Sunmisola Agbebi’s unwavering faith, music enable encounters with God’s love

Sunmisola Agbebi is a name that resonates with grace, talent, and inspiration in the Nigerian gospel music scene. A singer and songwriter whose musical journey began at the tender age of four, she has...

Sunmisola Agbebi is a name that resonates with grace, talent, and inspiration in the Nigerian gospel music scene. A singer and songwriter whose musical journey began at the tender age of four, she has captivated audiences with her powerful vocals and heartfelt worship.

Her dedication to her craft was recognized early on when she won the Ikorodu Radio Music Challenge in 2017. Since then, Sunmisola has gone on to achieve remarkable feats, including hosting her own live recording music concert, “AIIIH” (“As It Is In Heaven”), and sharing the stage with Grammy award winner A. R. Rahman at the Dubai Expo.

Agbebi has been married to Yinka Okeleye, a fellow gospel singer, since June 3, 2023. Her music has transcended borders, as evidenced by her participation in the African All-Star US Tour.

With a 2024 nomination for “ARTIST OF THE YEAR – FEMALE” at the Kingdom Achievers Awards, Agbebi continues to be a shining star, inspiring a generation of worshippers with her gift and unwavering faith.

We sat down with the gospel sensation to talk about her incredible journey, the source of her inspiration, and what lies ahead…

Your career has been marked by several significant milestones, from winning the Ikorodu Radio Music Challenge to performing on international stages. Could you share one of the most profound and memorable moments in your musical journey so far and explain why it stands out to you?

Every stage of this journey has been profound for me in its own way. From the very beginning, like the Ikorodu Radio Music Challenge, to ministering in local assemblies, and even standing before international audiences, I see each moment as God’s reminder that He doesn’t need a big stage to touch lives.

What moves me deeply is not the size of the crowd but the atmosphere of worship whether it’s five people or five thousand, seeing hearts connect to Jesus is always overwhelming. I carry each of those experiences as a testimony of God’s faithfulness, and it keeps me grounded, knowing I’m just a vessel in His hands.

Your music is deeply rooted in faith and worship. How does your personal relationship with God influence your songwriting process and the powerful messages you convey through your songs?

My relationship with God is the foundation of everything I do musically. I don’t see songwriting as just me trying to put words together; it’s really me documenting what God is doing in my life and in my spirit. Sometimes, a song comes during prayer, other times in worship or just from a scripture that suddenly becomes alive to me.

I have realized that when I try to create on my own, it feels empty, but when I wait on God, He breathes on the melodies and words. That’s why I always say the songs are not mine, they’re His. My role is simply to steward them faithfully so that when people listen, they don’t just hear Sunmisola, but they encounter God.

Looking ahead, what are some of your biggest aspirations as a gospel artiste? What kind of legacy do you hope to build through your music and ministry?

Looking ahead, my biggest aspiration is simply to stay in the center of God’s will. I don’t see this journey as a career to build but as a calling to steward. My prayer is that every song, every stage, every opportunity continues to point people to Jesus. I want to be faithful with what He has placed in my hands, and if that means the music reaches nations and generations, then I give Him all the glory.

For legacy, I don’t want people to remember me for the sound of my voice or the songs I sang, but for how those songs carried God’s presence into their lives. If years from now people can still worship with these songs and feel the same power of God, then I would consider my assignment fulfilled.

Your fans are always eager to know what’s next for you. Can you give us a glimpse into any upcoming projects, collaborations, or new music that you are currently working on?

I am honestly so grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey—every message, every testimony, every word of encouragement reminds me why I do what I do. Looking ahead, by God’s grace, there are a few exciting things in the works. I have been spending a lot of time in prayer and writing and I also recently just recorded some new sounds that I believe will minister deeply to people.

I am also looking forward to some collaborations both within the country and internationally that I trust will bless the body of Christ in a powerful way. I don’t like to rush the process because for me, it’s not just about releasing music, it’s about releasing what God is saying in season. So yes, new music is definitely coming, and I am really excited for what’s ahead!

Could you walk us through your creative process? How do you move from an initial idea or a moment of inspiration to a fully realized song and a powerful worship experience?

My creative process usually starts in the place of intimacy with God. Sometimes, it’s during prayer, sometimes while I’m studying scripture, and other times in quiet moments of worship. A line, a melody, or even just a phrase will drop in my spirit, and I quickly note it down or record it so I don’t lose it.

From there, I keep praying over it, allowing the song to mature until it carries the weight of what God wants to say. When I finally share it with my team, we focus not only on the music but on creating an atmosphere where people can truly encounter God. I always remind myself that the goal is not to sound impressive, but to carry His presence in every lyric and every note.

What is the central message you hope people take away from your music? If there was one thing you could impart to every listener, what would it be?

The central message of my music will always be Jesus. I don’t just want people to hear a song and say, ‘Oh, that sounded nice.’ My desire is that as they listen, they encounter God’s love in a personal and tangible way. Whether it’s hope for someone who feels lost, peace for someone going through a storm, or just a reminder of God’s faithfulness, I want the music to be a doorway that leads them back to Him.

At the end of the day, it’s not about my name being remembered, but about people drawing closer to Jesus. If that’s the one thing every listener takes away, then I believe I’ve done what God asked me to do.

It is clear that Agbebi’s journey is one of purpose, passion, and profound faith. Her music is not just a performance but an offering, a heartfelt expression of worship that invites listeners into a deeper connection with God. As she continues to share her gift with the world, there is no doubt that her star will only continue to rise, illuminating the hearts of many.

Terry Kunle

Guardian Life

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