Since the first case of Coronavirus was recorded in Lagos, Nigeria on the 28th of February, many have looked to religious institutions for comfort and guidance. The church in Nigeria has responded in a myriad of ways with some religious leaders supporting the initiatives of the government to promote social distancing and other religious leaders challenging the motives of the government and encouraging dissent. It is fitting then, that true leadership during this pandemic has come from gospel ministers, many of whom have had illustrious, non-denominational careers ministering directly to the faithful who need the guidance, comfort and direction. Dunsin Oyekan, Wale Adenuga, Shola Allyson, Gbenga Adenuga, Mairo Ese, Panam Percy Paul, Sammie Okposo and Solomon Lange are part of an ensemble cast of gospel ministers assembled by Green Worship who have pooled their talents together to release ‘Hold To His Hand’ an anthem for the faithful, looking for reassurance during the pandemic.

Recorded via Zoom, and other streaming platforms, on mobile phones and home computers and spliced together, ‘Hold To His Hand’ is a taste of what is possible when music artists full embrace the power of technology to create work. Remote collaborations are already pretty common place in secular music, but to see Green Worship facilitate a process where gospel musicians finally embrace this kind of innovation, especially gospel heavyweights who are traditionally used to physical performances is delightful. It doesn’t hurt that they are some of the best musicians on the continent.

Through ‘Hold To His Hand’, Green Worship admonishes the faithful without involving itself in the politicking and subterfuge that has tainted the image of many religious leaders in this Coronavirus pandemic, it focuses on what matters, the edification of the congregation and the power of worship as a tool for building a fostering community. Perhaps the church could learn a thing or two from this ensemble cast.

Listen to Hold to His Hand here:

Editor