Nigeria’s Songwriter Recounts How God’s Intervention Inspired Hit Song “Watarana”

By Frederick Peters, KADUNA

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: Renowned gospel artist, Bilyaminu Yusuf Ishaq, popularly known as Sir Billy, has shared a powerful testimony of how God saved his life and gave him the song “Watarana.”

Looking back, Sir Billy thanked God for His mercy how He rescued him from the jaws of death, restored his hope, and gave him a new beginning. He admonished the faithful never to despair, no matter the storms of life, but to look up to the Lord for help and salvation.

In an exclusive interview with NewsdailyNigeria on Saturday in Kaduna during the “We Worship” concert, the humble and amiable singer shared his life’s testimony—particularly the encounter that birthed his hit song, “Watarana.”

Giving insight into his testimony and how the song came about, Bilyaminu said: “‘Watarana” came from a very painful encounter in my life. It was a season when everything seemed to fall apart. I experienced a huge business loss, deep hopelessness, and the loss of my daughter. At the same time, many of the people I expected to stand by me left me when I needed them most. All these happened in the same season.

” In that moment, I was surrounded by negative voices. Some told me to end my life, others said I should give up, and some said I would never amount to anything again, that I could never recover from everything I had lost. All these thoughts together pushed me to the point where I almost took my life. But God saved me. Not only did He rescue me, He also gave me a new and powerful song, one that continues to touch and draw back lives to God everywhere it is heard. That song is “Watarana.”

“The Bible says in Romans that all things work together for good. At that time, I didn’t understand it, but now I see that even my pain was working for good. Today, only God knows how many lives this song has touched. If I had given up, I would have died without this testimony.

” That is why I want to encourage anyone going through challenges: do not lose hope. As a child of God, you are not defeated. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we already have victory, regardless of the intensity of the challenges.

” Remember the rigorous process a wine goes through before it is made. The pressure we pass through is often so that a new wine can be produced out of us. Please do not give up, God can be trusted. He not only saved me but has changed my life for good, and He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all you have imagined concerning your present situation.

“The Bible says whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved, and the name of Jesus carries power.

” The enemy may try to steal your joy, just as John 10:10 says, but you must not allow him succeed. When joy is gone, hope can fade, and that is why some people give up completely. But God is faithful.

” There is no temptation you are facing that is new. God always provides a way out, and in that process, He is bringing out something that will bless others. I didn’t know my story would encourage people, but today, many testify after hearing it.

” I was lost, but now I am found. Thank You, Jesus. I thank God for His mercy and for sparing my life. What He is doing in my life now, words cannot fully explain. I am grateful, it is a privilege.”

He concluded with a deep reflection:

“One day, we will all be gone. The question is, what legacy are we leaving behind? How many lives will be touched even after we are gone? Everything in this world is temporary. We are not going with material things; we are going to meet the Lord with what we have done here. That is what truly matters.”