121 Selah: The Emerging Face of Contemporary Gospel Music in Nigeria

You might have never heard of them, or maybe their recent spectacular showings at the just concluded Old Mutual Amazing Voices competition must have registered their sounds in your heart, whichever category you belong to, I’m pleased to let you know that there’s an emerging face of contemporary gospel music in Nigeria.

121 Selah, an inspiring music band composed of several individual talents are the latest talk of the town following their impressive performances that dominated the Old Mutual Amazing Voices competition. The crew is made up of talented musicians namely; Fasipe Ikeoluwa, Shammah John (SJ), Praximus, Chioma, Peculiar Chioma, Remii, Odulate Moyosoreoluwa, and of course the Leader of the Team, PD Wallson.

The Old Mutual Amazing Voices pan-African singing competition which concluded its second edition recently is designed to allow unsigned talent to showcase their creativity and win a life-changing $100,000 to kick-start their musical career. The competition started out with ten music groups from five African countries — Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and South Africa — with seven eliminated and the last three penciled to emerge Africa’s top unsigned acapella talents.

The band was the first to bag a ‘Golden Voice’ award – given to the best performing group of each night – in the spectacular stage performances. As each week passed, the amazing group delivered effective performances and displayed true panache in its song arrangements and execution.

Having gotten to the finals of the competition with South African and Zimbabwean counterparts, Hush and The Unveiled, the fairytale of 121 Selah Music Group in the competition ended with mixed feelings as they were beaten to the top prize by South African music band Hush, after series of votes were cast by viewers and followers of the prestigious competition.

“It hurts but we won still. Money is great but you’re more valuable,” wrote the music band in a dedicated post on Instagram to appreciate the immense support they garnered throughout the duration of their music adventure. “We have every cause to still celebrate because we have you guys. We are grateful that we can continually be a blessing to you guys and more that will join the train” shared the group in a heartfelt message to fans.

The aftermath of their sensational performances and electrifying run in the Old Mutual Amazing Voices competition has given birth to a new dawn, with classic contemporary art of Gospel music reformed and rejuvenated in an admiring fashion that has seen the group attract thousands of music lovers to their style.

The show advisor to the Old Mutual Amazing Voices Completion Zwai Bala, in one of the past episodes, described 121 Selah’s polished musicality as spiritual, thanks to the fact that 121 Selah has collaborated with recording artists and sang backup on Grammy Award-winner Burna Boy’s ‘Bank On It’. Several compliments have been showered on the group from Top Gospel and Secular celebrities who are recognizing their craft and showing extra attention to the amazing way they have taken Contemporary Gospel Music in Nigeria to the next level.

Known for their beautiful and compelling song writings and harmonious sound, 121 Selah proudly raised the flag of Nigeria high with their amazing talent over the past few months with the stage now set for them to hit giant strides in the near future.

 A New Dawn as Risen!!! Watch out for the next big thing to emerge from Nigeria.

Watch Video to enjoy glimpses of their heartwarming performances at the 2nd edition of Old Mutual Amazing Voices competition