Renowned evangelist and founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Mike Bamiloye, has defended the viral gospel song ‘Never Going Back’ by Gaise Baba and Lawrence Oyor.
The song sparked both admiration and criticism within Christian circles.
In a heartfelt post on social media, Bamiloye addressed the controversy surrounding the song, urging believers to focus on its transformative message rather than the artists’ appearances or stylistic choices.
The song, blending Yoruba rhythms with a bold declaration of faith, has resonated deeply with Nigerian youth, amassing over 4 million streams online.
Mike Bamiloye said its lyrics, such as “Ife Jesu lo wa mi ri, to gbami ku o” (“The love of Jesus sought me, found me, and died for me”), deliver the gospel in a way that connects with a generation inundated by secular influences.
However, some Christians, including a pastor, have criticised the song, fixating on Gaise’s colorful hair, Lawrence’s headband, and the energetic dance moves in its music video.
Bamiloye expressed dismay at this reaction, questioning why some believers are quick to judge the song’s outward presentation rather than celebrate its potential to reach young people.
The evangelist warned that condemning such gospel expressions risks alienating young people who are already bombarded by secular music and culture.
“Never Going Back – A Soundtrack for This Generation. So Never Going Back by Gaise Baba and Lawrence Oyor, hit the internet and it went viral, young people love it, but recently, I have been seeing videos of a pastor and some Christians criticizing the song and I can’t stop thinking about the message of the song and the reactions it has sparked amongst us christians.
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“Here’s the thing: teenagers and young adults today are some of the most difficult people to reach with the gospel. Why? Because they’re constantly being influenced by friends, social media, entertainment, and everything in between. In a world that glamorizes drugs, promiscuity, money-worship, and “love” that fades faster than a Snapchat story, we finally get a song that boldly centers Jesus and personal transformation, that our youths are vibing too and some of us are criticizing it? What is wrong with us? Let’s take a step back.
“The lyrics say: “Ife Jesu lo wa mi ri, to gbami ku o”—“The love of Jesus sought me, found me, and died for me.” That’s the gospel, in Yoruba rhythm and sound! Yet all some people can talk about is Gaise’s hair color, his blinks, the headband on Lawrence’s head and the dance steps in the song. Really?
“Someone said, “I go narrow, dem think say I no know road o.” Isn’t that what the Bible teaches? Narrow is the path that leads to life. Didn’t Jesus say He came for the sick, the lost, the sinners? Will every gospel singer be Dunsin and Nathaniel?
“Instead of focusing on the outward appearance of the ministers, what if we focused our hearts on praying that: Out of 4 million streams, at least 400,000 youths would genuinely surrender to Jesus.
“Another 400,000 who are still searching would encounter the Holy Spirit and find salvation. The rest would be stirred to rededicate their lives and stay rooted in Christ.
“Wouldn’t that be worth celebrating? Here’s the truth: whether we like it or not, someone is influencing your children, your teenagers, and your youth group. If they’re not listening to something like Never Going Back, they’ll be listening to something else and let’s be honest, a lot of what’s out there isn’t helping them know Jesus.
“When we publicly condemn songs like this, directly or subtly, we shut the door to one of the few tools actually speaking the language of the street with the heart of the cross.
“I’m not a pastor, but I know this: Jesus came and died for sinners. None of us regardless of titles, appearances, or backgrounds is better than another, we’ve all simply found favor of God and are trying to live a life that pleases our Heavenly Father.
“So rather than criticise, let’s pray. Let’s encourage. Let’s support gospel expressions that speak to this generation in their own rhythm.
“Haba!! some of us are still “saving the ark” and we are not even aware of it. May God help us all”.
