Meet Tupi Runo, an amazing Gospel artist known in the Niger Delta for his unique style of music. He was caught up in a chat with our correspondent and here is what he has to say:
See excerpts of the interview when our correspondents caught up with the gbegerist, Tupi Runo ahead of the release of a new hit, ‘Papa God’ featuring ace comedian, Akpororo.
What is your real name?
My Name is Paul Ogheneruno Shishe popularly known as Tupi Runo (the gbegerist)
How was growing up for you?
My mother was into petty trading to assist my father who was a truck driver for one of the oil servicing companies then in Warri.
I used to help my Mum to hawk her goods in the streets of Warri like Garri, Plantain, Yam and Dry Fish.
It was a great experience to learn how to earn a leaving as young as I was. I would say my family was average but I had the play time like other kids because I would go to the market then do my home work at night before sleeping.
Can you share a little about your Educational Background:?
I was born & bred in Warri so that was where I had my primary and secondary education at Aileru Primary School and College of Commerce respectively both in Warri.
Also I’m a Graduate of Chemical Engineering from the University of Port Harcourt.
Are you married with Children?
Got Married on the 3rd of December 2011 to my one & only wife, Okeoghene Angela.
We are both blessed with two boys and a girl. Oghenekaro, Oghenefega and Elo- Oghene
How did you meet your Wife?
I ( Tupi Runo) was a music director for about 3years at Royal House of Grace Church, Choba so during one of those days, I was invited for a program that requires all performing artists to put on Snickers and I did not have.
On our way home after one of our Choir rehearsals I entered a boutique and picked a shoe for 5k without money but the seller insisted on a 50% deposit and my wife borrowed me the 3k. Few days later she called again to know if I’ve taken the pair of shoes and also if her money was ready and I said No.
She finally paid the balance for the shoe and brought it to church as a gift for me.
God had led me to Genesis 24 before then thus after that gift I yearned towards her to ask her out and the rest is history.
Wow interesting love story you have there. Back to your Music, How did you start?
My Mum used to be a member of the native Choir in my church in the 90’s so I always followed her to rehearsal and Play Bell (agogo) for them. With time I developed interest and started singing backup till I joined the main church Choir at 12years of age as the youngest Choir member as an alto singer.
Later during my secondary school and the beginning of my university days, My friends and I came together and formed an Acapella group called ‘De Ordained’
Myself (Tupi Runo) as the leader, Cyril the Bazz, Acho the Tenor and Ejovi The alto Singer. All Engineering under graduates singing for the lord till we metamorphosed into a force to reckon with as lives were blessed and souls won for Christ. We became so popular then that we were invited to NTA network Lagos live with Sadiq on AMexpress plus singing in many programs, campuses and states.
But our break up came when a white lady from America spotted us in RCCG program and decided to take us out but few of our parents did not agree because we were already in our 3rd year so the deal was called off & we were not happy.
After the university days, everybody went on to different things but I was so passionate about this as it is my life & what I’m born to do so I decided to do a single titled “Papa God” in 2010 (the song I am remixing now featuring Akpororo)
What kind of Musician are you?
I am an Afro Gospel Music Minister with a prophetic mandate to win the rejected and lost souls in the society to Christ.
My music is Life changing, Soul refining, Encouraging and Inspiring.
Tell us more about the works you’ve put out?
I have about 3albums and 10singles including the ones people have talked most about like Favour, Tikolo, Bulieya & Magi featuring SamSong.
First album was launched during my NYSC days in Ibadan by Corp members were I was given the title Atosebe titled Na Papa God in 2010.
The second is ‘Na U I Know’ launched in 2014 in RCCG Elimgbu.
While the third Album ‘My Testimony’ was launched in RCCG Kuwait middle east on 2017.
And yes, I have a band called “D Eagles” formed in 2013 allthough some members may have left but there are three old members.
The entertainment business consumes alot of finance so how have you been sponsoring yourself and your family?
To God be the Glory, I am under my own label, Primus Empire Entertainment Company.
Basically I am also an oil well Stimulation Engineer with Coiled Tubing experience. worked in the oil field in Nigeria and now working in the middle east plus I also run my trading company ‘Kafeloona Trading Company’
Greatest Challenge in music so far?
No time to push as much as I can because of my Job and I cannot quit now because this is the job that helps me and my family and also push my style of music.
Collaborations and Upcoming Projects?
In the past, Ebiere had featured me, I also worked with SamSong on Magi and currently we are just putting out Papa God(remix) featuring Akpororo.
Asides that we are planning a Campus Tour, Street Tours, The Power of His Presence Concert in Port Harcourt, A New Album Release and as well some International concerts.
Who do you hope to work with in the near future?
Personally looking forward to recording with Donnie Mc Clurckin, Tasha Cobbs, Ada Ehi and maybe Gordons.
So in all of this, How do you give back?
I have been codedly touching lives, supporting widows & young talented individuals through the Nobo2Sombo Foundation which is being ran by me and my wife.
Great Personality you have here. Thanks for your time.
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