From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh
For most young christians to whom music is important, they have probably heard a lot about talents and gifts. For SAMPETERS, it is a mixture of both. Many must have had the inspiration right from their formative age, just the same way SAMPETERS did.
He told our Correspondent during a chat that, “I was a young musician who became a christian right from my formative years. I wanted to use my music for Jesus. I frankly thank God my dreams are coming true, even though I derailed at some points. But God later found me and got me back to my roots.”
According to him, his calling to the music genre is a mixture of talent and gift. He pointed out that: “The most quoted (and mis-applied) scripture was the one about ‘talents’ (Matthew 24:14-30). Never mind that a ‘talent’ was a measure of money – actually a lot of money.
“The fact that the word in most translations was the same word we use for skills and abilities today, led to the obvious interpretation that you were supposed to use your skills and abilities for God. That is a fine interpretation as far as it goes, but the Biblical talent represents resources of any kind, including time, ability to work, literal money, and even our life-span.
“The overall idea is that we are stewards – not owners – of everything that comes our way, including even our own lives. So you are distorting the meaning of that passage when you focus on one thing that you like to do or want to do or that people tell you you are good at, while wasting all of the other resources He has given or spending them on your own self-gratification.
“Yes, I may be a better songwriter or guitarist than the average Christian. (feel free to disagree; I have a thick skin.) But God also gave me the abilities to speak, to listen, to work, to study, to teach, to write, and so on. Just because the word ‘talent’ appears in Matthew 24 doesn’t mean that whatever talent(s) – in the modern sense – I believe I possess or could develop should override every other aspect of my life.”
SAMPETERS further stated that: ” In this interpretation, the word ‘gift’ is taken to mean a special skill or ability, a ‘talent’ in the modern sense. So, if you really are ‘gifted’ in music or art or whatever it is, you won’t need to tell anybody about it – God will see to it that your ‘gift’ brings you to the attention of important people.
“Folks who interpret Proverbs 18:16 this way are fond of using the example of Joseph, who was languishing in prison until word got to Pharaoh that a certain Jewish dreamer could help him sort out a perplexing vision. Did Joseph need a press kit? No, and neither do you. Did Joseph contact venues about showcasing his abilities? No, and neither should you.
“The principle is, essentially, that you should get really good on your own, without ever looking for opportunities to showcase your talents or promote your art in any way, and word will eventually get to somebody who will recognize what you have to offer and change your life for you. Yes, word-of-mouth is important; to artists today. it is crucial. But it is also silly to imagine that word-of-mouth is going to get you anywhere if you are practicing your ‘gifts’ more-or-less behind closed doors, in the hopes that important folks will somehow find you out. That is not enough. You really need to get going. You need to let it out. Blow your own trumpet! “
The gospel music star spoke further on self-promotion, insisting that: “Unfortunately, self-promotion by artists who want or claim to be ‘all about Jesus’ is fraught with dangers. There is a constant conflict between the professional need to seem confident and professional and ‘leading edge’ and talented, and the spiritual need to give God all the glory. In today’s direct-to-consumer market, it’s even more important that folks see you as genuine and feel that they have – or could have – a relationship with you as a person. If you come across as someone who would be fun to have around, you’ve won half the battle.”
Peter Akpan popularly known as SAMPETERS is a contemporary Nigerian Gospel Rapper, Singer and Reggae Artiste. He was a secular artiste performing in Nightclubs all around Calabar, Enugu and Akwa Ibom, but now a full gospel music minister. SAMPETERS was born in Akwa Ibom State and got born-again in in Full Life Christian Centre, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State in 2011. He is still a Full Life Member till date.
SAMPETERS is known for his Biblical rap and Raggae/Ragga punch lines, highly anointed hooks, chorus and spirit-filled live ministrations which distinguished him from regular gospel rap and /or secular music.
In 2014, SAMPETERS released his first Album “UNSTOPABLE ME”. The success of the album further propelled a follow-up in his dedication towards projecting inspirational gospel vibes.
SAMPETERS has featured as a guest on various events, and has ministered/shared the stage with pronounced gospel ministers, Buchi, Freke, Tim Godfrey, Bobby Friga, God Fada, Davasol Brothers, AB I song, and many others.
He finished the production of his current single “VICTORY “ in September 2022, which has been available for streaming and download in all digital stores. The song VICTORY is a fusion of Reggae/Ragga and RnB, highly motivational, capable of inspiring anyone including unbelievers to greatness.
SAMPETERS is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering from Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu. He also serves as the leader of Tongues of Fire in FULL LIFE CHRISTIAN CENTRE.
He is also the MD/CEO of Chochboy Records Limited. He writes, sings and produces his own music and records with diverse groups of musicians. SAMPETERS is happily married and blessed with a daughter.
