• Despite the perceived profitability and appeal of secular music, some artistes have dumped it for gospel
• These former secular artistes took the decision at the peak of their career
• TheRadar lists 6 secular artistes that have gone the gospel way

The notion that surrounds secular music is usually that it is appealing, profitable and flashy yet it was dumped by some popular gospel artistes. 

Many of them were previously known as secular artistes by fans and listeners before switching to singing fully as gospel musicians. 

An arguable fact is that secular music, despite its vices, is widely accepted all over the world. Regardless, these gospel musicians, who once sang secular songs, have stuck to the path of using their songs to glorify God.

Based on different reasons, a number of them made the switch at the peak of their career. Here are six singers who switch the secular industry for the gospel music space. 

6 secular artists turned gospel musicians

Chidinma Ekile 

Anyone would probably remember Chidinma Ekile’s secular hit song Kedike, it was an anthem for music lovers and her fans. This came after she won the third season of MTN Project Fame, a West African singing competition. Her foray into the Nigerian music industry saw her as a secular pop singer, getting awards and nominations. In 2021, she took her fans by surprise when she announced her switch from a secular singer to a gospel singer. Her new status has released songs like ‘Jehovah Overdo.’ She is signed to gospel record label, Eeezee Concept. 

Banky W

Nigerian singer and music executive Olubankole Wellington, known as Banky W, was popular for his secular RnB and pop songs, some of which included Ebute Meta, Lagos Party, Yes/No, Jasi and Jaiye Ori Mi. However, the switch came in 2020 when he became a pastor. His 2021 7-track EP The Bank Statements is among his gospel discography. Notably, his new status has also informed his lifestyle as the father of one is now more conservative on social media.

Mercy Chinwo

The Excess Love crooner began her music journey in the famous Nigeria Idol competition —participating in the 2012 edition of the reality show. Known by her stage name Mecindo, she won the edition singing and playing secular music. Unlike others, Mercy Chinwo didn't release any secular songs after the spotlight. Years later, she resurfaced with her hit song ‘Excess Love’ as a gospel artiste. Her songs also include Akamdinnelu and Obinasom.

TY Bello 

Popular Nigerian photographer and singer Toyin Sokefun-Bello, known as TY Bello, used to be a member of a gospel band, KUSH, an acronym for Kinetically Ushering Salvation into Hearts and Homes. The band had other members like Lara George, Dapo Torimiro and rapper Emem Ema. Years later, she went solo, releasing secular albums like Greenland in 2008, The Future in 2011 and The Morning Songbook in 2014. However, recent times have seen her engaging in a series of gospel worship sessions exploring her faith and inspiring new gospel record releases. 

Nathaniel Bassey 

This is probably the most shocking. While Nathaniel Bassey started his career as a gospel artiste, he once deviated to secular Jazz music and was known to be part of a Jazz trip, ‘Spectrum.’ The singer performed at several Jazz shows before he met a turning point. He was said to have listened to a song he composed for his church during Stella Obasanjo’s visit and decided to return fully to gospel music. Over the years, the singer, who is also a trumpeter, has touched life with his music and is popular for the Hallelujah challenge. He is also one of the most renowned gospel musicians in the country and beyond. Some of his renowned songs include Onise Iyanu, Imela and Olowo gbogboro. 

Obiwon

Obiora Agu, also known as Obiwon, is another gospel singer who used to sing secular songs. Starting off his career in 2002, his debut Overture, a secular album, got three nominations at the 2007 Hip Hop World Awards. He won the Best Vocal Male Performance. However, in 2008, Obiwon decided to switch to gospel music. His name Obiwon was rebranded to Obiora Obiwon. In 2009, he released his debut gospel studio album, The Rebirth.

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