The Lost Depth of Gospel Music in Nigeria: A Cry for Revival in the Sound of Worship By Oluwatosin Anthony Adesanya
There was a time when gospel music carried depth — songs that pierced the soul, comforted the broken, and pointed men’s hearts toward God. In those days, without modern instruments or polished production, melodies were soaked with spirit and sincerity. But today, in the name of creativity and “the new move,” we’ve traded depth for dance, truth for trend, and conviction for convenience.
Our present generation in Nigeria has finally moved away from the songs and music our fathers had in their days. The ancient landmark of gospel music — songs that cut across all ages and stood the test of time — has become what many now tag “old school” or “oldies.”
The Christian songs, or should I say gospel songs, that we sing today — especially the high-praise songs — often leave many with questions in their hearts. We can hardly differentiate some of these songs from worldly pop or jazz music. Some have even become subjects of debate and criticism within the Nigerian Christian community.
The common defence among many young believers is that “God is moving in a new way in this dispensation.” Yet, the intent of many of these songs does not reflect the purity, reverence, or depth we once saw and heard from those who sang before us.
I sometimes wonder if what we call “a new move” is simply the result of western influence and musical modernization rather than genuine spiritual enlightenment. Looking back at the early days of gospel music in Nigeria, most of the singers across different tribes and denominations had little or no formal education, yet the potency of their songs still carries power and divine influence even today.
Across different regions, many gospel singers poured out songs filled with truth, conviction, and deep spiritual passion. Despite limited technology, exposure, or education, their songs carried undeniable inspiration that still ministers to hearts today. Even among some who sang secular music, one could still sense moral values, meaningful lyrics, and intellectual depth in their compositions.
The depth of truth, revelation, and moral insight that flowed from those songs was truly heavenly. Those were the songs our fathers used to overcome life’s challenges and strengthen their convictions. Many of them were not highly educated or fluent in scripture, yet their lives bore more evidence of godliness than many of us who boast of greater spiritual experiences today.
Sadly, a new generation has emerged — one that seems to believe the Spirit of God that worked mightily in our fathers’ time has somehow gone silent. We now assume that God is only moving powerfully in our own time. Yet, when you listen closely to some of the songs we call gospel today, you must strain your ears to discern any true gospel message.
In our quest to “win souls” and stay relevant, we have started to adopt the styles of secular music. Ironically, it is not the world adopting our sound — it is the church adopting theirs. No wonder many of these songs trend quickly, excite the crowd, and fade just as fast. There is often no impact, no conviction, no ministration to the soul — just rhythm, beats, and excitement.
This growing shift has also introduced pride, arrogance, and lack of discipline into the heart of gospel ministry. Almost everyone now wants to be a gospel singer or a chorister — especially among the younger generation — but few are willing to endure the process of training, humility, and consecration that shaped the character of our fathers before they ever stood on the altar to minister.
In those days, joining the church choir required deep commitment and proven service. It wasn’t about talent or popularity but about character, calling, and consecration. That was why their songs carried eternal weight and spiritual substance.
Today, however, many sing powerfully but lack the brokenness that births true worship. Correct them, and they simply move to another ministry where their “gift” will be celebrated without accountability.
The question we must now ask ourselves is this: Is what we call revival in gospel music truly a move of God — or just a passing trend? Our fathers never copied the world, yet they won more souls and inspired more genuine repentance than many of the popular gospel artists of our time.
What pains me most is that some of the high-praise songs we sing today are simply old revival songs, repackaged to fit modern trends. In doing so, we dilute the spiritual potency those songs once carried.
That is why we can shout, jump, and “vibe” during praise and worship and still go out to commit abominable acts. We have often replaced revelation with rhythm; power with performance.
Conclusion: A Call to Return
This is not a condemnation of the new generation but a heartfelt cry for rediscovery. We must return to the roots of genuine gospel music — songs born from deep communion, purity, and truth. Songs that stir conviction, not just emotion; worship, not just excitement. The world is watching, but heaven is listening. Let us not lose the Spirit in pursuit of sound.
About the Author
Oluwatosin Anthony Adesanya is a Christian writer, media professional, and founder of OceanGrace Media Services. He holds a degree in English Education from the University of Ibadan and is passionate about restoring depth and authenticity to gospel music and worship in Nigeria.
“The Lost Depth of Gospel Music in Nigeria: A Cry for Revival in the Sound of Worship” By Oluwatosin Anthony Adesanya is a Guest Post on PositiveNaija.
