moment I released my first album was exhilarating—I felt scared at one point, only to realize, with a deep breath, that I truly had it in me.

​My stage name is simply my name. I love my name so much that I've never had anyone call me by a nickname. A track I'm particularly proud of, titled "Allow Me," is currently on Audiomack. It’s an expression of a deeply personal feeling and is a testament to the power of sharing one's truth.

​Performing is a process of growth. I work hard to look past my stage fright and anxiety to focus on the audience. My most memorable moment was meeting the actor Harry B. Anyawu at a concert—it was a truly great experience. I’ve learned so much about my strengths and weaknesses from my relationship with my fans, and their engagement on social media and streaming platforms encourages me to keep going and work harder on my voice. Just like I recently saw Tiwa Savage say she's still figuring herself out despite her status, I too will keep figuring myself out until I get better and better.

​The Future: Faith, Hope, and Legacy

​My core philosophy for my listeners is simple: I want them to have faith, hope, and trust in God and in the process. If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be to never give up and be consistent.

​I'm still actively working toward my biggest success goals, but I'm incredibly thankful that I've managed to get my music onto most major streaming platforms. That, in itself, is a significant achievement for which I thank God. Ultimately, I want to be known for my talent and to be a vessel for God's sake and aspiration.

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