The year 2013 was a very eventful one on the gospel scene with a lot of happenings we won’t forget in a hurry. Well quite frankly a lot of things have happened, and we may have forgotten some of these stories already.
But while we bask in the euphoria of entering a new year, let’s a take a moment to recap of the events of 2013 that grabbed our attention, in no particular order.
1. Henrisoul’s Blow My Mind Premiered on 106 & Park
Henrisoul, one of Nigerian gospel music’s finest had his video ‘Blow My Mind’ premiered on BET’s 106 & Park. Henrisoul made history as the first African Gospel Alternative artiste to have his work played on the network.
Blow My Mind enjoyed steady rotation on both secular and gospel radio stations at home and abroad.
2. Preachers of LA
Preachers Of LA
Preachers of LA, a docu-series by Oxygen Media which profiled indepth the day-to-day life of 6 Los Angeles preachers: Bishop Noel Jones, Deitrick Haddon, Bishop Clarence McClendon, Pastor Wayne Chaney, Bishop Ron Gibson and pastor Jay Haizlip. The series was received with mixed opinions as some loved the show while others condemned it including Bishop TD Jakes and Kirk Franklin.
3. Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo
Common Wealth of Zion Assembly Senior Pastor, Biodun Fatoyinbo was smeared with controversy after a young woman, Ese Walters narrated the story of her intimate affairs with the pastor. Shortly after, another young lady buttressed Ese’s story by narrating how she was also ALMOST sexually involved with Pastor Fatoyinbo. The Pastor’s response? “God said we should not respond!”
4. Eben and Jahdiel Tie The Knot
So the ‘underground gist’ that Eben and Jahdiel were dating turned out to be true as the two lovers made it official on Saturday November 30, 2013. The couple appeared at The Experience Lagos the following weekend as Jahdiel was a backup singer for her husband and also had an opportunity to minister as her husband gave her some time.
Like we say at Praiseworld Radio, this is Jara All the Way.
5. Nigerian Gospel Music Video Awards sham!
A group of young people gathered themselves to put an awards ceremony together to celebrate Nigerian Gospel Music Videos, the result was an embarrassment. The poorly organized awards had so many gaffes namely: no plaque to give the award winners, a small banner on the stage which was removed before the end of the ‘show-of-shame’, a change in venue which moved the event to a small lecture room, amongst others.
The organizers apologised subsequently after receiving a ‘backlash’ from the public and gospel artistes on social media.
6. Midnight Crew Stay Together
Midnight Crew
Rumors made the rounds that Midnight Crew, one of Nigeria’s best loved gospel groups was splitting up. Mike Abdul’s Sphagetti Records venture, and singles did not help matters. Then Pat released a Single, and everyone became worried!
We were all relieved in November,when a statement released by the group explained that Midnight Crew is still together although members are free to pursue individual projects.
7. TY Bello Returns WIth Two New Singles
TY Bello, after a long absence, returned to the gospel music industry with 2 singles ‘Yahweh’ and ‘Jesus Jesu’. TY Bello had been away for so long that some people don’t remember she sang alongside Lara George in the group Kush!
8. Praiseworld Radio
Of course this appears a biased addition however it is not! 2013 was a great year for Praiseworld Radio. The radio station bagged high profile interviews, live broadcast of major events and of course played a huge role in the gospel music industry playing hundreds even thousands of gospel songs. Praiseworld has been a blessing.
9. West African Faith Believers Convention (WAFBEC)
A massive faith convention was launched in 2013. Resembling the tent revivals you often hear or read about, the West Africa Faith Believers Convention made its debut. The focus was on faith and the matter was thoroughly dealt with. The event gathered an impressive speaker lineup, and the attendance was very good.
10. Pastor Oristejafor Steps Down as PFN President
Pastor Ayo Oristejafor’s tenure as Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria president came to an end in 2013. After a meticulous process of praying and deliberating, Rev Felix Omobude emerged as Papa Ayo’s successor. Pastor Oritsejafor still maintains his position as Christian Association of Nigeria President.
– Report compiled by Tim Konyehi
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