At
a first glance Rukayat Gawat-Oyefeso comes to you like a privileged and
wealthy lady and the daughter of the popular NTA broadcaster, Rasaq
Aremu Gawat but a close encounter with her, one will be surprised at her
down-to-earth and humility of the Islamic singer, something uncommon
among celebrity musicians like her. Welcome to the world of the Islamic
singer, Rukayat Olabisi Gawat that is making a difference in the lives
of the younger generation.
Her Background
As
the first child and daughter of Alhaji Rasaq Gawat, Rukayat was born to
middle-income family in the Isale-Eko area of Lagos State. Her dad
gained fame on the screen as a broadcaster on popular TV channel, NTA
10- known to sensitize Muslim faithfuls during the holy Ramadan. A name
that was associated with integrity and honour. Rukayat who grew up with
her grandmum at Isale-Eko never dreamt of fame like her father but just
found herself being captivated by music precisely Islamic music. How
then did the passion for singing begin for her? She recanted that her
days during the Isale-eko when she was in Secondary school was laced
with going from one Islamic forum to another as a youthful Islamic
singer and one of the best at the Lagos Island. Rukayat according to
her, she was courted by many Islamic society groups to spice up their
programs and inspire the youths and adults alike in praising the
Almighty Allah. She did this with passion and joy though her father was
opposed to this. “It is very true that my father opposed me doing music
then but he later agreed before his disappearance. It is a known fact
that parent don’t usually want their children to go in to the
entertainment world because of the obvious misconception surrounding
those in the entertainment industry. Though I have passion for
addressing the public either verbally or in writing right from my
childhood, hence I decided to study Mass communication. I had a very
religious upbringing through my dad coupled with the passion I have in
addressing the public then I thought of a way of propagating my religion
and I felt passing teaching the doctrine of Islam through music won't
be a bad idea,” says Rukayat.
Her Music
Ironically,
Rukayat started singing professionally four years ago. One would have
thought that she had been in the game for more than a decade, but the
ebony complexioned singer who has been involved in Islamic music and a
member of Islamic Musician Association of Nigeria ISMAN for a long time,
released her first album titled IMOLE. Her next albums are My Father,
Aye le and Ogbe Okan packaged by Okiki Films & Music Productions.
Fortunately, Ogbe Okan brought her to limelight and expanded her
horizon. Rukayat did not rest on her oars but worked hard in the studios
digging deep into her creativity. These produced works like
Agbokol’ori, Arinakore, Iyawo Obun, Ramadan Kareem (featuring twenty
Islamic musicians and Nollywood actors), Alao Jowujowu featuring Sule
Alao Malaika, Odun Ayo Ft Sefiu Alao and Temitope. Her music mirrors the
challenges of today’s woman and how her faith in Allah helps to keep a
balance. Women today are known to pursue a career as well as managing
their husbands and children. Balancing all these roles could be a
challenge but Alhaja Gawat says, “My music teaches woman to be faithful
to their husband and take care of the home properly. Basically, the
passion for my religion and it's doctrines inspires my composition and
therefore my music is an extension of my religion. A favourite quote I
normally post that talks about womanhood is: Learn patience from Asiyah,
Loyalty from Khadijah, Purity from Maryam, Sincerity from Aishah and
Steadfastness from Fatimah. That summarises my beliefs which is
demonstrated by my music”.
Awards And Accolades
In
four years of professional singing, the lady has carved a niche for
herself and has suddenly become the leading light of Islamic gospel
music. She won the City People Entertainment Awards 2016 as Best Female
Islamic Artiste and at Islamic Music Award IMAN 2016, she also coveted
the Best Female Islamic Artiste. Rukayat is of the belief that hardwork
beat talent, when talent refuses to work hard. “I have been so dedicated
to my music career and I knew someday I will get there- win awards. For
where I am today, Glory be to Almighty Allah,” she noted.
Her Life Philosophy
My
beliefs is based on whatever you do, do it well; because what goes
around comes around. If you do good in life, you get the reward of doing
good and if otherwise, it comes hurting for you in later years. Life
has taught me that it takes only the prayerful and the intelligent one
to sustain the shackles of life.
Her Marriage
Aside
her busy schedule as a singer and celebrity, Rukayat Gawat-Oyefeso
spends most of her time with her family. She is married to Shakirudeen
Oyefeso and they are blessed with two children. She says “My husband is a
very understanding man who loves my career as much as I do and with
Allah's help I have been able to manage my home properly by performing
my duties as wife without sacrificing it for my music career. I say a
big thank you to my husband for his understanding, support, love and
care”. She says she would have been a great broadcaster aside music.
Her Foundation
Beneath
her music lay a personality whose milk flows with generosity. Alhaja
Gawat launched her foundation named Imole (meaning Light) Foundation
last year. At the event, she was reported to have fed a hundred and
twenty widows. The foundation helps to feed and empower the needy and
less priviledged most especially the widows. “I feel more concerned
about the widows because they are often neglected in the society. I
believe that Allah hears their prayers faster”. Rukayat Gawat arguably
towers above her peers- the dozens of Islamic singers in Lagos. As the
social secretary of ISMAN Lagos State, she continues to contribute her
quota and bring innovations to her music industry.source:airways report
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