From humble beginnings to gospel greatness: The Israel Onova story

For Minister Israel Onova, music isn’t just a passion—it’s a divine calling. Inspired by the soulful hymns of his childhood and the powerful influence of gospel icons like Ron Kenoly and Don Moen, he has spent years nurturing his faith and honing his craft. Now, with the release of his debut EP Manifest, Onova opens up about the profound dream that sparked his creativity, the life lessons that shaped his ministry, and his mission to inspire others through music.

Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Minister Onova’s journey began amidst the melodious sounds of gospel hymns that filled his childhood home. “My faith journey serves as the cornerstone of my inspiration, rooted in a deep connection with God through music,” he shared. Drawing inspiration from legends like Donnie McClurkin, Don Moen, and Fred Hammond, he witnessed firsthand the transformative power of music in worship, a foundation that would guide his calling.

However, his path to gospel ministry wasn’t without detours. After relocating to the United States, Onova briefly stepped away from the choir to focus on work and family. Reflecting on this period, he said, “Though I couldn’t remain fully committed to the choir, I found my place in children’s and prayer ministries. These experiences were instrumental in shaping my faith and helping me discover my purpose.”

Minister Onova’s debut EP, Manifest, marks the culmination of years of spiritual and musical growth. The six-track project features soul-stirring songs such as Jehovah Reigns, You Alone, and the title track Manifest, which were born from divine revelations. He recounted the profound dream that inspired the EP: “In the dream, I was trying to prove to a friend that I had written a song playing on the radio. However, all the people who could validate my claim were deceased, leaving me with no evidence. I woke up feeling terrified, and it served as a wake-up call to take my music seriously. After praying about it, God began revealing songs to me, giving me four of the six tracks in dreams.”

Among the standout tracks is You Alone, a deeply personal reflection on God’s faithfulness. “As I look back on my valleys and challenges, I’m reminded of how He never left my side. This song is my heartfelt expression of gratitude, celebrating the truth that He alone is worthy of all my praise,” Onova said.

Minister Onova credits his time serving in various ministries with shaping his approach to music and ministry. “I’ve learned patience from working with children, empathy through intercessory prayer, and a deep love for God from my involvement in the praise team,” he noted. “These experiences help me create music that connects with people on a spiritual level.”

As the pioneering artist at Innova Muzik, Onova’s vision extends beyond his personal artistry. He hopes to use the platform to mentor emerging gospel musicians and inspire young people to discover their God-given talents. “Innova Muzik is passionately committed to advancing the Kingdom of God through the powerful medium of music,” he explained. “We aim to help others uncover their identity in Christ and fully embrace their purpose.”

Through Manifest and his broader ministry, Minister Onova seeks to share the timeless truth of the gospel and encourage listeners to live boldly in their faith. “I want my music to serve as a reminder of God’s love and faithfulness,” he said, “and to inspire people to embrace their identity as God’s creation, born to overcome and succeed.”

Minister Israel Onova’s journey from choir boy to gospel visionary is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and purpose-driven music. With Manifest, he invites listeners to embark on a spiritual journey that uplifts and transforms.