The Development of Gospel Music In Nigeria

The Cherubim and Seraphim Movement (Ayo Ni O) Choir came into limelight as a gospel music choir in late 1970s and consistently rose to stardom in Nigeria. It was also revealed that the Choir contributed to the growth of and development of gospel music in Nigeria through its songs which were presented in electic style but using indigenous compositional performance techniques. In addition, the choir introduced the consistent of use of Hawaii guitar playing, interludes by winds instruments, elaborate preludes, high falsetto lead vocal singing with the back-up chorus singing in a combination of bravura, alla patetico and spiritoso. It was further revealed that the music of the choir served as a source of spiritual inspiration and moral education for its fans both Christians and non-Christian alike. The study concluded that the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement (Ayo Ni O) Choir had created a musical tradition characterized by new musical content, compositional and performance techniques germane to the contemporary gospel music scene in Nigeria.