It’s truly an honour to have you on “Streetspiring Moments.” Your insights are bound to be remarkable. Welcome Gabriel Dkings!
Let’s dive in! Tell us, who is Gabriel Dkings?
First, The name Gabriel Dkings is a pen & stage performance name, my birth name is Gabriel Kingsley Noah.
Gabriel Dkings is a Missionary, poet, Creative writer, Author, content creator, Spoken word Artist, and advocate for boychild and girlchild, orphans, widows, sexual violence, and sickle cell warriors. Above all, he is a lover of God.
I’m privileged to be the mind behind Gifted Group “a group that focuses on promoting gifts, and talents and addressing life issues, I am also, the mind behind Giftedblog, BreakTheCycle, “The Orphan Child Project,” and “Widows are Not Beggars” initiatives. And I’m currently based in Niger State.
Let’s delve into your story! Share your journey: childhood, family, education. We’re all ears!
I’m from a family of Seven, parents, 2 females and 3 males.
Childhood was fun and great but sometimes annoying at that point because I grew up with parents who would rather have me read and sleep all day than go around playing, at a younger age I could read, write, and have good communication with people due to the influence of my dad.
I did Part of my primary education in Abuja, then the other part of the primary education, junior secondary, and secondary education in Suleja, Niger State.
I had my first National Diploma Certificate from Nasarawa State Polytechnic Lafia, Nasarawa State. There, I studied mechanical engineering and later went forward in Telecommunication engineering at Fidei Polytechnic Gboko, Benue State where I received my Higher National Diploma Certificate.
I currently just finished my postgraduate diploma in Theology at Ecwa Theological Seminary Karu Abuja and waiting to resume my master’s study in Systematic theology.
Take us on your creative journey! How did you discover Writing & Spoken Word Poetry?
My passion for writing started at an early age in primary 5, but I started writing fictional stories at jss1 but didn’t know there was anything called spoken word poetry until I joined POTTERS PROJECT in the year 2014 (A Christian group that ministers to people via dance, drama and words). It was the director of the group Mr Ibuku Ayantola who introduced me to spoken word poetry and saw me develop a passion for it and grow in it.
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Did your background shape your career path? We are curious to know.
Yes, my background did shape my career path as my parent were a lover of God, knowledge, peace, and growth, and as people who are disciplined and focused on becoming great, helping others become great too, I was brought up in that order.
What sparks your creativity? Share the inspirations behind your writing and poetry.
For me, as an individual God is my source, he inspires me and sparks my creativity. The desire to create something life-transforming and changing sparks my creativity, and the decision to stay valued and relevant sparks my creativity, life happenings and stories also do that.
Who are your esteemed role models? We’re eager to know the individuals you admire and look up to!
In the world of Art; Prince EA, Jackie Hill, propaganda, Jonathan McReynolds, David Bowens, Ibukun Ayantola, Janeth…
In ministry; Late Pastor Myles Munroe, Apostle Michael Orokpo, Rev Samuel Danladi, Rev. John Gado.
And of course, my parent but Jesus is my number one role model in life and Ministry.
What’s the most difficult part of being a writer and spoken word poet? How do you navigate criticisms?
For me, it has always been how you write and tell stories about certain things you were inspired to, that is also something you know someone (maybe a friend or relative) is battling with and still make them understand it has nothing to with them talking about their weaknesses or struggle.
Criticism is part of life, so I don’t see it as an attack when it comes from people especially the ones I love, I see it as a challenge to get better and produce better results. Generally, I always keep a positive mindset.
Any spoken word artists, both nationally and internationally, you’re itching to collaborate with?
You recently released “Dear Future Daughter.” Give us a scoop on that piece.
Dear Daughter is a spoken word cover that resonant around love, lust, relationships and God.
When Gabriel Dkings isn’t in the spoken Word Poetry scene, what is he doing?
Writing, teaching, advocating for humanity, reading, researching, and developing ideas.
What’s your secret to success? Share your top growth & success habits!
- God! Every true success in life is found in God.
- Successful people do daily what others do daily. I work on myself daily because I believe in the power of consistency.
- I build strategic relationships, no man was created to achieve anything alone… I build good and resultful relationships with people who can help me achieve my dream.
- I plan, as they say, “He who fails to plan, plans to fail” I plan my life.
- I read that behind most(every) successful man is a book. A man who wants to go far or succeed must stand on the shoulders of those who have gone ahead of him.
- I pay attention to the details of any project I embark on.
- I pray. I pray to God to grant me straight to carry out all my plans
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Let’s talk Strategic Relationship! Give us a piece of your mind about that.
Man was not created to be in isolation and no man was designed to succeed alone because your success is tied to another Man’s success.
As a wise a said, “If you want to go fast, go alone but if you want to go far, go together.”
So what is building a strategic Relationship “Building strategic relationships involves establishing and nurturing connections with individuals, organizations, or other entities deliberately and purposefully to achieve specific objectives. These relationships are formed to create opportunities, enhance resources, and ultimately, contribute to the success and growth of the parties involved.”
Therefore, in strategic relationships, we have clear goals, we build trust, communication and commitment, adaptability and flexibility, and growth and results.
Note: A man who does not have a strategic relationship may never become all he was created to be and may take a longer time to achieve what he/she could achieve in a few minutes.
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What is a common myth about Spoken Word Poets and poetry?
A common myth about spoken word poets and poetry is that it is all about rhythm and performance, not just writing. This misunderstanding can make individuals perceive spoken words as less significant and artistic compared to conventional poetry. Meanwhile, spoken word poetry is as deep, meaningful and well-written as conventional poetry.
What’s your take on this quote by Les Brown; “Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.”
I agree with him because one of the greatest hindrances to fulfilling dreams and destiny is fear. Adding to that, nobody has ever experienced joy and success with fear in fact, fear will always cut people short from achieving their destiny or dreams.
These are some of the things fear does to a man;
- Fear makes a man feel he is never enough
- Fear makes a man believe that there is nothing Good and admirable about success.
- Fear makes a man feel nobody appreciates hard work.
Generally, a man can not live in fear and live in his dream at the same time and most people live life in fear which will limit them in achieving their dreams.
If you could inspire someone right now, what would you tell them?
The man who died years ago, yesterday and a minute or second ago, is the man without hope but for you who is living, there is hope now and there is hope tomorrow.
Nobody has ever made it in life without failing because failures are often bridges that lead you to success.
After all is said and done, what does Gabriel Dkings want to be known for?
“Making Jesus Famous and Impacting Humanity.”
Thanks for sharing these insights and giving us a glimpse into your world!
Nice!!!
God bless you Dkings
Your journey to greatness has just begun and I pray that the good Lord see you through till the end.
Nice one Dkings
Your journey to stardom has begun bro. Fasten your sit belt and enjoy the ride.
Your journey to stardom has begun bro. Fasten your seat belt and enjoy the ride.
That’s great brother, keep the fire burning and keep the light shinning.
God is working on you more grace to you.