Vina Chukwu popularly known as Vina Ernesto is a Nigerian gospel
musician, song writer and keyboardist. In this interview, he spoke about
his career,growth and his musical experiences and also techniques and
steps to take to achieve the best in music

What first got you into music?
Good question.Well I’ve always been fascinated by music since I was a kid, I grew
up in a Christian home and all I heard growing up was worship song. My first
performance brought the church congregations to tears and I felt the need to do
more. Hence I started my career of becoming a gospel musician.

Who inspired you to make music?
The Holy Spirit, all my song and career as a musician was all by the divine
inspiration from the Holy Spirit.

Do you sing in the shower?
Who doesn’t I do most of the time .

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your
music career?

Marketing that’s it, nothing else

What is your favorite song to perform?
I’ll say “I believe” it talks about holding on to what you envision and never losing
hope. The joy it brings to listener, crowds and congregations is always absolutely
amazing.

Which famous musicians do you admire?
Hmm the list is long ranging from foreign acts like Kirk Franklin, Maverick City,
and Tasha Cobbs the energy and melody they bring is just out of this world.
Locally there’s Frank Edwards, Sinach and the late Sammy Okposo.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Same advice ill give anybody never lose hope on your dreams.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?
They are a lot (chuckles…) but I would really love to collaborate with Frank
Edward, I think he is a brilliant Gospel artist

What is one message you would give to your fans?
Never give up on your dreams and block your ears to naysayers.

Are you comfortable performing in front of large crowds?
Absolutely! I have been performing in front of large crowds for the past 10
years. I’m very comfortable and confident when it comes to playing music in
front of a large audience.

What are some of your favorite musical genres to perform?
My favorite musical genres to perform are a mix of classic and contemporary
styles. I have always been drawn to the traditional sounds of jazz, blues and
classical music. As a gospel musician, these genres provide me with an
opportunity to explore my creativity and express myself in unique ways.

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest musical trends?
Staying up-to-date with the latest musical trends is essential for any musician. I
make sure to keep an eye on what’s happening in the music industry by reading
music magazines and blogs, listening to new releases, attending concerts, and
networking with other musicians.
I also attend workshops and seminars related to my field of expertise. This helps
me stay informed about the latest developments in the music industry.

What is your process for learning new songs?

My process for learning new songs is one that I have developed over many
years of experience as a musician. First, I like to listen to the song several times
and get familiar with the melody and structure. Then, I break down each part of
the song into manageable sections and practice them individually until I am
comfortable playing them. Finally, I put all the parts together and practice the
entire song until it sounds just right.
Provide an example of a time when you had to perform
under pressure.
I have had many opportunities to perform under pressure throughout my career
as a musician. One of the most memorable experiences was when I was asked to
play at a large event for an important gospel crusade.
The performance was scheduled to start in less than two hours, and I hadn’t
even begun to practice or prepare. Despite the time crunch, I was able to stay
focused and composed. I quickly gathered my instruments and began practicing
the pieces that I would be performing.
When it came time to perform, I was ready. I felt confident in my abilities and
was able to deliver a powerful and captivating performance. The audience was
impressed and the client was thrilled with the results. It was a great feeling
knowing that I was able to rise to the challenge and exceed expectations despite
the pressure.”

What would you do if you made a mistake while
performing?
If I made a mistake while performing, my first priority would be to remain calm
and composed. I understand that mistakes can happen during a performance, so
I strive to stay focused on the music and not let it affect me emotionally.

Do you have any experience performing in a band?
Yes, I have extensive experience performing in a band. I’ve been playing music
professionally for the past 10 years and have performed in multiple bands
throughout that time. During my career, I’ve had the opportunity to play at
various venues around the country, from churches to large festivals. My

experience has allowed me to develop an understanding of different musical
styles and genres, as well as how to work with other musicians to create a
cohesive sound. I’m confident that I can bring this knowledge and skills set to
any team and help create amazing performances.
Describe your experience performing solo.
I have been performing solo for over 10 years. I started out playing in churches
and small venues, but as my career progressed I began to play larger shows and
festivals. My experience performing solo has given me the opportunity to
showcase my musical abilities and develop my own unique style of music.

What makes you stand out as a musician?
As a musician, I believe my experience, passion and technical abilities for music
make me stand out. I have been playing instruments since I was young and I
have had the opportunity to perform in various settings, from small venues to
large festivals. My musical skills are well-rounded, as I am proficient in
multiple instruments including guitar, keyboard, drums, and bass..

Which instruments do you have the most experience
playing?
I have extensive experience playing a variety of instruments. I started my
musical journey with the Keyboard, and since then I’ve added guitar, bass and
drums. My primary instrument is the Keyboard, which I’ve been playing for
over 10 years.

What do you think is the most important aspect of being a
musician?
I believe the most important aspect of being a musician is having a passion for
music. Music has the power to move people and create an emotional connection
between artist and listener. As a musician, it’s my responsibility to use this
power to its fullest potential. I strive to create music that speaks to people on a
personal level, conveying emotion through sound.

How often do you practice?
I practice music every day. I believe that the best way to stay sharp and improve
my skills is through consistent practice.

Do you prefer playing live or in the studio?
“I enjoy both playing live and in the studio. Playing live allows me to interact
with an audience and create a unique experience for them, while recording in
the studio gives me the opportunity to experiment with different sounds and
production techniques. I think that having a balance between the two is
important as it helps to keep my music fresh and interesting.”
Describe your experience collaborating with other
musicians.
“I have been collaborating with other musicians for the past 10 years, both in a
professional and personal capacity. I have worked on various projects ranging
from small-scale studio recordings to large-scale live performances. In each
instance, I have found that collaboration is key to creating something truly
special.
When working together, I take great care to ensure that everyone’s ideas are
heard and respected. I strive to create an environment where all members of the
team feel comfortable expressing themselves creatively. This allows us to come
up with unique solutions that we may not have thought of individually.

What is your approach when it comes to writing music?
When it comes to writing music, I take a very collaborative approach. I believe
that the best songs come from working together with other musicians and
bouncing ideas off of one another. I also like to draw inspiration from different
genres and styles of music, as well as my own personal experiences. This helps
me create unique melodies and chord progressions that are both interesting and
memorable. Finally, I always strive to make sure that each song has its own
distinct sound and identity.

What do you think makes a great performance?
I believe that a great performance is one that captivates the audience and
leaves them wanting more. I think it’s important to have a strong understanding
of the music you are playing, as well as an ability to interpret the piece in your
own unique way. It’s also essential to be able to connect with the audience and
create a sense of energy and excitement.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?
They are a lot (chuckles…) but I would really love to collaborate with Frank
Edward, I think he is a brilliant Gospel artist

What’s next for you?
Releasing my fourth studio album and being more ambitious in the coming
years like starting my own annual gospel concert.

What is one message you would give to your fans?
Never give up on your dreams and block your ears to naysayers.