The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye has reacted to a viral afro-gospel remix of the hymn ‘No Turning Back’ by gospel singers Gaise Baba and Lawrence Oyor.
The 83-year-old clergyman during the church’s 73rd Annual Convention at Redemption City, Ogun State, themed “The Overcomers” admonished his members to sing the song with “total determination” while calling on those who haven’t yet accepted Christ to do so without delay.
Speaking during the convention which began on Monday and runs through Friday, August 9, Adeboye said, “We are going to be singing a song that we used to sing when I was young and has now been made popular by somebody who, how would I call it, he remodelled it. It’s a song that says I have decided to follow Jesus. You’re going to sing it with total determination. Let it be your song for the rest of your life.”
READ ALSO: He doesn’t look like Jesus —Gospel singer behind hit song ‘I have decided to follow Jesus’ condemned
Although the reverend pastor did not condemn the new version, the song has received criticisms from other pastors. One such is Pastor Kesiena Esiri of The Remnant Christian Network in Warri, who berated the gospel singer’s appearance, noting that he did not represent Christ by dying his hair yellow and wearing chains.
According to Esiri, the song ‘I Have Decided to Follow Jesus’ was waterdown into vibes, adding that there is “nothing gospel about the song”. He further went on to criticise co-star Lawrence Oyor’s physical appearance.
In his words: “The song on YouTube has over 4 million, but that is not what will cost you to follow Jesus. Not be singing the song. What pains me about that song is that the person singing the song is contrary to Jesus. A song that, if you know the story behind it, you will cry because it was an issue of life and death. Deny Jesus, or we’ll kill you.
“You need to see the young man who sang the song; there is nothing gospel about the music. If it is the gospel, it is another gospel and not the gospel of Jesus. When people sing, I have decided to follow Jesus; it is Luke 9:27 they are remembering.
“A young man is singing with yellow dyed hair and with chains, and the song is water down, reduced to nothing.”
Who’s Gaise Baba?
Born Akinade Ibuoye, known as Gaise Baba, is a Nigerian gospel musician, singer-songwriter, and speaker. Hailing from Lagos State, he started his music journey in 2005 and has evolved into a prominent figure in Nigeria’s gospel music scene.
His unique blend of hip-hop, soul, and Afro-pop incorporates socially conscious lyrics that reflect his faith. Notable among his releases are his 2011 debut album “Gaise Baba” and the 2020 EP “Logos – The EP.” Beyond his musical pursuits, Gaise Baba actively engages as a speaker and advocate, addressing social issues affecting Nigeria’s youth.
