One of the most amazing experiences of my years living in Nigeria was going to Redeemed Church on Sundays. The church would be packed full of people in the most immaculate homemade colorful outfits that you could imagine. A full band, choir, and Nigerian drum section would occupy the left side of the stage. The Pastor would come forward and say something like, "I know that some of you have been shakin' it for the Devil all week. Now is your chance to shake it for the Lord! Let the Almighty see what you got! The music would start and every one of the 100s people would move, and I mean MOVE. If you couldn't feel the spirit in the midst of all that, I don't think that you ever could.
Yinka Ayefele is one of the most popular gospel singers inside Nigeria. He didn't start singing gospel until he experienced a near fatal accident in 1997 that confined him to a wheel chair and gave him spiritual awakening. Yinka Ayefele is a Yorbua from the South West of Nigeria (Yorubaland), and the music that he plays is distinctly Yoruba. Those of you who have listened to Yoruba traditional music, or the popular genres of Juju and Fuji, will find musical familiarity here. This music also shares with current other Nigerian pop music of today the current trend of very fast rhythms that supports the latest dance steps.
So I hope that this helps you feel the spirit this Sunday, and don't forget to shake it a bit for the Lord!
