Church in the News: Pastor Bakare picked as Buhari's running mate

General Buhari

Pastor Bakare

He is one of Nigeria's most famous pastors, known for stating his opinion without fear or equivocation. I personally have always dug his style and his conviction - fantastic bible teacher.  Gen Buhari, running for president on the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) platform, is a former head of state (by coup) and an unrepentant advocate for Sharia law. You can read a great interview where he states his opinion on the matter here.

Strange bedfellows no? I am still not sure what to make of  it. I have no idea whatsoever whether to clap or cry. This could be great, or it could end veeeery badly!! Well sha, GOD knows.



Article below:

We need a Nigerian Christian leadership conference

I got this in my email and thought I should share. What do y'all think?

A Plea To Seven Ministers of God:
We Need a Nigerian Christian Leadership Conference

by Ahmed Olayinka Sule, CFA, 

http://zangodare.wordpress.com/

11 January 2011

So often the contemporary church is a weak,
ineffectual voice with an uncertain sound. So often
it is an arch-defender of the status quo. Far from
being disturbed by the presence of the church, the
power structure of the average community is
consoled by the church's silent and often even
vocal sanction of things as they are.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

The church must be reminded that it is not the
master or the servant of the state but rather the
conscience of the state. It must be the guide and
the critic of the state and never its tool.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

To:

Pastor E.A. Adeboye
Pastor Tunde Bakare
Pastor W.F. Kumuyi
Bishop Mike Okonkwo
Pastor D.K. Olukoya
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
Bishop David Oyedepo,

Grace, mercy and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. In the aftermath of the successful Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1957, Martin Luther King, Jr invited 60 other black ministers to the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta to discuss the formation of an organization to address the injustices melted upon members of the African-American community. The organization, which was named The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), was formed to draw on the unity of the churches to fight for racial justice through nonviolent resistance. In explaining the purpose of the organization, Martin Luther King stated that “This conference is called because we have no moral choice, before God, but to delve deeper into the struggle—and to do so with greater reliance on non-violence and with greater unity, coordination, sharing, and Christian understanding’’.

Nigerian Christmas Music - 2010

So I had a posting on this last year and could not really find much to point to in terms of music for the season from the homeland. However, it appears that our musicians are beginning to step up to the plate.

My favorite this year would be this masterpiece from Tosin Martins. When  I saw the title "Silent Night", I groaned and wondered if it would be another cheesy remake of the classic song. Boy was I wrong! This can  only be described as absolutely brilliant!

Watch for yourself:

Gospel Music spotlight: Gbenga Owoeye-Wise

I owned Gbenga's first cd. Well, kind of - someone made me a copy and I remember playing it at my house when I had company. It was really popular until one of my "friends" finally stole it. Is it considered stealing if the person who takes the stuff tells you they took it, but have no intention of returning it? Hmmm!!
After I threatened fire and brimstone, and was met was met with no response, I finally went to investigate how to get another copy. I guess my loss was your gain, and I guess, Gbenga's too, because I bought a legitimate copy and now I can tell you where to get yours too.

Bottomline is, his music is that good - for praise or for worship. Back when he released the first cd, it was THE cd - very popular!! Unfortunately though, Mr Wise does not seem to be as prolific as many of his colleagues in terms of output, and its hard to find his stuff on youtube or any of the usual online suspects. In fact, after some intensive digging, this was all I could find to show you:




This song is from his second cd "colorful". It is unfortunate, but he does not seem to have produced anything since that album in 2004.

A little about him:

His name is GBENGA OWOEYE-WISE but he’s called GBENGA WISE by his fans since he came into the mainstream gospel scene in 1992. Gbenga’s musical career began as a praise and worship leader in a local church in Lagos Nigeria called Winners Chapel. He served under the leadership of Bishop David Oyedepo in what is one of the fastest growing churches in the world. Gbenga was a worship leader there for seven years to the congregation of over sixty thousand members. As an up and coming vocalist his fisrt cd was released in 1995 as a dual. He was profoundly involve in church ministries through music and was tenacious in this domain. He joined the House on the Rock Church in Lagos in 1997 as the Praise and Worship leader there. In 2000 he traveled to the United States with group of church members to attend the Potters House in Dallas, Texas (Pastored by Bishop T.D Jakes) to perform at the dedication ceremony of their new auditorium. Gbenga has now made to transition to lving in the U.S. and over the past few years he has ministered in songs many churches through his powerful music. He recently performed at a concert hosted by Bobby Jones on aids awareness in Harlem New York. Gbenga recently won the Nigerian Entertainment Awards 2006 for the Best Gospel Artist.

source

Gbenga, despite being out of circulation, still has two great cds out, which are widely available for purchase. African praise 1 was one of the first and most popular praise compilation cds out there. It was released in 2003. The second album colorful was released in 2004. Both are widely available for purchase. You can find them on amazon and I suspect itunes (which I still refuse to use!!), and cdbaby among several other online sources.

