When you think, now, of Christian parties and the musicians who can do justice to giving the attendees a great time, you immediately think of artistes like Mike Abdul, Henrisoul, Tosin Bee and Gaisebaba. What many don’t know, though, is that before those artistes began to explore those sides of Christian music, there was a Yinka Ayefele – the one we loved (and still love). The one who used elements of storytelling to gain brand acceptance even before it became a thing in brand marketing

Much isn’t always said of Ayefele’s pre-music life; that Yinka Ayefele had it all going well for him. He had worked as a journalist and broadcaster at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Ibadan, where he also produced jingles and musical works on radio until the era-defining accident happened – one that changed his life and many others, forever.

Yinka was 31. He was on his way to Abeokuta from Ibadan on December 12, 1997, for a radio show when the accident that damaged a few ribs and his spinal cord occurred in his Volkswagen Beetle. Midway through the journey, he lost control of the car which somersaulted a few times before landing in a ditch.

After spending about 9 months in the hospital, his friend, Kola Olootu convinced him to put his songs together and that led to the release of his debut album – Bitter Experience. That was 1998. The debut album not only reflected his pain during the ordeal, it was also the album that brought him into the limelight. But, as is popular experience in Nigeria, many criticised his album. He didn’t stop there nonetheless. The next year, he released Sweet Experience – sharing about the sweetness after the Bitter Experience. And then Something Else (2000), Divine Intervention (2001) and Fun Fair (2002) followed and we knew he was in this long term.

Watch the full video of Divine Intervention – his 2001 release here

Watch the full video of Fulfilment; his 2005 release here.

His unique story might have formed the foundation for his new life experience and contributed to making him a favourite, but, the enjoyable mix of his juju sound fused graciously with Christian hymns made him stick in the hearts of many. And album after album, Yinka Ayefele has been able to sustain that tempo, that vibe, that sound, that one we have always loved him for – and so seamlessly.

In Mid December 2017, Yinka Ayefele set out with his team to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of his car accident. To commemorate the anniversary, they embarked on a tour across Oyo and Ekiti states between December 12 and 17. They visited orphanages and hospitals where he presented them with buses, cash gifts and food items. His alma mater, Ipoti High School Ekiti was not left behind in the giving spree. He also commissioned a multi-million naira hall there during the week-long tour. The Yinka Ayefele Foundation also empowered 100 women in Ipoti, Ekiti with cash gifts. The climax of the ceremony was the Thanksgiving service that ended the tour where he launched his remembrance album and did a public presentation of his first book titled ‘You and Your Spine’.

In 2010, Ex-President, Goodluck Jonathan, in recognition of this contribution to Nigerian music awarded him the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON). His radio station, Fresh FM which is based in Ibadan has also grown in reach and quality.

So far, Yinka Ayefele might be the only Nigerian Christian artiste having so many records to his name. Dropping albums on a yearly basis and being darn consistent with it.

Then, new generation artistes came into the scene and somehow, we seem to have lost track of Yinka Ayefele – the man, his works, his sound. We hear he still releases singles and a few albums as before, but, the bulk of the Nigerian market has moved on.

When Yinka says he really did change the face of gospel music, you should believe him. Because he came at a time when all we had and listened to were Bola Are, Funmi Aragbaye, etc. But, Yinka’s work transcended “gospel” circles. It was played everywhere; at festivals, at weddings, at birthdays. He made us dance, made us shout, made us sweat at our parties. At times where people were “stricter” with “secular music”, Yinka became our only alternative.

So, when we talk of Yinka Ayefele, the first thing you should think of, is not how he is no longer in our faces (as the approach is in Nigeria) but, how a man single-handedly opened the door for several other Christian artistes who now function in genres away from the usual praise and worship scene. Now, others reap from the strides of the one man – Yinka and that’s why without him being in the spotlight, we are assured that Ayefele is in a good place.

We miss Yinka Ayefele so much and hope to see him perform at a big Christian event soon – just one more time.

In this very moment, just imagine Yinka Ayefele at The Experience concert, this year. Who knows!