One of the major streaks of successes that singer and songwriter, Adekunle Gold has experienced in the past few years has been his ability share his art and heart in various Christian communities – a privilege most of his colleagues do not enjoy. From sharing his God Experience at LifePointe Church to featuring at This Present House 2017 Carol amongst many others, his acceptance level in church circles seems to double every time.
I shared my God experience in church today. For a first time i wasnt singing on a stage, it felt really good.
— KING AG #ABOUT30 (@adekunleGOLD) June 4, 2017
It is why songs like “Pick up” and “My life” – tracks off his debut album, Gold, although not the traditional praise and worship songs, still find their way into even core Christian communities. I would have attributed it to the fact that his lyrics are family friendly and he mostly refers to God in them, But when I remember how much and for how long Korede Bello was bashed online for singing his hit song – God Win – at a church some years back, I’m reminded that it’s not just that. So when Adekunle Gold says that he’s a church boy, I’m inclined to agree.
I had initially dismissed the idea of a “Christian” track on his album even after seeing the “There is a God” title on the track list. In this “God’s plan” era, one can’t be so sure. However, after the album was open for pre-order yesterday, and Adekunle God sent a message to everyone on his mailing list that included the teaser for this one song, I was convinced.
On the track, he features top Gospel choir – The Lagos Community Gospel Choir and takes lyrical hints from Psalm 14:1.
And the timing is right. It has come at a point when everyone is beginning to embrace the inclusive church culture experience in Nigeria – one without walls, without barriers, without rules and with total freedom. Where the reality of the fact that everyone – regardless of gender, age, and all sorts of societal constructs are free to have a defining experience with God. Like it was designed to be. But, come to think of it, LCGC remains the gospel choir continually breaking boundaries – featuring on songs with Dare Art Alade, King Sunny Ade, 2baba and several others.
The song, according to him was inspired by his first airplane experience and the awe of the beauty of the view and landscape which led him into wondering how one would ever doubt the existence of a God.
On whether the song will be accepted in many other Christian circles, we can’t be absolutely sure. Many Christian communities are still hugely divided against each other. But, we are rooting for Adekunle God on this one and can’t wait for it to be released.
Watch the teaser for the song below:
Bolu Akindele is a freelance writer and journalist whose work covers religion, human interest stories and development across Nigeria and increasingly, West Africa.
Leave a reply