Nigerian producer, songwriter and minister RotimiKeys delivered a commanding performance at The Lighthouse Theatre, London; headlining Gaise Baba’s No Turning Back tour.
This highlighted both his personal impact and the broader international reach of Christian and gospel music.
The concert drew a diverse audience and featured performances by Gaise Baba, Lawrence Oyor, Bez and other gospel artists.
RotimiKeys’ set stood out as he performed This Year, Ayo, Light and Ore Ofe Sha, seamlessly blending live instrumentation with faith-focused lyrics. The atmosphere shifted from concert to worship, with many in the audience moved to heartfelt worship and shouts of praise.
Reflecting on the moment, RotimiKeys said, “As a Christian creative, the frontiers of what we know as Christian and gospel music is expanding radically and breaking borders globally. God is the one driving this move, I’m just blessed to be a humble vessel being used by Him. Everywhere I go, I want the world to see the light of God in me and glorify my Father in heaven.”
A Career Beyond Borders
Born Akinfenwa Rotimi, RotimiKeys is a multi-instrumentalist, arranger and producer with nearly two decades of experience shaping Nigeria’s music scene. He is the founder and creative director of SonG23 Productions, a Lagos-based production outfit where he has produced music for some of Nigeria’s biggest names, including Asa, Bez, Nathaniel Bassey, Omawumi, and Yemi Alade. His work also extends into advertising and sound design, with jingles and campaign themes created for brands such as MTN, Etisalat, Pepsi,
Gulder and Indomie.
Beyond production, he has released his own body of work, including the Wild Colours EP (2016), Life is Beautiful (2020), and singles like Onise Iyanu (2022), Ore Ofe Sha (2023), and This Year (2024). His music is known for its fusion of African rhythms, contemporary Christian and gospel, and uplifting messages rooted in faith.
Expanding the Reach of Gospel
RotimiKeys’ London appearance highlights a wider trend of African Christian and gospel music gaining traction on global stages. While traditional gospel has long had international audiences, the current wave of Nigerian and African creatives is introducing new sounds, languages and performance styles that are resonating with younger, more diverse listeners.
For RotimiKeys, this expansion is less about personal acclaim and more about serving a higher purpose. His performance in London affirmed his dual identity as both a gifted artist and a minister intent on pointing audiences back to faith.
Looking Ahead
With the advent of new Christian and gospel artists bringing gospel voices to new audiences across Europe, RotimiKeys’ role in this movement signals a shift in how Christian and gospel music is perceived worldwide, no longer confined to churches or regional audiences, but breaking barriers and influencing mainstream spaces.
For those in attendance at The Lighthouse Theatre, the night was more than entertainment; it was a statement about gospel music’s evolving place on the global stage, with RotimiKeys at the forefront of that story.
