Pastor Ebenezer Alaba Ogunsumi is a gospel artist with a marked difference. Rather than following the popular gospel music genres, he employs the Afro-beat model to convey his gospel vibes, making a significant impact both in Nigeria and across the globe.
From the Classroom to the Altar
Despite his natural gifts, Pastor Ogunsumi did not originally set out to pursue a career in music. He began his professional life as a teacher, serving in several secondary schools before the call to music became irresistible.
Today, he has no regrets. Through his music ministry, his voice has traveled to places his feet have yet to reach. His contributions have also been recognized with numerous awards, including: Best Gospel Anthem Composer and Presenter Award (2011) by the Apostolic Patriarch Group International. Gospel Artist of the Year (2017) by the Ijesha Christian Community Association and Award of Church Music (2020) by World and Music International.
Reflecting on his journey, he recalls a time when his life was headed toward a “ditch” due to disobedience.
”I was already working as a teacher, but my life was surrounded by serious dangers at that time,” he says. “I lost many things.. In fact, I nearly lost my life. God, however, used one of our revered pastors, Pastor Komolafe, to warn me that I was not meant to continue on that path.”
While his formal call into pastoral ministry began in the late 1980s, music had been part of his DNA since the cradle. “I loved singing 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.”
Exploits in Apostolic Church
Describing his style as “pure and undiluted gospel Afro-Juju,” Pastor Ogunsumi has become a sought for artist at major platforms within The Apostolic Church Nigeria. He has ministered at the National Convention four times and performed between 20 to 25 times at the LAWNA International Convention.
Out of his several produced albums, two have become notable bestsellers. Most prominent is ‘Wind of Praise,’ released in 2020 during the height of the global pandemic.
”Wind of Praise was deliberately produced to encourage Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to embrace the COVID-19 vaccine,” he explains. “I chose to communicate the message in Yoruba, using our indigenous language to simplify information about the virus, safety precautions, and the importance of vaccination.”
The response was overwhelming. The album resonated in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Elderly listeners who struggled with English were able to grasp the message and make informed health decisions.
A branch of The Apostolic Church in the U.S., pastored by Pastor Odeneye (founder of Daguduro), received a Presidential Award from President Joe Biden for using these songs to sensitize senior citizens about COVID-19.. By the way Pastor Odeneye also leads Harvest Point Ministries Inc., an organization that promotes the use of local languages for evangelism and theological training.
A Vision for the Future
For Pastor Ogunsumi, the core of his work remains the message of the Cross. “My passion is to see lives changed, healed, and transformed,” he says. “When I began receiving calls from the U.S., U.K., and Canada, I knew the message had truly traveled far.”
While acknowledging the evolution of gospel music, he offers a word of caution: “While style and methodology may evolve, we must not compromise the gospel itself. Allowing worldly influences to contaminate gospel music is dangerous for the Church.”
He identifies holiness as the greatest lesson his ministry has taught him. “Without holiness, no music can truly please Him. You must be aligned with God’s purpose before you can be a blessing.”
Looking ahead, Pastor Ogunsumi aims to build a financial base to sponsor upcoming projects and physically visit the nations where his music is already played. “Where my audio has gone, I pray my video will also go. I believe my ministry will continue to bring people closer to God and continually point men to Christ.”