Nigerian gospel reggae singer Ibrahim David Gajere, popularly known as Ibi Dave, has revealed that his employment as an accountant with the Nigerian Television Authority helped finance his music career.
According to The PUNCH, the Gombe-born artiste explained that he initially studied accounting to fulfil his parents’ expectations before pursuing his passion for music.
The singer said the financial stability provided by his accounting job enabled him to invest in recording projects and develop his music ministry.
Ibi Dave recalls parents’ influence on career
The musician disclosed that he had always wanted to become a professional gospel artiste, although his parents encouraged him to pursue formal education.
“Actually, my childhood dream was to become an accountant. You know our parents, especially in the North, they believe so much in going to school and securing a paid job,” he said.
He explained that he eventually studied accounting because his parents were responsible for his education.
“But deep within me, I knew I was born to do music,” he added.
The artiste subsequently secured employment with the Nigerian Television Authority while developing his music career.
He described the job as the financial foundation of his musical journey.
“I eventually picked up a job with the Nigerian Television Authority as an Accountant, and that job is what has been sustaining the music to get to where it is today,” he said.
Gospel singer records 10 songs at Gombe concert
Ibi Dave also disclosed that he recently recorded 10 songs during a live concert held in Gombe State.
The October concert, held at All Saints Federal Low-Cost, reportedly attracted more than 6,000 people, according to the singer.
The songs included Push It Up, Zion, Better Days, Pray, Karatu, Jah Grace, Thirsty, Miracles, Brighter Than the Sun and Testify.
The event featured performances by gospel artistes including Kaestrings, Silas Yako, Dave Azi, Mumaa Lucee and James Alkali.
Ibi Dave recounts international performances
The gospel musician said his career began when he joined his church choir as a child.
He subsequently performed in the United States in 2017 and undertook tours of the United Kingdom in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Although his music career has expanded internationally, Ibi Dave maintained that his accounting background remained valuable.
He expressed appreciation for the opportunities he had received and said he hoped to continue using his music to inspire audiences.
