Rock beats get me pumped up every time- The GreatDaniel

Sixteen Years Old Gospel singer, Daniel Monday Akpan, aka The GreatDaniel, origin of Akwa Ibom State, born and raised in Lagos State, Nigeria, to a lovely Christian family. He speaks with Stanley Ihedigbo about his career, inspiration and other issues.

What’s your favorite music genre to perform?

Rock music is my ultimate passion; the raw energy, powerful guitar riffs, and infectious beats get me pumped up every time.

How did you get started in music?

My musical gift was discovered by my parents when I was just three years old. I remember that the spoon, the remote, became my microphone. I will sing sometimes till I start crying in worship.

From there, I joined the children’s choir in church, and my elder brother, who is my manager, started taking me out for events to see and learn how other music ministers sing, and even how they manage their time and stage.
It’s a long story. In all, I’m grateful to God for growth over the years.

What’s your songwriting process like?

Most times, I receive my songs from the place of personal worship and prayers to God. Some of the lyrics of my songs comes in parts. So, I can receive the chorus today, and then receive the solo next year, depending on how God decides to bring it.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

My biggest musical influence is JJ Hairston; his passion, energy, and gospel music style inspire me to create impactful music.

What’s the most challenging part of being a young artist?

For me, the biggest challenge is staying true to my spiritual values while navigating the music industry’s ever-changing landscape. It’s a constant balancing act, but I’m determined to use my platform to inspire and uplift others while remaining authentic to my faith.

How many songs have you written?

By the Grace of God, I have written songs like Abasi, I am a child of God, Prayer, When Men See Me, Wam Mien, Hallelujah, Jehovah and my last song, which was released in July 2025, is My Best Friend

Your new song is now on all streaming platforms: “My Best Friend.” What inspired you to write the song?

Let me start by saying that Jesus Christ is my best friend. I got the inspiration to write the song during a period when I was having a quiet time with God. I discovered that man will always be man; they will promise you heaven and earth and end up disappointing you. Man will always lie to you, but My Lord Jesus will not promise and fail. He will not lie, and He will never disappoint. He is always faithful to His words, and the Love of God is real.

Have you worked with any Record labels?

I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with record labels in the past, but I’ve since moved on to pursue my artistic vision independently. It’s been a liberating experience, allowing me to create music that’s truly authentic to who I am.

Why and what happened?

I’m choosing to focus on the present and future, giving God all the glory for guiding me through past experiences. I’ve moved on, and I’m excited about the new creative opportunities ahead.

When I watched and listened to your new song ‘ My Best Friend’, I saw a logo Greatious Heart Music, is that the new Record Label?

Yes, Greatious Heart Music is my current partner. I’m loving the creative freedom and support they’re providing; it’s a great fit for my music and vision.

Do you play any musical instruments?

Yes, I play the Keyboard and drums for now, but in the near future, I will learn and master other musical instruments. By the grace of God, I want to be a multi-instrumentalist.

Seeing you, you are still a young boy. What is your level of education?

Yes, I will be 17 years old by January 16, 2026. I am done with my secondary education, just got admission into the University, so I am pursuing my education with passion. My education is my priority, while my music career is secondary. My parents always sound it into my hearing that I should balance my education with my music, and God is helping me to do that. God is my strength, and Jesus is my Message.

You talked about God a lot at your tender age. Why?

My father is a Minister of God in the Methodist Church Nigeria, a very caring, loving and disciplinarian, in the house, nothing else but God. I grew up listening to only gospel music at home. It is a must for us to be active in church, that is why all we know at home and anywhere we find ourselves is GOD and nothing more.

You said your brother is your Manager?

Yes, my elder brother, the first child of my parent, David “The Drumming Evangelist,” is not just a manager, is a coach, a teacher and a disciplinarian; whatever I am today, God has used him to build me to what I am now. I love him.

Are you planning to host a concert in your state soon?

That will be decided by my Management Team, but for now, I want to concentrate on my studies. When the time is set to host a homecoming concert in Akwa Ibom State, it will be big.

Do you have any message to fans out there?

My message will be in two ways, first for the youth, I want to plead with youth worldwide to accept Christ as their Lord and personal savior, and they should be good ambassadors of Christ Jesus here on earth.

For parents, they should please teach their children the ways of God, and parents should also encourage their kids to develop God given talent in them.