Top 11 Nigerian Artists who left Gospel Music to Sing Wordly Songs

Top 11 Nigerian Artists who left Gospel Music to Sing Wordly Songs

The enormous recognition Nigerian Hip Hop artistes gets, have made quite a number of gospel singers change their genre. 

Most of the big artistes and producers we see today have -- one way or the other -- being a gospel singer or even started their music career from church.

Even though most of them don't talk about it that much, but then I'm sure you will be more than excited to know if one of your favourite artistes fall in this category?!

Head below as I highlight the top artistes who started from church before making a name for themselves in the Hip Hop world -- in no particular order!

1. WANDE COAL

 We see him today as one of Nigeria's most creative songwriters and performers, but what you probably didn't know is that he started his music career in church.

The Black Diamond frontliner began singing in the teenage choir alongside his friend, Chuddy K. They were both in a boy band called Salvation Boiz before they went their separate ways into the Hip Hop world.

Wande first started out as a dancer before he got signed to Don Jazzy's "Mo ' Hit Records" in 2006 where he released number of hits. He left the label years later.

2. TIMAYA

'Bum Bum' singer is widely seen as a 'tushed-corrupt singer' with his style of music which mostly focuses on female parts especially their backside. But who could have thought someone like him who started out in a church choir singing praises and all that, would end up singing 'raw' songs like this? LOL!

The "I Can't Kill Myself" singer who began from church before becoming a backup singer for Eedris Abdulkareem for three years, launched his solo career in 2006 with the release of "Dem Mama"

3. J. MARTINS

J. Martins was one of Psquare's close associate both as a music collaborator and a producer before the duo decided to break up. The 'Good or Bad' singer caught the music bug from his mother who was a choir mistress.

Martins was also in the church choir and even produced some gospel singers during his undergraduate days at Institute of Management Technology in Enugu. 

4. TERRY G

Imagine for a minute; an artiste who sang a song like "Free Madness" actually started in a church choir? Like for real? How did he arrive here...LOL!

Terry G started out as a gospel singer. He was introduced to music by his mother, who encouraged him to join the Redeemed Christian Church of God Praise Palace.

During his time in the choir, he was opportuned to learn basic production skills which he has since perfected to become one of Nigeria's top music producers.

According to reports, the Akpako Master, as he's fondly called, switched to pop music because of his lack of financial security.

5. IYANYA

Iyanya also had a stint as a choir member at a very young age.

He started singing in his children's choir in church and became the choirmaster at age 5. His major break through came after winning the MTN Project Fame Competition in 2008 and went on to release hits like 'Kukere' and 'Your Waist'

6. SIMI

She is no doubt one of the most creative and brightest female vocalist in Nigeria. The singer who is now married to her singer-husband, Adekunle Gold, started singing and dancing in her early teens as a member of both the teen church choir at Daystar Christian Centre, Lagos.

She however decided to go through a different route as a secular music artiste which has now made her one of the top chart-topping artistes in the country with songs like "Joromi", "One Kain", "Ayo", "Selense", "Jamb Question" just to mention a few.

7. PUFFY TEE 

A lot of people might not know this, but the 'Yahoozee' and 'Eleko' producer used to play as a pianist in churches both in Nigeria and in the UK.

His late dad was more like a church prophet, so you could say he has had that gospel thing in him for quite a very long time. Today, he is one of the biggest hitmakers as far as Nigerian Music Industry is concerned.

He does not only produce hit tracks but also make music as a singer and songwriter himself.

8. WAJE

The Nigerian singer whose vocal range covers three octaves became popular following her feature in Psquare's 2008 hit song "Do Me" before he eventually introduced herself as a solo artiste.

Waje began singing gospel tunes at the Word of Faith Church, Benin and she reportedly sang gospel tunes to the delight of the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa of Church of God Mission International.

As an undergraduate at University of Nigeria Nsukka, Waje focused on her musical works such as school concerts and fellowships.

9. WIZKID

Arguably Nigeria's biggest export! Wizkid's songs are on the lips of literally every music lovers around the world, but then most people don't know the Starboy started in church.

He began singing at the age of 11 in church with the stage name 'Lil Prinz' before rebranding to 'Wizkid' in 2006. Wizzy as he's otherwise called, has since made name for himself following his big break in 2010 with hit singles like 'Holla At Your Boy', 'Tease Me' and 'Don't Dull'.

10. OMAWUNMI

She who once lead the female Afro Pop music team in Nigeria with her music, was known to be playful, energetic, intelligent and extremely talented as a child.

Omawunmi was a lead vocalist in the children's choir of Foursquare Gospel Church in Warri at the age of 8 before gaining attention as the 2007 runner-up on West African Idols reality TV show.

11. DAREY ART ALADE

Darey's early years saw him put his skills into use, singing with several choirs, including the National Troupe of Nigeria Choir and then Cathedral Choir.

From the age 15, he began performing extensively in clubs around Lagos, Ibadan and other cities in Nigeria. It was during one of those late night sessions he met an executive at Cool FM, a major Radio station, who appreciated his voice, and his ability to interact with his audience. 

He has since released number of Afro beat albums.

Feel free to add to the list in the comment box below. Happy reading