Recently we had the privilege of sitting down with Newcastle-under-Lyme based singer-songwriter Seme to ask him more about his latest release ‘King Of Grace’ and his personal journey so far. Seme is a worshipper with a calling to bring genuine worship out of the depths of the heart to Jesus Christ our King.
How did the name Seme come about and how did your journey begin?
Seme is coined from my name Osemudiamen…. My friends and family call me Ose or Geoffrey but I when it was time to pick an artist name, I wanted a name that I could express my talent and ministry in without feeling tied to myself. I wanted to be less self-conscious and singing with a music character, “Seme” helps me achieve that especially in very large crowds or in places where I am not known.
My journey to this point started very early on in children’s choirs and leading the FCS choir in secondary school. I discovered that I could sing but more importantly, I had the gift of leading people into worship. I toyed with songwriting as a child but into my late teenage years, I began to pay close attention to song structures, lyrics, harmony and content. I write my songs and it sure took a lot of courage to express my musical ideas to anyone other than myself and God!
What is the message behind ‘King Of Grace’?
I think the most important message to everyone is that God’s grace has appeared to everyone- regardless of status or standing. This grace can be time to repent of evil ways, to repair a marriage, to restore a relationship or to do something God said you should do (like Jonah).
The second message asks the question…”What is my response to this free gift God has given to me?” Free forgiveness, free acceptance…what do we do with it? It’s a question for every individual really.
Which of your songs do you feel best represents you?
Difficult question as the three songs I have recorded hold my thoughts in various moments of life. At the moment I would say ‘More than Enough’ was my most personal and sincere at the time of writing, while ‘King of Grace’ expresses to God my deepest desires of what I want to be for Him. So I guess “King of Grace” represents my prayer.
What styles of music and or other artists out there would you say influenced you?
I just sing! Haha. Seriously so far I have done only slow or mid-tempo recordings so its easy to see me in that way alone but I like to sing and praise/worship God in whatever way. I do contemporary Christian and a bit of rock infusion. My biggest influences at present will have to be Israel Houghton and William McDowell.
Do you have a favourite album of all time?
Oh dear! I do not know! I tend to listen to albums from track 1 to the end so I have known quite a few amazing ones. Off my head I would say “The Sound” Mary Mary, “Sounds of Revival II” and “The Cry” by William McDowell, along with “Love God, Love People” by Israel Houghton.
What your future plans for the future?
I intend to continue to sing everywhere I can and use the opportunities that God gives me to bless Him!
Download/Stream Seme’s third single ‘King of Grace’ on Spotify and Apple Music today!
