Read on Twitter
I woke up today thinking about Funmi Aragbaye. She was one of the first successful gospel musicians. If her voice didn’t move you to giving your life to Christ, then you were the devil himself. Being signed to SONY Music, her records rivaled those of SSP and co.
For example, her record Ijoba Orun Ku Dede released circa 1988, which spoke of the impending return of our Lord Jesus Christ. It was a staple at many a revival ground. Her haunting voice convinced you that the rapture was any moment now, and you became born again.
Although she was an evangelist, she also made some celebratory records. Iri Orun spoke of the showers of blessings from up above. This was (I think) ‘90/91. Her tone softened and she “permed” her hair. And yes, she introduced choreography to gospel music. BCOS played it everyday.
This is how I know every one who grew up in the 90s had a similar childhood: Adekunle Gold sampled this part for his Ire song.
On that same album, she had a women’s anthem- Women Have Arrived. I think this was the “Better Life For Rural Women” era, an initiative of former First Lady Maryam Babangida.
Eventually Evangelist Funmi Aragbaye moved abroad during the Abacha years. She returned to Ibadan in the early 2000s and did a remake of some of her popular songs. She lives there still. Her husband, former Editor of Daily Sketch passed away last year.
