Ever since she made a debut with her gospel album in 2009 entitled Right On Time, Evangelist Pat Akpabio has not looked back. She has continued to use her talent to win souls for Christ through the instrumentality of her voice. Akpabio is a Georgia-based gospel singer and the only African inducted into the Grammy’s Record Academy as a voting member.
A fashion icon, the beautiful mother of three, is noted for her flamboyant dress style which those in the Christendom find slightly too expressive. She celebrates her beauty with clothes that accentuate her style.
A trained financial analyst with a bachelor’s degree, Princess Akpabio is wife to an attorney, Ibanga Akpabio, the Akwa Ibom State Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
In this chat, the sophisticated singer spoke on her music career, latest album, new hairline and her style among several other issues.
Tell us more about yourself
Princess Pat Akpabio is a renaissance Nigerian American woman who believes the future belongs to only those who believe in the beauty of their dreams and pursing them, achieving them, and reaping the reward that comes with the success thereof. I am a lady of many facets, a graduate, an ordained evangelist, wife, a mother, business woman and financial analyst, trade mark owner and a writer. I’ m equally a sponsor, philanthropist, lyricist and an entrepreneur. Besides, I’m a child of God, and a commander in God’s Army.
When and how did you find yourself in music?
Music began for me as a child. My late father, Chief Christopher Bassey Akpan used to dance Uko Akpan, a traditional dance in Akwa Ibom State. My mother was a choir singer at Church of Christ and also Abang dancer leader. To cut a long story short, I transited from secular to Gospel music in 2002. I’ve been in music for 11 years now.
What inspires you to write your songs?
My inspiration comes from God, studying the scriptures, hurts and pains of life, laughter, a great moment in time, love, mistakes I’ve made or seen others make. My husband, my environment, trials and temptations but God and my children are my muses.
What kind of music do you play?
My music is inspirational gospel music. I’m not your typical gospel music singer. I’m versatile.
You are about to release your third album. Tell us about it.
The album is entitled You Can. As the name implies, you can do anything, be anything, achieve anything you want with Christ’s help. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”, the Bible says. Don’t give up on God or on yourself. God will do everything He has promised you. Just tell yourself that you can achieve your set goals and dreams through Christ, not man. It is a mix of worship, praise songs to inspire my listeners to have an intimate relationship with God.
What makes it different from the previous albums?
The love tone, the Nigeria beats, the contemporary style of worship, more inspiration yet God based. Others are the producers, the featured artists, the fact that most of the songs on this album were written long before I got married and in the university, my maturity level and love life, work with God through the years makes this album different. Experience and growth, family warm support especially my husband, my three kids and my mother add more to it.
As a singer, you are very popular in the US. How were you able to achieve that?
I have been able to achieve that through God’s help and my manager, Sonya Blackmon who is on top of things to make sure I get heard. I have a content worth listening to.
What distinguishes you from other gospel acts?
One is God’s anointing upon my life. My ability to be real is another thing. I don’t pretend to be too holy, I’m down-to-earth. My God-given swag is second to none.
Recently, you set up a multi-million naira studio in Uyo. Tell us about it.
Yes, I’m almost done with setting up La’khush records and La’Khush Towers Media for duplicating CDs, DVDs, et al. It is different because it is state-of–the-art like you would see in Hollywood LA. I’m a gospel record label and I want to give back.
You always stage big concerts in Uyo to commemorate your album launch, what will this year’s edition look like?
It will be big and better than the other two. Keep your fingers crossed.
What’s your strength?
My strength is God, my husband and family, my father and mother in the Lord, Pastor Chuzzy Udewa and Dr Josephine Eggah. I have great friends and fans who will stand by what I do any day.
As a married woman, mother and renowned musician, how do you cope?
My husband is a rare gem. God blessed me with a man who is so loving and caring, who allows me to express myself. God is the coping factor, love and understanding of my family members and their support keep me going. It is not easy but I’m doing what God called me to do.
Tell us about your new hair line. Why did you decide to delve into the business?
I hold a BBA in Finance with a concentration in investment and corporate finance. I have a good business sense and that’s why I went into the business.
How did you arrive at the label, Patileon Altitude?
My husband gave me the name from my name, Patience and made it Patiléon.
Where will the hair be manufactured?
Beijing, China.
You love fashion. What does it mean to you?
For me, fashion is an expression of how one feels on the inside. Taste in fashion is another woman’s dislike in fashion. So, basically, dress to please yourself first, not another man. Dress the age you want to portray and keep it tasteful, classic, sophisticated, glamorous, sevy and daring. If you are married, dress to make sure your husband keeps his mind, head, heart, spirit, soul, et al at home with you and the love you share. The bottom line is, please God in all you do and be at peace with yourself when you dress.
How do you relax?
I sit and review my day with my peeps, joke, make them laugh and they make me laugh in return. I cook, watch a good movie and write new songs.
After three kids,you still look sexy, what’s the secret?
I have an Aerobic instructor. So, I dance and exercise. I play long tennis, eat healthy, stay happy and focus. I love the spa. I swim too.
