Interview: Eloho
Aberdeen based singer/songwriter, worship leader, international recording artist, motivator, writer and radio host Eloho Efemuai has just returned with her second studio album 'Unrestrained'. Featuring genres ranging from worship to inspirational and life giving songs spiced with a distinctive African flavour, LTTM spoke to this gifted artist to find out a little more.
Tell us a little bit about this new album of yours?
Unrestrained wow, ok so all my life I have experienced different kind of things, from joy, love, condemnation, sadness, rejections, disappointments, to betrayals which sort of constrained me. I became fearful and felt I had to please everyone and do what everyone thought I should do. It was like I was put in a box. But when I began to see myself the way God sees me, I started to call myself what He calls and didn’t feel the need to please anyone or prove anything to anyone I felt a sense of freedom and release.
It was like the chains that held me bound were broken and I loved being me. I didn’t wanna be put in a box anymore. So ‘Unrestrained’ was born out of all of my experiences put together. It doesn’t matter what anyone has said to you, about you or done to you, we stand in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free. It doesn’t matter what age, race, colour you are, you can be who God has destined you to be because we have the victory in Christ. You can do the things you love to do because you know whom you are and whose you are.
Which is your favourite track on the album and why?
My favourite track is ‘Jesus we Love You’. I love it because it is reflective. It speaks about the work Jesus has done in my life when I encountered Him. My favourite line is ‘The curse that stole my purpose is now no more’ Honestly each time I hear or sing this song I just feel such a sense of release and I am thankful to God for all that He’s done for me and in me and I have no choice but to response in worship, not being compelled to worship. But worship flowing from a heart of gratitude.
Did you enjoy working on this album?
Oh yes I totally did working on Unrestrained was different from working on my first album Arise, I was a lot more expressive, wanting to give my all, there were times I was frustrated though hahahah but I was determined and thankful for the finished product.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?Â
I would love to work with Philippa Hanna, I love her style of writing and how her songs inspire and empower.
Do you prefer playing live or working in the studio?
I think I prefer singing live. I love to connect with people.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
Its worship mainly and my influences are Cece Winans, Darlene Zschech,
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your mp3 player. What track is it?
It has to be ‘Fearless’, its a song of empowerment, despite all we go through, God has got our back, so we will not be moved or shaken by the pressures around us.
What does the next year hold for Eloho?
Promoting the new album, Christmas single maybe, videos, supporting upcoming artists.
