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Joshua and Goodluck Stanley, performing under the moniker De Stanley Brothers, hail from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Born into a devout Christian family, they were immersed in church music from an early age, honing their musical talents under the guidance of local pastors and music ministers. Their rise coincided with the viral spread of their early recordings on social media platforms, culminating in a feature story on Vanguard Nigeria that highlighted their dual roles as student-athletes and gospel ministers. Despite their youth (Joshua being 17 and Goodluck 15 at the time of that Vanguard interview) they demonstrated remarkable maturity in songwriting and performance, earning a substantial following on Facebook (over 946,000 likes) and Instagram (accumulating tens of thousands of followers). Their YouTube channel, launched in early 2023, further expanded their audience, showcasing both live worship sessions and polished studio recordings.
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Brief History of the Artiste and Their Musical Style

Joshua and Goodluck Stanley were born in Bayelsa State to a family deeply rooted in Christian ministry. Their parents, both educators and worship leaders in their local parish, nurtured their children’s musical gifts from infancy, often involving them in church choir activities. As they matured, Joshua excelled in track and field athletics, while Goodluck showed aptitude in football, balancing sports commitments with their burgeoning passion for gospel music. Their formal entry into gospel music occurred at ages 12 (Goodluck) and 14 (Joshua), when they recorded their debut single, “I Believe,” in 2023. This track, produced in Yenagoa’s foremost recording studio, showcased their blend of soulful vocals and harmonies, quickly gaining traction on streaming platforms. Notably, their live rendition of “On My Side” at a local youth conference, filmed by a fellow worship leader, went viral on TikTok and Instagram, earning over 100,000 views within weeks. Their parents continued to provide both spiritual mentorship and financial support, ensuring that studio sessions and promotional activities remained grounded in family values. By late 2023, they had performed at several regional gospel concerts, including the Bayelsa Youth Revival Conference, solidifying their reputation as rising stars in the South-South gospel scene. De Stanley Brothers’ music draws from a blend of Afro-gospel, contemporary worship, and traditional choral elements. Influenced by Nigerian gospel icons such as Nathaniel Bassey and Mercy Chinwo, they integrate rhythmic percussion and call-and-response patterns characteristic of Bayelsa worship traditions. Their vocal arrangements often emphasize tight sibling harmonies, evoking comparisons to other gospel siblings like The Clark Sisters, yet infused with a distinctly Nigerian soundscape. Lyrically, their songs center on themes of faith, divine providence, and personal testimony.
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Discography, Collaborations, and Awards

Below is a consolidated list of De Stanley Brothers’ recorded works, organized by albums, singles, and featured appearances, as catalogued by Apple Music.
Albums
Rise to Worship (2025) Loved By You (2025) Singles & Eps (2023–2025) “I Believe” (Single, 2023) “On My Side” (Single, 2024) “Under Your Wings” (Single, 2024) “I Believe (Live)” (Single, 2024) “Thank You Lord” (Single, 2024) “Jesus Loves You (LIVE AT SOZO EMPERIA)” (Single, 2025) “Jesus Loves You (Acoustic)” (Single, 2025) “God Speed” (Single, 2 May 2025)  
Collaborations
De Stanley Brothers have collaborated with various Nigerian gospel artists and producers, enhancing their musical palette and expanding their audience: Gabriel Storm: Featured on “On My Side (Reprise)” (2024). Kemelord: Nigerian singer-songwriter, featured on “On My Side (Remix)” (2024). Sini Dagana: Featured on “Chioma” (2023). Tari: Collaborated on the live EP “On My Side (Live) \[feat. Tari]” (2024). Blessed Faith: Featured their rendition of “Ibuliri Isim Elu x On My Side” (2024). Additionally, they have worked with producer Obed Thompson on their rendition of “On My Side” for the Voyage Session, a prominent gospel showcase in Lagos. As of May 2025, De Stanley Brothers have not yet secured major national or international gospel awards. However, their nominations and recognitions include: Nomination for Bayelsa Youth Gospel Music Award (2024), recognizing emerging Christian artists from Bayelsa State. Featured as “Top Viral Gospel Act” on TikTok Nigeria (2025) for their track “God Speed.”
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Other Interests, Skills, and Impact

Beyond music, Joshua and Goodluck Stanley prioritize academic and athletic pursuits: Both are enrolled in secondary education in Yenagoa, maintaining top grades in sciences, with interests in medicine (Joshua) and education (Goodluck). They plan to become a lecturer (Goodluck) and a medical doctor (Joshua), reflecting their commitment to community development. As youth athletes, they continue to train in track (Joshua) and football (Goodluck), using sports as a platform for evangelism and mentorship. Their social media management skills have led them to mentor other young artists, hosting virtual workshops on content creation and digital engagement. As teenagers themselves, they serve as role models to young Christians, demonstrating that age is not a barrier to impactful ministry. Their story has inspired other youth gospel duos in the Niger Delta to pursue music alongside education and athletics. Their savvy use of TikTok challenges, Voyage Session, and YouTube live streams has shown how digital platforms can amplify gospel music, engaging global audiences beyond traditional church settings.
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Conclusion

De Stanley Brothers (Joshua and Goodluck Stanley) exemplify a new generation of Nigerian gospel artistes, blending academic ambition, athletic prowess, and spiritual fervor into a cohesive ministry. From their humble Bayelsa beginnings to viral social media moments, they have maintained authenticity, prioritizing worship over acclaim. While their discography is still growing, the impact of songs like “On My Side,” “I Believe,” and “God Speed” transcends mere entertainment, offering spiritual consolation and cultural unity. Their aspiration to pursue tertiary education alongside gospel music underscores a holistic approach to life and ministry. As they continue to evolve musically and personally, their faith-driven artistry will likely inspire countless young believers, reinforcing the transformative power of gospel music in contemporary Nigeria.
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This article was first published on 29th May 2025
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preciousgift-nwaeze

Preciousgift is an exceptionally gifted Nigerian writer with a robust theological background and an unwavering passion for gospel music. Alongside crafting uplifting gospel content, he demonstrates expertise in writing about education, communication, and technology, showcasing his remarkable versatility across various subjects.

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