You can learn more about him on facebook and on his myspace page.

Enjoy!!

Gospel music spotlight: Sammie Okposo

Sammie Okposo is basically the king of gospel music in Nigeria - no contest. I own all of his albums and jam to them all the time. His albums contain everything from praise, to worship to inspirational, to chillout, to dance music. He sings in a whole bunch of genres too. Just love his music.

About Sammie:

Born in the late sixties, Gospel Artiste Sammie Okposo hails from Delta State, Nigeria. Growing up, Sammie dedicated time to his Church playing Piano for the Choir. His music profession started as a producer in 1995 when he joined the Nigerian Movie Industry as a Sound Track Producer and later ventured into Music Producing. Today, he is credited for producing hits for some of the biggest names in the Nigerian Music Scene.

In 2000, Sammie took Nigerian Gospel Music to another level with the release of his debut album titled Unconditional Love. The hit track off the album “Welu-Welu” gained international popularity. In, 2004 Sammie was invited to Perform at the 2004 Martin Luther King Day and July 4TH Independence day Celebrations respectively in Lagos and has featured prominently in Concerts in all over Nigeria, Africa, Europe and America. Labeled as one of the most electrifying and inspiring voices in Gospel Music, his music has won him not only a wide audience and critical acclaim, but also numerous Awards in appreciation of his work.

1994 — Most Promising Male Artiste (Fame Music Awards)
1997 — Best Sound Track (The Movie Awards- Nigeria)
1998 — Best Sound Track (The Movie Awards- Nigeria)
1999 — Best Sound Track (The Movie Awards- Nigeria)
2000 — Best Sound Track (The Movie Awards-Nigeria)
2001 — Best Gospel Artiste (Amen Awards- Nigeria)
2002 — Best Contemporary Gospel Artiste (Power of Music and Praise Awards)
2002 — Gospel Artiste Of The Year (Power of Music and Praise Awards)
2003 — Best Gospel Male Artiste in Africa Nominee (KORA Awards, South Africa)
2005 — Best Male Contemporary Gospel Artiste in Nigeria (Amen Awards)
2005 — Best Male Gospel Artiste in Africa (KORA Awards, South Africa)
source

Yes, he is a much decorated singer. He has had three albums out, and they are all wonderful.

Video from the albums -

Album 1: Welu Welu Reloaded



Album 2: Addicted











Album 3: No more drama








I have to say, great as all his albums are, the second one is my favorite by far. Just a masterpiece, fabulous from beginning to end.

So where can you get his stuff? Lots of places actually.

All three are available on cdbaby, the last two are available for download on amazon and also here in the US. UK buyers can get his music here. I am sure there are numerous other outlets for our UK folk.

You can learn more about him on his website.

Enjoy!

Gospel Music spotlight: Samsong

I have no idea why this singer has never blown up as a gospel artiste in Nigeria. He is a super talented and very creative singer. Anyways, before I analyze the problem, first an introduction:

Samson Uche Mogekwu (Samsong)has been singing since he was eight years old, taking his music more seriously by being part of a group called Praise Creation (PeeCee). The group released their first album in 1996 titled 'Best of Life'. Now Samsong, as a solo artist, has released two albums. His debut album titled 'Count Your Blessings' has done extremely well at home and abroad. He has recently released his second album titled 'World of My Dreams' featuring the hit single 'Bianule' and guest appearances by Styl Plus, Onyeka Onwenu amongst others.

Samsong has received a handful of awards and accolades, including the Psalmist Award. He was nominated as the "Best Gospel Artist" in the Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA) in New York 2008.

source

Some samples of his music:

Bianule



One love, ft Onyeka Onwenu


Count your blessings


Brighter day




He obviously has a beautiful voice right? Why isn't he well known? I have no idea. So I am connecting you to Samsong's beautiful voice and inspiring music.

You can find out more about him on his Myspace and on his wiki bio here.

His music is available for purchase here for US buyers, and here for UK buyers.

