In line with its tradition of excellence in the music world, the Choir of Bishop Ajayi Crowther Memorial Anglican Church, Gowon Estate, Lagos, led by Sir Kelechi Agu is set to release a music book that tells the story of slave trade using the legendary Ajayi Crowther as a peg.
The book titled, Samuel Ajayi Crowther: The Slave Trade untold story is a 25 chapter book that gives a clinical excursion into the world of slave trade as well as provide insight into the life of Ajayi Crowther, the first African Bishop reputed for his great evangelical efforts.
The major work attributed to Ajayi Crowther was his effort at translating the Bible from English to Yoruba. But beyond that, Crowther influenced virtually every part of Nigeria with the gospel.
He was first to have translated the Bible to Igbo language and had done a lot in the evangelisation of the whole of the country and beyond.
He literally gave his life for the gospel.
The Book
Commenting on the new book which is a blend of music and literature, Sir Kelechi Agu stated that the collection was born out of the desire of the BACMAC choir to spread the gospel and also showcase the life and times of men of faith that have long gone to the great beyond.
He said the music book was inspired by the extraordinary life and witness of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther. “It reflects the story of his birth and enslavement to his redemption, consecration, and missionary impact.
“The book offers a musical reflection on his journey while shedding light on overlooked aspects of the transatlantic slave trade and God’s sovereign grace through it all.”
Kelechi explained that the work is unique in its entirety in that it tells stories about Ajayi Crowther that are not known to many.
Musical notes
He said the musical notes were composed by Chibuikem Onwumere while also adding that the book took the choir three years to put together.
“We travelled far and dug into the archives to get information that is not common. Many people don’t know about the family life of Ajayi Crowther. Many also don’t know that his wife was also a slave whose original name was Ashana before she got the name Susan while Ajayi was Christened Samuel.” Agu.stated.
Its uniqueness
He said further that the book is like no other because it’s both an academic work as well as a musical collection. It serves a dual purpose.
‘It is literature put in music, melodies and harmony. For every chapter there is a literature telling the story and then the music comes after to demonstrate the story.”
Ajayi Crowther
While praising the effort of Ajayi Crowther in entrenching the gospel of Jesus in Africa, he emphasised that he was a man like no other adding that he deserves to be celebrated for a life time.
“Ajayi Crowther embodies the story of slave trade. But beyond that he helped to consolidate the Christian faith in Africa. It was his coming that made it easy for the gospel to be easily accepted by Africans.
‘He also brought dynamism to the Anglican Church. He introduced the beating of drums to the church which almost led to him being ostracised.”
Kelechi said the book which was dedicated to the Bishop of Lagos West Diocese of the Anglican Church, The Rt. Rev James Odedeji will be officially released on Saturday August 2 at a press conference.
‘It would be online for sale and subsequently be launched in a number of places including the BACMAC and at the diocese of Lagos West. It will also be presented to the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Revd Henry Ndukuba.’
BACMAC Choir
It should be noted that the BACMAC Choir has earned for itself a global reputation taking music from Nigeria to the world stage.
It holds a music festival every year and has consistently represented Nigeria in many choral events across Africa and beyond.
It represented Nigeria at the Africa Choral Gospel Championship in Rwanda (2020), winning two silver medals.
It participated in “Africa Sings” in Togo (2021) and the Benin Republic (2022). It hosted the Church Music Convocation and Festival in Africa, drawing choirs from over 14 African nations to worship through hymns, chants, and classical anthems in 2023.
In 2024 and 2025 the choir got invitations to the World Choir Games in New Zealand and the Commonwealth Choral Festival in Milton Keynes, UK. The most recent was in June 10–17, 2025
Over the years it has been committed to musical evangelism and has earned several awards including : Two-time Best Choir in Alimosho (Lagos State), Most Artistic Choir – Nigeria Choral Music Awards.
It also got Best Performing Choir – Lagos State Awards and Award of Choral Excellence – National Hymn Festival.
Kelechi said the book, Bishop Ajayi Crowther: The untold Story of Slave Trade, is the first music book the BACMAC choir will produce.
He however added that the choir had performed G.F Handel Messiah part 1 – 3, John Steiner Crucifixion Haydens 7 words on the cross and several others.
1 comment
This a welcome development by BACMAC. Spreading the gospel through music. I sincerely commend Sir Chibuikem and Sir Kelechi Agụ. Congratulations to the Anglican Communion.