Tell us a bit about yourself
I am Chukwukah Walter Okezie Ijoma. My brand name is I.O.C Walter aka The Bishop, an international gospel music minister, pianist, teacher and entrepreneur, husband, father, CEO of E-World Entertainments Owerri, Host of School of Worship and Healing with I.O.C Walter, Imo State Chairman of Fogmmon (Fellowship Of Gospel Music Ministers of Nigeria), South East Coordinator and Assistant National Prayer Secretary of Fogmmon. I hail from Arondizuogu, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State.
What inspired you to go into music?
I was picked out as a talented young child, music runs in our family anyway. So growing up, I knew I had a strong call to serve God and as the days went by I knew I was to do it through my music gifting and that’s what I am doing. The Holy Spirit inspires me. I have also been inspired by many other music ministers who are serving the Lord in similar way that I do, people like Evang. Tonneil Avo, Buchi, Micheal Smith, Don Moen, Frank Edwards, Panam Percy Paul, Sinach to mention a few.
How long have you been into gospel music?
I have been a church music boy. I have been playing music as a pianist and singer in churches from 1998. I have worked with some music ministers for years also, some of whom I have already mentioned above but I went into full time music career as I.O.C.WALTER in 2015.
What famous gospel artiste(s) do you admire?
I have mentioned them above… Tonneil Avo, Buchi, Frank Edwards, Sinach etc
Do you think the internet has an impact on the music industry?
A whole lot positively. Our reach became wider without necessarily going to many places. We can be in charge of our content and the proceeds too because of the internet. As much as there are negative impacts too from the internet but its advantages are also a lot.
Who are your role models?
Jesus Christ, My Mum, Pastor Chris Oyhakilome and Dr. Panam Percy Paul.
What other thing do you do?
I had mentioned my company name earlier. I’m a music producer, instructor and I deal on foreign used music equipments especially, pianos, grand pianos etc. A little into real estate, I’m also into forex trading.
Your memorable day
November 3, 2012, the day my first child (son) was born and my hit song came that day too. There are other days that are memorable days. I met people that I have influenced positively without knowing.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself a global apostolic music minister entering territories; I have not entered before with the Message of the Kingdom and True Worship. I see I have built an international music brand stronger than what it is now. I also see a complex, housing a world class music studio, video studio, and also having a standard outdoor music, video and light equipment and stage truck for my missions.
There is this notion that gospel artistes charge exorbitantly to perform at events just like the circular music artistes, what is your take on this?
Well, money is needed to run a music brand, to maintain a team, to produce a song, to shoot a good video. The truth is, you can’t pay for the Grace of God or for the anointing but financial appreciations are in place to help the minister run the brand. Songs are not produced with “God bless you”, videos are not shot with “You’ll go places”, and they are done with money. So while money shouldn’t stop a minister of the gospel from ministering to God’s People but people inviting us should appreciate the fact that the money they are being asked to pay is for logistics mainly because they are not paying for the gospel we carry, they are paying for the logistics involved in doing music. We have had very ugly experiences where people invite you and make no provision whatsoever and you find yourself stranded in a far land and so on. There are ministries who know what to do; there are others who like to use people so it’s a complicated issue.
How do you unplug?
Movies, walking in a quiet place with soft music in my ears and sleep (also with soft music or the audio bible reading into my soul).
Favourite food
Not one (Laughs), beans and ripe plantain, bitter leaf soup, egusi, vegetable and fufu, rice and chicken sauce with fried plantain and non-alcoholic drink.
Most treasured possession
Peace of my mind, my wife and my sons.
How do you impact the world with what you do?
I preach the Word of God through my songs and teachings via the School of Worship vehicle. I also influence other artistes who come to my studio to produce songs; I refuse to do any songs that will have negative influence on the society to mention a few. I try to lead a good life publicly, so that we don’t just talk, people can also be influenced by our actions which they see.
Best quote
The True Worshippers Must Worship God in Spirit and in Truth.
Five words that best describe you
Well, I don’t rate myself by myself, but I have seen people describe me because they’re the ones observing me. So from what they say, I can say that I am God fearing, bold, handsome, honest, and have a good sense of humour.
A word of advice for people out there
Jesus is at the Door. Don’t live like you own your life as it were. Live your Life For God. The day of reckoning is coming, live ready! The World is nose diving on all sides. Morals are dying. Stay strong and alive for God. Shalom.
Amazing… thank you for having me LUSH Magazine 🙏❤