Isn't the amount of talent in the gospel genre amazing?

Ciao.

Nigeria qualifies for 2010 world cup

Against all odds! Qualified by a hair on the very day, on the very last match, on the very last goal!!

I totally refused to watch it because I had totally lost all hope. But those boys surprised me dang!!

Na real wah o.

From the BBC

Obafemi Martins was the two-goal hero as Nigeria defeated Kenya 3-2 in Nairobi on Saturday 14 November to snatch a place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa.

Trailing at half-time in a match they had to win, the Super Eagles hit back with two goals inside five minutes through Martins, currently at German champions Wolfsburg, and Everton striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu.

Kenya levelled 12 minutes from full-time as they battled to finish third in Group B and clinch a place at the 2010 CAF African Cup of Nations only for Martins to score the winner on 83 minutes.

The Harambee Stars failed to clear a cross and the former Newcastle United striker spun before hooking the ball past goalkeeper Willis Ochieng to earn Nigeria a fourth FIFA World Cup appearance.

Tunisia, who held a two-point advantage over Nigeria for five rounds in Group B, were too cautious in Mozambique and an 83rd-minute Dario goal gave the Mambas a 1-0 victory.

Nigeria finished with 12 points, Tunisia 11, Mozambique seven and Kenya three, the Super Eagles becaming the fourth country to qualify from the African Zone after South Africa (hosts), Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire.

Back in Nigeria, there was joy unrestrained. In the south-western city of Abeokuta, Nigeria fan Rasheed Sule said: "I saw fans crying tears of joy after Nigeria qualified. I never thought Nigerians love their country this much. It was simply amazing."

Another fan, Ahmed Shugaba said thousands of Nigerians defied pouring rain in Benin City to celebrate the Eagles' qualification. "It was a miracle. We still don't believe we have some how qualified for the World Cup. Not even the heavy rain could stop our celebrations."

"This has shown that there is a lot of talent in the team and we will see this at next year's World Cup," said former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba. "Mozambique also deserve our gratitude. They are a decent side and they will do very well at the Nations Cup in Angola."

It has been a great day indeed. I am so happy. I hope they can now go and restructure the team before next year so that they will not go and disgrace us in SA.

Some video from the match:



I think this is the strongest African delegation to the World Cup ever.
Its South Africa, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Cote D'Ivoire and either Egypt or Algeria. Congrats to all the qualifiers. Now let the real work begin!!

Gospel music spotlight: BOUQUI

Even though I am not the biggest fan of hiphop, I just have to show some love to this female rapper.

BOUQUI (pronounced Bukky) is a christian rapper, but I gotta tell you, her music is just outstanding. Totally and completely, whether it be dance music, or more introspective rap, she has all the bases covered. Her message is deep, her hook is sweet. What can I say? I love BOUQUI.

More about her:

The album titled B.O.U.Q.U.I was her debut and the album can be referred to as a two in one package due to the fact that it contains a record breaking fourteen tracks and four skits, the highest by any debutant in the Nigerian music industry. Still on breaking records, her lead single “Get it started” in less than a month debuted at number one the backyard beats segment of the PJ Butter hosted World Chart Show,also another first by any home– based Nigerian artiste in the history of Nigerian music. Other tracks like “Not Ashamed”, “Major Problem”, “Molejo”, “Vanity” and “Wanna Lone U” have become household anthems. The album has won several accolades and nominations including the much
covetted AMEN awards in 2007 for best female act.

Source

The lead single for her self-titled first album Molejo:



She released her second album titled Redefinition earlier this year. The lead single is Morile (love that song!!)



Good stuff no?

And there is a lot of stuff featured on the albums that I would argue are even better than the singles. You may especially want to check out Take you away and Love you forever both on the redefinition album. And on the older self titled album, Vanity and Major problem are pretty good. Some hot stuff I tell ya!

How can you find her stuff? Both albums are available for download on Amazon.

First album BOUQUI here

Second album Redefinition is available here

To listen to more of her music, check out her myspace, and you can also learn more about her by checking out her website.

Good stuff no?

Ciao.

The light up Nigeria movement.

I spoke to a close relative in Nigeria just yesterday. She told me she was watching the news. I was surprised. I said, "you have light?" "Nope", she replied. "I am using the generator".
That story defines the Nigerian experience for the past decade, actually, for the past 30 years. Erratic electricity supply. I have been told, by those who feel the pinch - i.e. Nigerians who live in Nigeria - that power supply has become so erratic that it is a surprise when you have electricity for more than 5 hours straight. We won't even get into the social and economic costs of erratic supply of electricity - they are way too many to be enumerated.

