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8 Afrobeats artists whose fathers are pastors

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In the vibrant world of Afrobeats, several artists have followed their musical dreams despite being raised by fathers who are pastors.

The Nigerian music industry, especially the Afrobeats genre, has seen the rise of many talented artists from diverse backgrounds. Interestingly, some of these Afrobeats artists have roots deeply embedded in religious upbringing, with their fathers serving as pastors. Despite their secular music careers, these artists often credit their early exposure to music to their church experiences.

Here are some notable Afrobeats artists whose fathers are pastors:

8. Flavour

Flavour
Flavour

Flavour N’abania, born Chinedu Okoli renowned for his highlife-infused Afrobeats sound, had a humble beginning rooted in the church. Born in Enugu State, Flavour started his musical journey in his local church choir, where his father served as a deacon. His time in the choir allowed him to master instruments like the drums and keyboard, skills that later shaped his career. While Flavour’s music often celebrates love and African culture in songs like Nwa Baby and Ada Ada, the discipline and work ethic from his church days remain evident in his artistry and stage presence.

7. Chidinma Ekile

Chidinma’s transition from secular music to gospel is a full-circle moment that traces back to her roots. Raised in Lagos in a Christian household, Chidinma’s father, a pastor, laid the spiritual groundwork that influenced her life and music. After rising to fame with hits like Kedike and Emi Ni Baller, she surprised fans in 2021 by dedicating her career to gospel music. Now referred to as Minister Chidinma, she continues to inspire with tracks like Jehovah Overdo, which reflect her unwavering faith.

6. MI Abaga

MI Abaga and father

Jude Abaga, professionally known as MI Abaga, is an award-winning Nigerian rapper, recording artist, and record producer. Born on October 4, 1981, in Jos, Plateau State, he started his education at Baptist High School, Jos, where he nurtured his love for music. He later pursued a degree in Business and Economics at Calvin College in Michigan, USA.

MI's music career started in earnest when he returned to Nigeria in 2003, and he gained recognition with his hit track Crowd Mentality in 2006. He later released his critically acclaimed debut album, Talk About It, in 2008. In June 2015, he was appointed CEO of Chocolate City.

Despite his secular success, MI Abaga's father is a pastor, and his upbringing in a religious home influenced his lyrical depth and storytelling skills.

MI Abaga Married
MI Abaga

5. Reekado Banks

Rekado Banks and family

Reekado Banks, a Nigerian recording artist, rapper, and songwriter, was formerly signed to Mavin Records. Before his record deal, he went by the stage name "Spicy." In 2014, he graduated from the University of Lagos with a degree in History and Strategic Studies.

Reekado Banks was signed to Mavin Records after being selected from over 5,000 entries. He released his debut single Turn Up in 2015, followed by Katapot the same year. In 2018, he left Mavin Records to start his independent outfit, Banks Music.

His father is a pastor, and his mother is a caterer, reflecting a balance between religious upbringing and creative expression.

Ayoleyi Hanniel Solomon
Reekado Banks

4. Johnny Drille

Johnny Drille and his father

Johnny Drille, born on July 5, 1990, in Edo State, is a Nigerian record producer, songwriter, and singer. He holds a degree in English and Literature from the University of Benin. His music career took off after he participated in the 6th edition of MTN Project Fame West Africa. In 2015, he gained attention with his cover of Awww, a song by Mavin artist Di’ja, followed by the release of his first single, Wait for Me.

Johnny Drille is also a skilled instrumentalist, with the ability to play multiple instruments. His father, an ordained pastor and school principal, influenced his early exposure to music, particularly gospel melodies.

3. Terry G

Terry G
Terry G

Gabriel Oche Amanyi, known as Terry G, is a Nigerian rapper and songwriter born on March 7, 1986, in Lagos. He hails from the Idoma tribe of Benue State. Terry G's music is known for its eccentric style and energetic beats. He started singing in the church choir at a young age and later ventured into secular music

In 2013, he released his critically acclaimed album, Book of Ginger. Despite his unconventional music style, his father is an ordained pastor, and his early exposure to church music played a role in shaping his musical foundation.

2. Zlatan Ibile

Zlatan
Zlatan

Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, popularly known as Zlatan Ibile, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, rapper, and dancer. A graduate of Business Administration from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Zlatan gained prominence in 2017 after featuring Olamide in his single My Body. His breakthrough came the following year with the release of Zanku, a song that popularized a unique dance style of the same name.

Interestingly, Zlatan's father is a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). Despite his secular lifestyle and energetic performances, Zlatan often references his religious background and attributes his success to divine blessings.

1. Lil Kesh

Keshinro Ololade
Lil Kesh

Lil Kesh, born in Bariga, Lagos State, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter. He began his music career in Bariga, rapping among his peers. His first single, Lyrically, gained massive recognition in Nigerian universities. In 2014, he rose to prominence after releasing his hit single Shoki, which became a street anthem across Nigeria.

Despite his energetic and sometimes controversial musical style, Lil Kesh's father is an ordained pastor and a church owner. His upbringing in a religious household has influenced his values, even as he navigates the secular music industry.

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