How Tope Alabi Is Reshaping Acceptance Of Gospel Music

Tope Alabi's performance on 'Logan Ti Ode' is yet another timely reminder that the lady who has been a force on the gospel scene for the better part of the last two decades hasn't missed a step when it comes to delivering well crafted messages.

For a number of Christians, the name Tope Alabi is almost eternal when it comes to gospel music in Nigeria.

Growing up, a number of Yoruba songs featured on the playlists of our various church choirs or homes with very few the more wiser that they were original songs by a certain Tope Alabi, whose love for the art trails back to the late 80s, when she became a member of the "Jesters International" [Jacob, Papilolo and Aderupoko] to pursue her dreams as an actress.

The singer alongside the likes of Shola Allison soon carved a niche for themselves, with the way they improved the sound quality and original music content in the culture of Nigerian movies, with over 350 soundtracks credited to her name.

It is difficult to fully put to words Tope Alabi's contribution to the gospel scene. She is more than a sensation, she has constantly uplifted souls with her messages and her songs are inescapable anywhere you turn.

The 'Angeli Mi' [My Angel] singer is easily one of the most successful contemporary gospel artist of her generation, and despite singing largely in Yoruba language, she has also made the transition to performing at predominantly English speaking audiences.

I remember watching her perform at the last edition of The Experience concert, an event that was packed with a very diverse crowd as it welcomed people from different backgrounds, doctrines and languages.

Dressed in a flowing white outfit, she was as angelic in her appearance as she was with her vocals, captivating the audience in worship as she rendered songs like 'Orun Oun Aye' [Heaven and Earth] and 'Oluwa O Tobi' [God is big].

Tope Alabi's music is widespread with recognizable influences, from traditional worship to extant praise. She has over the years being able to accentuate her status by offering audiences a flurry of emotions and deep connection, gripping Yoruba proverbs and chants of praise with her music.

She released her debut album ''Ore Ti O Common'' (Uncommon Glory) in 2001 and since then has 14 studio projects to her name.

Her collaboration with renowned singer/photographer TY Bello in the recent edition of the latters ''Spontaneous Song'' series titled, 'Logan Ti O De' [The Moment He Shows Up], released few days after her 48th birthday, is one that has gone viral, becoming a trending topic online, sparking rave reviews and quickly garnering mainstream acceptance. 

The lyrics of the song attest towards the power of the divine as she talks about the mercies and wonders of God whenever he steps into a situation.

'Logan Ti O De' is with a positive and uplifting message that will further strengthen her legacy in the eyes of the congregation that she appeals to.

Her music has over the years broken boundaries between the religious and secular audience and despite the seeming state of hopelessness among Nigerians, Tope Alabi has provided not just strength but inspiration, as she progresses her divine message while evolving her sound and continue to hold a special place in the hearts of both the old and young Nigerians.