Celebrating the legends: Day Alaseyori brought gospel legends together

T HOUGH originally intended to honour the legends of the gospel industry, “Celebrating the Legends,” event blossomed into much more than a tribute. It became a powerful outpouring of blessings, not only from the revered fathers and mothers of the industry in attendance, but also from fellow gospel ministers, those unable to attend, and fans across the world.

The bold step of renowned gospel artiste, Adeyinka Alaseyori, to bring the icons under one roof, a mission long considered impossible by many, transformed the event into a momentous celebration of legacy, unity, and divine favour.

Though held penultimate  Thursday, the event remained the talk of the town, with encomiums still pouring in for Alaseyori, following the remarkable effort in bringing together legends to celebrate and evoke the industry’s rich legacy through their evergreen works.

In a gospel music landscape often dominated by contemporary trends, celebrated gospel singer, Alaseyori chose to honour the pioneers who laid the foundation of the ministry. Through her landmark event, she rekindled cherished memories, revived timeless classics, and reminded the church and gospel music lovers that worship is as much about history as it is about spirituality.

The event, which generated widespread excitement, was not only a worship-filled night but also a powerful history lesson. Alaseyori brought together revered gospel veterans, including Evangelists Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi, Mama Fasiyin, Bola Are, Pastor Joseph Adelakun (Baba Ayewa), Funmi Aragbaye, Ojo Ade, Segun Obe, Toun Soetan, Akinuke Obanla, Dunni Olanrewaju (Opelope Anointing), Ojona Koku, Telemi Orokoya, and Okoto Jesu.

Other icons synonymous with Nigeria’s rich gospel heritage were also celebrated at the Whitestone Event Place, including Aworinde, Akin Adebayo, Sola Rotimi, Dupe Olulana, Kunle Ajayi, Niyi Adedokun, Sola Iyiyemi, Afolabi Olabisi, Paul Morayo Tao-El-Shaddai, Bolanle Odeleke, Remi Aderoju, Kunle Ajomale, Victor Ajayi, Foluke Awoleye, Jon Oladele Ojo, and Philip Olufemi Olayiwola.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the initiative, Alaseyori explained: “I felt led to celebrate these veterans who have carried the gospel on their shoulders long before it became an industry. Their songs remain relevant in worship today, and it is only right to honor them while they are still with us.”

The event not only gathered gospel legends under one roof, but also introduced their timeless songs to a younger generation unfamiliar with these foundational works. It assured the veterans that their contributions still resonate deeply.

For younger attendees, Celebrating the Legends was an unexpected and inspiring journey. The atmosphere came alive with performances of evergreen classics such as Bola Are’s Agbara Nla and Funmi Aragbaye’s Mo Gbo Ipe, among others.

One of the evening’s greatest successes was the intergenerational unity it fostered, as young and old alike joined in worship. Unlike many concerts that spotlight a star performer, Alaseyori intentionally shifted focus away from herself.

“Ministry isn’t about erasing what others have done; it’s about building on it. If we don’t celebrate the foundation, the future will be shaky,” she reflected.

Beyond the stage, Celebrating the Legends emerged as a ministry tool, a means to preserve gospel heritage, deepen worship, and inspire younger ministers to see themselves as part of a sacred continuum.

The event was warmly received and quickly went viral online, redefining what gospel gatherings can mean, not just as entertainment, but as a heartfelt celebration of legacy.

A major highlight of the evening was Alaseyori’s presentation of awards of excellence and cash gifts to the legends, who received them with joy and gratitude before showering her with prayers.

Speaking on behalf of the legends, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, who delighted the audience with his timeless gospel tunes, praised Alaseyori’s initiative:

“The heavens have rejoiced, and we, the elders of the ministry, are deeply grateful. I pray God blesses you abundantly and continues to uphold this industry.”

Evangelist Bola Are, visibly moved, said: “Her humility touched those she honored. To see a younger minister recognize us this way gives me hope, it shows our labor was not in vain.”

With Celebrating the Legends, Yinka Alaseyori has not only staged a memorable concert but has also authored a new chapter in gospel history, one where the past and future unite in the harmonious rhythm of worship.

In her appreciation, veteran gospel musician, Evangelist Dunni Olanrewaju, popularly known as Opelope Anointing, thanked Alaseyori for bringing together legends in the gospel music industry. She described the event as an exceptional display of love and honor toward all the veterans and expressed her gratitude to be part of the celebration.

“I pray that the Almighty God will continually uphold Alaseyori and cause her to finish well and strong in Jesus’ name,” she added.

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