In a season where gospel music continues to evolve in sound and presentation, Pastor Ebenezer Alaba Ogunsumi stands as a quiet but firm voice for depth, holiness and relevance. A gospel artiste, Apostle of The Apostolic Church, and a man whose life journey reflects resilience and obedience to divine calling, Pastor Ogunsumi has consistently used music as a tool for evangelism, social re-orientation and healing—both spiritual and physical. From church conventions to global impact during the COVID-19 pandemic, his music has crossed borders and touched lives, particularly among the elderly and vulnerable. In this interview, Pastor Ogunsumi speaks to Adeola Ogunlade on his background, call to ministry, passion for gospel juju music, social engagement through music, and his vision for global ministry.
Before you ventured into pastoral ministry, what was your background?
By the grace of God, I was a teacher. I taught in some secondary schools after my education. Before the pastoral call came, I was already working, but my life was surrounded by serious dangers at that time. I lost many things—very many things. In fact, I nearly lost my life. God, however, used one of our revered pastors, Pastor Komolafe, to warn my mother that I was not meant to continue on that path. He said if care was not taken, I would die before the year ended.
What year was that, and what exactly was the call—music or pastoral ministry?
That was in the late 1980s, and the call was into pastoral ministry. However, music has always been part of my life. Right from the cradle, I loved singing. I sang carols and participated actively in church music. As I grew older, God gave me the grace to turn divine instructions and revelations into music. That was how gospel music became firmly rooted in my ministry.
How did gospel music come fully into your ministry, and how unique is your sound?
My genre of music is gospel afrojuju—pure and undiluted gospel. God has given me the grace to minister through music at major platforms of The Apostolic Church in Nigeria, especially during International Conventions. By God’s grace, I have ministered in songs four times at The Apostolic Church National Convention, and between 20 to 25 times at the LAWNA International Convention. In October 2020, I received the Award of Church Music by World and Music International, which I consider a humbling recognition of God’s grace upon my life. I have produced several albums, and at least two of them became bestsellers. One of my most impactful works is the album ‘Wind of Praise,’ released in 2020.
What inspired the message behind Wind of Praise, and what impact did it make?
Wind of Praise was deliberately produced to encourage Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to embrace the COVID-19 vaccine. I chose to communicate the message in Yoruba, using indigenous language to simplify information about the virus, safety precautions, and the importance of vaccination. The response was overwhelming. The album resonated not only across Nigeria but also in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Many elderly people who had difficulty understanding English were able to clearly grasp the message and make informed decisions about their health. One of our Apostolic Church branches in the United States even received a Presidential Award from President Joe Biden for the intentional use of the songs in sensitising older people on COVID-19 preventive measures and vaccination. That branch is pastored by Pastor Odeneye, founder of Daguduro, based in the U.S. I remain deeply grateful to God for such a far-reaching impact. Since then, the songs I have produced have continued to touch lives, leaving lasting impressions on both the Church and society. My message has always been about Jesus—pointing men and women to the Cross through indigenous language. I long to see lives changed, healed, and transformed and that passion is what continues to inspire my music. I was deeply thankful to God when I began receiving calls from abroad. When people from distant countries reached out, I knew the message had travelled far. I received calls not only from the U.S., but also from the U.K. and Canada. It was truly humbling.
What is your view on the current state of gospel music, and what lessons has it taught you as a pastor?
There are changes in gospel music today, and while style, approach and methodology may evolve, we must be very careful not to compromise the gospel itself. Anything that does not align with the truth of Christ, I will never support. Allowing worldly influences to contaminate gospel music is dangerous for the Church.
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As a pastor, the greatest lesson gospel music has taught me is holiness. Without holiness, no one can see God, and without holiness, no music can truly please Him. The closer you draw to God, the more He reveals Himself to you. Before you sing and before you receive revelation, you must be aligned with God’s purpose. Without that alignment, there can be no blessing.
How do you see your ministry evolving globally, and what are your future plans as a gospel minister?
I see myself ministering on global platforms and at international concerts, entirely to the glory of God. My songs have already travelled around the world, and my desire is to physically visit nations to minister, touch lives, and be a blessing. I believe I have what it takes—not by my own strength, but by His grace. My songs are original and unique, and many of them address social issues, with the aim of making the world a better place to the glory of God.
At the moment, I am not working on any specific collaborations. My major focus is strengthening my financial capacity to support future projects. Looking ahead, where my audio has gone, I pray my video will also go there. By God’s special grace, I believe my ministry will make an even greater positive impact—bringing people closer to God, strengthening their faith, and continually pointing men to Christ.