Instead, I will focus on a movement that deserves our complete support - as Nigerians in particular and Africans in general. Because trust me - load shedding, its coming to a country near you! If South Africa, basically the most developed country in Africa, can experience it, then I don't think any other country is exempt.

A group of Nigerians have put together a movement to hold our leaders accountable and ask, nay DEMAND for electricity. This is 2009 - people are planning how to go to Mars, and our students still study by candlelight? What kind of useless leadership do we have sef?

The movement has a website and a large and growing facebook group.

Here is the group's founder in his own words:



The musicians are weighing in too:
In addition to Eldee's call for you to join the revolution;



There is also some kind of album/musical collaboration by various artistes in the works. You can listen to some of the music here and here.

Next year, Nigeria will be 50, and our useless showboating leaders will spend our money on a vain, empty, senseless and visionless celebration. Let us make our voices heard. We don't want a purposeless celebration for our 50th. We want electricity. Join the movement - Let us light up Nigeria.

Gospel music spotlight : Infinity

One of my favorite Nigerian gospel acts ever. Looove their music, and their Olori Oko song is one of the most creative I have ever heard - in either secular or spiritual music. These guys are talented, they are creative, they totally rock! I am pretty sure that you have heard of them, but if not, This is Infinity!



Honestly, this song is very deep. Love it sooo much!




I listen to this one on tough days. Just gives so much peace.



Very funky, fun song of praise.



I cannot wait for their next album, as I am sure it will be off the charts like this one is. You can buy the cd here, and the vcd here

Get your praise on people!

Enjoy!

Gospel Music Spotlight : Muyiwa and Riversongz

Remember how we used love Don Moen and Ron Kenoly? If you don't know who they are, you are really young!! We loved them because of the worship environments that they created with live audiences. Even if you were not there, the music was authentic, real, and you felt transported into the LORD's presence! Well, there is a new generation of worship leaders doing the same thing now, and are they amazing or what? Muyiwa Olanrewaju is a Nigerian born, now London based worship leader whose current album "Declaring HIS love" is enjoying a lot of play from me. Anytime I want to enter into worship, I often play "Oh Lord our GOD" one of the songs off the album and I am immediately transported. Its a rich worship experience, and I look forward to being able to attend one of his concerts live one day. I was introduced to his music by one of my Londoner friends. Actually, its not fair, all the fun things happen in London! If anybody knows him, abeg tell him to leave Europe and come sing in America o!!

Alrighty - this is presenting one of the best worship leaders you have never heard of: MUYIWA!!

GOD of Miracles


See Africans jumping on the stage, CHEI!!


Let there be light



Declaring His love - overview of the live worship dvd.




You can listen to more of his music on his myspace page here, find out more about him and his music on his website, or make a purchase from amazon here


ENJOY!!

Music spotlight: Dare Art Alade

I usually ignore most contemporary musicians - because I find that many have no talent. They are superstars because of good marketing, not because they can carry a tune. This is the case in the West, and its just as bad all over Africa. Afro hip hop is all the rage, and all the tuneless beats sound the same. Its all very disappointing. However once in a while, somebody shines out of the crowd - with real talent, with creativity, with ooomph! that makes you stop and say - there is still hope for the music industry after all. As far as I am concerned, Dare's first album was a complete waste of time (almost). I hated it, and I thought he was just another noise maker in the crowd. But it looks like dude got some kind of creative makeover, because when I heard his second album, I was totally, completely blown away. Believe me, its good. And the videos are even better. I am one of the biggest critics of this video vixen business - usually some scantily clad gal boosting somebody's ego in the club, or in the pool (or both). However, even though some of Dare's girls are sometimes less than fully dressed, his videos are tasteful and classy. And boy, can he sing!! Chei!! CAN HE SING!

But the say the proof of the pudding is in the eating abi? I present Dare Art Alade, or Darey as he is called on this album:

Not the girl



More




Carry dey go




And my very favorite: With this woman




If he resists the attempt to make pedestrian music with cheap hooks, the sky is his limit. I looooooove his music - I think this album is brilliant in all ramifications. Goooooo Darey!

Info about Dare: he has a very informative website here and his music is on Amazon here. His first album is there too - under the name Dare Art Alade, while the second album is under the name Darey (Don't ask me why, me I no sabi).

Enjoy!!