Nigerian-born artist Sẹlaine has been named CM United's Songwriter of the Year after her song "Temperaments" took first place during the opening quarter of the organization's 23rd Annual Christian Songwriting Contest. Drawing inspiration from Ephesians 4:14, the song offers an honest account of emotional instability, spiritual struggle and the faithfulness of God amid life's changing circumstances. With a life spanning Nigeria, Malaysia and Canada-and roles that include engineer, entrepreneur, worship leader and recording artist-Sẹlaine brings an unusually broad perspective to her music. In this interview, she discusses the experiences behind "Temperaments," the place of emotions in the Christian life and how the award could help her reach listeners who need its message.
Q: Congratulations on being named CM United's Songwriter of the Year. What does this recognition mean to you at this stage of your journey?
Thank you! It means a great deal, especially this early in my journey. It is both humbling and encouraging to receive this recognition, and it honestly feels like an answer to prayer. The award and everything that comes with it provide exactly the kind of support I have been needing as I work on new songs.
Q: What personal experience or spiritual insight inspired your winning song, "Temperaments"?
I wrote "Temperaments" toward the end of the pandemic, when I had grown tired of how difficult and disruptive life had become. That period made me realize how easily external circumstances can dictate our internal state. I wanted to capture those emotional fluctuations through the image of waves.
The verse that shaped the song is Ephesians 4:14, which speaks about no longer being like children who are "tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine." That language appears directly in the lyric, "Temperaments that every wind of doctrine brings."
Ultimately, the song became an encouragement to myself. I believe there is a reason God allows us to experience certain difficulties. Whenever another challenge comes, I know I am not fighting alone, and the experience can deepen my faith. That conviction is expressed in the line, "I'm okay fighting all these problems if it keeps me coming back to You."
Q: How does "Temperaments" explore the relationship between human emotions and Christian faith?
I think the song offers a down-to-earth and honest perspective because I did not want to disguise what I was experiencing. People sometimes assume that being a Christian should mean living a perfect life. Although our goal is to imitate Jesus, our perfect example, we are still human. We make mistakes and become caught up in life's emotional highs and lows.
Feelings are an integral part of being human, and they can give us valuable insight into what is happening within us. Christians should understand that it is all right to feel our emotions, provided we do not allow those emotions to rule us.
Q: Your journey spans Nigeria, Malaysia and Canada. How have these cultures shaped your musical identity and approach to songwriting?
Honestly, they have made it more difficult for me to define my genre or remain within only one musical style! At the same time, those different cultural experiences have given me a wider emotional and musical vocabulary. They help me find a sound that matches a particular experience-and an experience that matches a particular sound.
Q: You are an engineer, entrepreneur, worship leader and recording artist. How do these different roles influence the way you create music?
My problem-solving skills and determination come partly from having so many different interests. I bring a similar approach to creating music. I treat every song as its own challenge, with unique obstacles to overcome and new opportunities to learn.
Q: How do you hope to use the contest's prize package to expand your ministry and introduce your music to a wider audience?
I believe the prize package will be instrumental in helping me develop as an artist and become more effective in getting my music to the people who need to hear it. I am excited to learn, grow and use the knowledge and opportunities I receive to do exactly that.
Listen to the Winning Song:
Connect with Sẹlaine:
https://www.instagram.com/selaineee
Connect with CM United:
https://christiansongwriting.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/christiansongwritingdotcom
https://www.facebook.com/ChristianSongwritingContest
https://www.instagram.com/christiansongwriting
