By Samuel Olamide Osifuye
The 85th Choir Festival of Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Ibukun, Yaba DCC Headquarters, was held in grand fashion on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the church auditorium in Yaba, Lagos.
The event, themed “The Next Level: A New Song,” showcased the depth and skill of one of Nigeria’s most celebrated church choirs. It was an evening of soul-lifting musical performances and vibrant celebration of God’s gift of music.
The festival began with a mini-concert that set a reverent tone for the evening. A piano solo performance of “Consolation” by Felix Mendelssohn, beautifully rendered by Oluwatosin Abiodun, stirred emotions in the audience. The semi-choir followed with two moving pieces, “Hush! Somebody’s Calling My Name” by Stephen Adams and “Heaven Came Down” by Ayo Oluranti.
The main festival featured a diverse and powerful selection of songs, including “Baba a Tun De” by Jibola Oluyelu (arranged by Ayo Ajayi), “Psalm 136,” and three songs by Dr. D.K. Olukoya “Kedere,” “Igba Mi D’owo Re,” and “Hallelujah, Ogun Ti Se.”
Other captivating performances included “Olodumare” by Seun Owoaje, “Awon T’oduro De Oluwa” by Jibola Oluyelu, “Ozi Oma nke Jisos Kraist,” a traditional Igbo choral piece arranged by Seun Owoaje, and “Saamu Kejo” by Ayo Ajayi. Each performance resonated with spiritual depth and musical excellence, reflecting the careful curation and preparation behind the festival.
The performances were skillfully conducted by an accomplished team of conductors, including the Choir Master, Elder Sesan Taiwo; Dr. Tolu Owoaje; Dr. Seun Owoaje; Dr. Lekan Oluyelu; Ayo Ajayi; Jibola Oluyelu; and Engr. Christian Chikeka. Their direction, paired with the disciplined execution of the choir, affirmed their standing as a well-trained and professional ensemble affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM).
Delivering the sermon was the Superintendent of CAC Owutu Zone, Pastor Festus Oluwasegun Oluwadele. In his exhortation, he charged the choir to embrace their calling beyond performance. “As choristers, your ministry is not entertainment but to positively impact lives,” he declared.
“The next level which God desires for you spiritually, physically, academically, and career-wise is for you to sing and souls are touched, the Spirit moves, miracles happen,” he said.
“Your songs should be an offering unto God, not to impress people. Yes, it is important to sing with skill; however, this must be done in spirit. When God takes you to the next level, you’ll sing a new song,” said the clergy.
A major highlight of the day was the unveiling and dedication of the Yaba VALDE Organ, a state-of-the-art digital instrument donated by the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Dr. D.K. Olukoya.
Elder Sesan Taiwo, in his remarks, explained, “The Yaba VALDE organ is a two-in-one instrument, featuring two distinct tonal specifications. The first is a modern organ of German origin, which looks backward toward the Bach organ and forward toward the symphonic organ culture. The second is an English Neo-Romantic organ with darker mixtures and a comprehensive array of low- and high-pressure reeds.”
He added that the organ, powered by 128 GB of RAM and a 24-core processor, supports 32-bit/96 kHz audio and is built with a capacity for 1,024 audio channels — though only 10 are currently in use. “The organ is therefore designed not only to meet the immediate needs of the church but also to accommodate future developments,” he said.
The festival featured brilliant performances by top-tier organists, including Ayo Ajayi, Adejola Adeosun, David Offini, Pamilerin Adebayo, Oluwatosin Abiodun, and guest organists Akin Olubi, Tosin Ajayi, and Babatunde Tairu. The organ, built and assembled by Altus Klass, filled the auditorium with divine harmonics that elevated the musical experience.
Another heartwarming moment came when the DCC Superintendent, Pastor S.E.A. Oludare, introduced young Ayomikun Atanda, who made history as first member of the children’s choir to perform with the adult choir at the festival. It was also Ayomikun’s birthday, making it a double celebration for her and the church as the congregation erupted in a joyful birthday song.
The choir’s excellence was clearly the product of rigorous preparation and leadership. The choir’s organizational structure includes Elder Sesan Taiwo (Choir Master), Dr. Seun Owoaje (Assistant Choir Master, Training), Dr. Lekan Oluyelu (Assistant Choir Master, Administration), Akin Fatunsi (Choir Secretary), Ayo Ajayi (Organist), and Pamilerin Adebayo and Oluwatosin Abiodun (Assistant Organists I & II).
The renowned vocal coach, Dupe Ige Kachi, whose touch of excellence reflected on the choir having been involved in their training in the months leading up to the festival was visibly moved by their performances. “It’s pure joy watching the choir exhibit what they’ve tirelessly worked on. This is excellence on every level. I am so proud of you,” she said.
The festival attracted an array of dignitaries, clergy, patrons, and music enthusiasts. In attendance were the pastoral team of CAC Yaba DCC, led by the Choir’s Grand Patron and DCC Superintendent, Pastor and Mrs. S.E.A. Oludare; Associate Pastor, Pastor Sola Ajidagba; English Assembly Pastor, Pastor Abraham Akinsokeji; and the Curate, Pastor Emmanuel Oluokun.
Director of Music, CAC Nigeria & Overseas, Elder Bidemi Oyesanya (SAN), was present to see one of his choirs in a display of musical prowess. Others in attendance included Mrs. Bola Fajana (representing her husband, Prof. Sola Fajana), Deaconess Adebayo, Deaconess M.O. Osinoiki, Pastor Ayobami Ojo, a music enthusiast; Rev. (Barr.) Toyin Hassan-Odukale, Mr. and Mrs. Hakeem Condotti, and Pastor Seun Oloye.Also noteworthy was the attendance of some members of the CAC Yaba Choir in the diaspora, whose president is Funmi Omomoyenme.
Among the distinguished guests were Elder Segun Akinloye, Assistant Choir Master of Akinyele Region, who led a delegation of choir leaders from his region, and Elder Charles Tope Amudipe, Assistant Choir Master of Pearce Region, who performed alongside the Yaba Choir. The presence of the legendary Choir Master Emeritus, Elder S.K.O. Annan, added warmth and depth to the celebration, reaffirming the enduring family bond that unites the CAC Yaba Choir both at home and abroad.
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