Neon Adejo’s near-death experience (surviving a critical electrocution three years before) became the spiritual and creative catalyst for his March 2021 EP Songs of Gratitude, most notably the anthem “Eze Ebube.” In interviews, Adejo recounted how, lying unconscious, he promised God lifelong service if spared, a vow that reshaped his lyrical focus toward surrender, worship, and resilience. This transformative moment not only deepened the theological content of his songwriting but also guided production choices; favoring minimalist arrangements that foreground his testimony-driven vocals.
Read more about Gospel music
The Catalyst: From Electrocution to Inspiration
In a 2022 interview with Punch’s Sunday Scoop, Neon Adejo revealed that he suffered a severe electric shock in 2018 and was clinically dead for several minutes before revival. He explained, “I got ‘Eze Ebube’ after I had a near-death experience … it wasn’t just a song that I was praying; it was an outpouring of gratitude”. This brush with mortality prompted the worship leader to abandon secular gigs and devote himself wholly to gospel music, fulfilling the vow he made mid-crisis. Adejo’s testimony spread rapidly across social media and Christian blogs, positioning him as a voice of hope in Nigeria’s gospel scene.
Register to attend the Connect Nigeria Business Mixer
Spiritual Themes and Lyrical Depth
Surrender and Sovereignty
“Eze Ebube,” which translates “King of Glory,” opens with imagery of a sovereign God rescuing the weak. Adejo’s lyrics – “Na You carry me, na You lift me / Na You heal my body, na You save me” – reflect Old Testament motifs of divine deliverance. Biblical allusions to Psalm 23 and Daniel’s deliverance from the lion’s den reinforce his narrative of being saved from literal death to testify of God’s majesty.
Gratitude and Worship
Beyond deliverance, the EP Songs of Gratitude (March 2021) centers on thankfulness, with tracks like “Breathe Upon Me” pleading for fresh anointing. Such emphasis mirrors Adejo’s own words: “I wanted people to feel what I felt; pulled from the jaws of death, filled with awe”. This consistency of theme across lyrics and interviews underscores his intent to craft music as both testimony and ministerial tool.
Sign up for the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter
Musical Direction and Production Choices
Adejo collaborated with producer Yunisa on Songs of Gratitude, opting for sparse instrumentation (acoustic guitar, soft pads, and layered choir vocals) to keep the focus on his testimony-laden voice. This minimalist approach contrasts with the heavily synthesized productions common in contemporary Nigerian gospel, allowing dynamic crescendos that mirror an emotional journey from darkness to light. On “Eze Ebube II,” live percussion and organ swells simulate the urgency of worship, while the stripped-down “Breathe Upon Me” invites intimate reflection. By aligning production with narrative arc, Adejo ensures that each sonic element reinforces the album’s central miracle motif.
Got a suggestion? Contact us: [email protected]
Conclusion
Neon Adejo’s near-death encounter did more than inspire a hit single; it reoriented his entire artistic trajectory. Through Songs of Gratitude, he delivers a cohesive worship experience that marries personal testimony, scriptural depth, and intentional production. His journey from electrocution victim to gospel chart-topper exemplifies how crisis can birth creativity, forging music that ministers not only to the ear but to the soul.