Nonye: How did you come about your artiste name - Tiko, I’ve read that your birth name is Lyndon Sterling.

Tiko: I used to be called Technical Knock Out because of the nature of my lyrics and so I later inserted ‘I’ for easier pronunciation and that’s when the name Tiko was born.

Nonye: How did you come to know the Lord?

Tiko: I accepted the Lord Jesus at the age of nine but slipped away and finally made a firm decision to commit to the Lord after my A Level Education.

Nonye: How did your music career begin?

Tiko: It began in my teen years and I later went on to partner with Denton Peschier aka Gitta to produce the debut album “Royal Priesthood”. We later changed our name in 2002 to Tiko and Gitta.

Nonye: You are studying a degree in Bible and Theology, how do you strike the balance between being a successful reggae gospel artiste, a student, a fire officer, a member of the Church Council and blimey, a Youth Minister

Tiko: I am what I am by the grace of God; it’s a miracle. I believe the Bible message is relevant to help us in our ministry with God.

Nonye: Tell me about your new album – The Proclamation (release date – September 2007); what inspired the album; what were the major challenges you faced during this project and how did you overcome them?

Tiko: Proclamation did not start as an intended project. In 2002, I was basically doing songs, heavily involved in ministry and teaching in church. I already had the lyrics for the album and a producer encouraged me to produce the album; this I did last year. The title of the album- The Proclamation is derived from the last track of the album – Proclamation which declares things about God and tells people what they should do to respond to God’s love based on John 16. As for challenges, these can not be avoided especially in the production of an album where one is working to tight deadlines and trying to get everything properly co-ordinated. I faced all these including with the prospect of the album cover not being ready as well. I dealt with these challenges by rejoicing and giving God thanks regardless of the situations I was facing.

Also, I have already started work on a second solo album with Calvin Smith (Frenzy Productions UK associated with Third Diamond Studios).

Nonye: What advice do you have for Christian youths today especially as it is much more challenging these days to live a successful youth life with the constant peer pressure and crime etc on the increase?

Tiko: I think the key thing here is for youths to remember God in the days of their youth by focusing on God. God will ultimately direct their paths.

Nonye: On a personal level, which artistes have inspired you in your career and spiritual growth?

Tiko: Gibraan and Shiselon from Trinidad.

Nonye: You speak Spanish, should we expect any Spanish gospel reggae albums from you in the future.

Tiko: Hopefully, I will record some songs in Spanish in the future.

Nonye: What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?

Tiko: I once had a lisp – a speech defect condition!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nonye: What do you have to say about some Christians who are still listening and buying secular music?

Tiko: It’s a challenge, there’s gospel music out there that Christians should listen to.

Nonye: Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?

Tiko: I see myself using music as an instrument to teach and preach the Word of God. I believe this will open many doors for me.

Nonye Chidomere