Timothy Babalola’s ‘There Is a Name’ felt like a collection from the Louvre of traditional African Christian worship performances the first time this writer listened to it. Across the slew of indigenous Christian praise musicians in the diaspora that I have listened to in recent times, Babalola’s intricate stage presence and immersive composition techniques in ‘There Is a Name’ live recording rank it as one of the most riveting showcases in recent times.
The intrigue in ‘There Is a Name’ cuts through from the reggae-toned percussive groove that opens the song’s first melodic section. “There is a name/ A wonderful name/ There is a name greater than all the names,” his tenor pierces through the air, with lush cymbal taps dotting the vocal line. The gusto picks up barely half a minute into the five-minute spin as Babalola’s backing vocalists engage the singer in a catchy call-and-response that defines the song’s chorus and sets a lay-up for catharsis. Another exciting Christian worship record that rings with the same compositional shock value is Zion Wave’s ‘Reggae Worship Fusion’ and Regal T’s ‘Nigerian Hot Reggae Praise’.
While the song’s groovy linear composition brims with shock value, Babalola’s performance also soars with a calming control of presence and a balance of tensions that unlock the emotive depth in his delivery. He interprets the song’s overarching supplicative theme with emotive emphasis, especially with the melodramatic melismas that surface in the chorus and in the song’s second verse.
Babalola’s lyricism — subtle, sombre and sincere — also stands out in the recording, especially in how he arranges the percussion for extra emphasis. The drum and piano progressions join Babalola’s pacing to deliver a strong catharsis in the lyrics. “Who has that name? (That name), The name of Jesus,” his voice reverberates with packed emotional intensity as he sings.
On the flipside, the showcase’s waning moments arrive around the penultimate melodic sections, where long pauses reveal the song’s shaky arrangement in that section. Also, a few scratchy falsettos, around that melodic point, lull the performance momentarily. Yet, the song’s tempered tonal balance, catchy choral response, and overall composition sandwich it with towering enjoyability.
From the last melodic section, Babalola’s rousing crescendo snowballs the record into a suspenseful close. The solo drum improv, cajoled by Babalola’s counterpoint, catapults the audience into an ovation. The record signals his rising maestro — one tenderly tuned towards evocative Christian worship songs. Calm with groove, witty with fusions, Babalola’s ‘There Is a Name’ is a palette of strong emotions, stealthy delivery, and charismatic finish. It ranks as one of the musician’s most memorable showcases, and it is a solid placeholder for the most vibrant Afro-Christian worship melodies in rotation.
Babalola is a dynamic gospel musician, worship leader, and pianist whose soulful vocals and heartfelt compositions are redefining contemporary worship. Based in Telford, United Kingdom, with roots in Nigeria, Timothy blends traditional African gospel with modern sensibilities, creating music that resonates with diverse audiences worldwide. As the Music Director of Altar of Worship, a Telford-based gospel ensemble, he leads transformative performances across cities like Wolverhampton, Telford, London, and Northampton, showcasing his leadership and versatility.
Timothy’s 2024 live recording of his single “Lord I’m Grateful” at RCCG Jubilee Christian Centre, Wolverhampton, drew over 900 congregants and achieved more than 30,000 streams on Boomplay, Spotify, and Apple Music within 90 days, with continued growth. His March 2025 release, “There Is a Name,” further cements his reputation for crafting spiritually uplifting anthems. With over 50,000 Instagram views and 800,000 TikTok views through collaborations with influencers, Timothy’s digital presence amplifies his global reach.
With a growing discography and a passion for ministry through music, Babalola is poised to become a leading voice in gospel music, inspiring faith and unity through his artistry.
