Top 10 Storylines Of Nigerian Artists Who Started From Church
Nigeria’s music industry is home to global stars who dominate Afrobeat, gospel, R&B, and hip-hop charts, here’s a Top 10 Storylines Of Nigerian Artists Who Started From Church , But many of these artists didn’t start in fancy studios or record labels. They started in church, singing in choirs, playing instruments, and performing at Sunday services.
In this article, we explore 10 famous Nigerian musicians who began their musical journey from the church before finding stardom.
1. Wizkid
Real Name: Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun
Church Start: Cherubim and Seraphim Church
Wizkid, now an international Afrobeat superstar, began singing in church at age 11. He formed a church band called “Glorious Five” with his friends. His early exposure to church music helped him develop his voice, melody, and songwriting before launching into mainstream fame with “Holla at Your Boy” in 2010.
“Church gave me the confidence to stand before people and sing.” — Wizkid in an early interview
2. Tiwa Savage
Real Name: Tiwatope Savage
Church Start: Church Choir in London
Before becoming Africa’s “Queen of Afrobeats”, Tiwa sang in her local church choir in the UK, where she played the trombone and learned harmony. Her church background led her to study music at Berklee College and later work as a backup singer for Whitney Houston and George Michael.
“I was molded by gospel and choir music. That’s where my soul comes from.” — Tiwa Savage
3. Davido
Real Name: David Adedeji Adeleke
Church Start: Church Drummer
Though Davido’s sound is largely secular, his roots are in gospel. He started as a church drummer, playing regularly in his family church. His rich musical foundation laid the groundwork for global hits like “Fall”, “If”, and “Unavailable”.
“Music runs in my blood. I started from the church before the fame.” — Davido
4. Chidinma Ekile
Church Start: Church Choir in Lagos
Winner of Project Fame West Africa, Chidinma‘s first stage was the Foursquare Gospel Church. She sang in the choir for years before gaining national attention. Today, she has returned fully to gospel music and is signed to EeZee Conceptz, the same label as Mercy Chinwo.
“I’m back to where I started — ministering through music in God’s house.” — Chidinma
5. Burna Boy
Real Name: Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu
Church Start: Church Choir & Grandma’s Influence
Burna Boy’s love for music was influenced by his grandmother, who once managed Fela Kuti. However, his early exposure to live music came from church, where he learned instruments and participated in youth choir performances.
“Church was where I realized music could make people feel something deep.” — Burna Boy
6. Mercy Chinwo
Church Start: Christ Embassy Choir
Mercy Chinwo is one of Nigeria’s top gospel singers today, but she too began from her local church choir before contesting and winning Nigerian Idol in 2012. Known for songs like “Excess Love” and “Obinasom”, Mercy uses her platform to inspire faith.
“The church taught me discipline, service, and how to minister with purpose.” — Mercy Chinwo
7. D’banj
Real Name: Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo
Church Start: Played Harmonica in Church
Before shaking the Nigerian music scene with hits like “Oliver Twist”, D’banj’s musical roots were in the church. He learned to play the harmonica and drums during church services, heavily influenced by his late brother Femi.
“Church gave me a chance to express myself musically without judgment.” — D’banj
8. Tope Alabi
Church Start: Choir Leader in Christ Apostolic Church
Tope Alabi is a gospel legend known for her powerful Yoruba worship songs. She served in various church choirs before her breakthrough in 2001 with the album “Ore ti o Common”. She remains a voice of spiritual depth and inspiration.
“Everything I am musically is from the house of God.” — Tope Alabi
9. Simi
Real Name: Simisola Kosoko
Church Start: Teenage Choir Member
Simi began her singing journey as a teenage church chorister. Her background in gospel music refined her voice, which would later evolve into her signature soft, soul-pop sound in hits like “Joromi” and “Duduke.”
“Church music taught me harmony and expression. It’s where I truly learned to sing.” — Simi
10. Tim Godfrey
Church Start: Choir Director
Now a gospel powerhouse known for collaborations with Travis Greene and Kirk Franklin, Tim Godfrey started by leading church choirs and organizing gospel events. He rose to fame with his hit single “Nara”.
“Church was and still is my training ground.” — Tim Godfrey
Why So Many Nigerian Artists Start From Church
Churches in Nigeria offer a platform for young talents to perform regularly. Here’s why many artists begin there:
- Free access to instruments and training
- Regular stage experience during services
- Musical mentorship from choir leaders
- Supportive community that encourages talent
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions.
1. Why do Nigerian musicians start from church?
Churches provide free music exposure, discipline, mentorship, and performance opportunities from a young age.
2. Do all Nigerian musicians who started from church sing gospel?
No. Many transitioned to secular music, but their foundation in gospel and live performance remains an influence.
3. Is it common for artists to return to gospel music?
Yes. Some like Chidinma and Tope Alabi have either returned or remained in the gospel scene after experimenting with other genres.
4. Who is the most famous Nigerian artist from church background?
That depends on genre, but Wizkid, Davido, and Tiwa Savage are some of the most globally recognized names with church roots.
Conclusion
We’ve come to the end of the subject topic “Top 10 Storylines Of Nigerian Artists Who Started From Church “, From local choir stands to global stages, the church has played a vital role in nurturing Nigeria’s greatest musical exports. Whether gospel or Afrobeats, the influence of church music is deeply woven into their artistry.
The next time you vibe to a Nigerian hit, remember — it may have started from a humble church microphone.
