Post Image
  Nathaniel Bassey’s rise to prominence in Nigerian gospel music is not just a story of musical talent but one of divine purpose and obedience. Born into a family rooted in ministry and music, Bassey’s early life was steeped in both spiritual and artistic influences. His conversation with Pst Sola Osunmakinde provides a detailed account of how he transitioned from an aspiring jazz musician to a gospel minister, guided by prophetic words, mentorship, and spiritual encounters. This article delves into the key moments that defined Bassey’s call to ministry, supported by insights from sources like Wikipedia, TheNewman.org.ng, and Entrepreneurs.ng. Through his story, we see a journey of faith, sacrifice, and commitment to using music as a tool for worship and divine connection.
Read more about Gospel Music

Early Life and Musical Foundation

Nathaniel Bassey was born on August 27, 1981, in Lagos, Nigeria, into a devout Christian family from Ikot Ofon Ikono, Akwa Ibom State. His father, Mr. E. Joshua Bassey, served as a minister in the Apostolic Church Bashua Assembly, creating a home environment rich in spiritual and musical influences. Bassey’s early exposure to music came through his family’s love for highlife and jazz, with artists like Jim Rex Lawson, Inyang Henshaw, Miles Davis, and Dizzy Gillespie shaping his musical tastes. He recalled spending hours with his father listening to these genres, which sparked an “uncommon penchant” for improvisational music. As a young boy, Bassey began playing the drums in church, later transitioning to the trumpet, an instrument that would become central to his ministry. His family’s involvement in church music provided a platform for his early musical expression, blending his spiritual upbringing with his growing talent. Bassey’s initial ambition was to become a professional jazz musician, leading him to join secular bands like the Steve Rhodes Orchestra and Spectrum 4, and even to apply for a scholarship to Berkeley School of Music. This period of his life laid a strong musical foundation, but it was his spiritual experiences that would redirect his path toward gospel ministry.

Mentorship and Spiritual Preparation

Nathaniel Bassey’s journey to ministry was significantly shaped by mentorship and prophetic affirmations that pointed to his divine calling. A key figure in his early spiritual life was Elder Ehegi Oha, a family friend and police sergeant with a supernatural ability to read the Bible. Oha prophesied about Bassey’s future, saying, “I see him for highway, big bus, dey overtake everybody,” indicating a significant ministry ahead. This prophetic word, delivered when Bassey was young, planted a seed of purpose, though he did not fully understand it at the time.
Sign up for the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter
As Bassey grew, he joined The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) and later RCCG City Of David, where he served under the mentorship of Late Pastor Eskor Mfon. This period was crucial for his spiritual growth, as he took time off from mainstream music commitments to seek God. Bassey emphasizes the importance of preparation and discipleship, noting that he spent 17 years (from 1991, when he began playing the trumpet, to 2008, when he recorded his first album) honing his craft and spiritual life under mentorship. He draws parallels with Jesus, who prepared for over 20 years for a three-year ministry, and Sinach, who served in her home church before ministering widely. This season of preparation equipped Bassey to embrace his calling with clarity and conviction.

Pivotal Moments and Commitment to Ministry

The turning point in Nathaniel Bassey’s call to ministry came during a church service at RCCG City Of David, where he was ministering with his trumpet. His pastor, Pst Eskor Mfon, approached him and said, “Nathaniel, do you know that when you play the trumpet, I cry? Do you know that you are carrying ”something?”. This moment shifted Bassey’s perspective, moving him from a “typical musician mentality” focused on gigs and financial gain to recognizing the spiritual anointing on his music. Initially, he dismissed his pastor’s words, joking with friends that the pastor was trying to keep him in church. However, the weight of this observation lingered. Bassey’s calling was further confirmed through profound spiritual experiences. One night, while worshipping alone, he felt a “blanket” of God’s presence rest on him, a sensation he described as holy. Another pivotal moment came when a relative, who had never contacted him before, called to say, “Thus saith the Lord, the hand of God is upon you from today; conduct yourself accordingly”. These encounters led Bassey to make radical sacrifices, including giving up a Berkeley School of Music scholarship and opportunities to tour with secular artists like Asa. He faced fierce criticism from friends and colleagues, with some, like journalist Benson Idonije, arguing that his talent was “wasting away in a local church”. Yet, Bassey remained steadfast, choosing to dedicate his life to gospel ministry. His song “When I Met Jesus (The Call),” released in 2018 as part of the album Jesus: The Resurrection & The Life, encapsulates this transformative experience. The lyrics reflect the profound change that occurred when he encountered God, shifting his focus from music as performance to music as worship. Bassey’s commitment to ministry is also evident in his philosophy of not charging for ministrations, believing that he cannot charge God for the gift given freely.
Register to attend the CN Business Mixer

Conclusion

Nathaniel Bassey’s journey to recognizing his call to ministry is a powerful narrative of divine orchestration, spiritual growth, and unwavering commitment. From his early days as a jazz enthusiast in a musically inclined Christian family to his transformative encounters with God, Bassey’s story illustrates the intersection of talent and faith. Mentorship from Pastor Eskor Mfon and prophetic affirmations from figures like Elder Ehegi Oha provided clarity, while pivotal spiritual experiences confirmed his purpose. Despite sacrificing lucrative secular opportunities and facing criticism, Bassey’s dedication to using music as a tool for worship has made him a leading figure in Nigerian gospel music. Today, Bassey pastors The Oasis Lagos, the youth church of RCCG Kings Court, and leads initiatives like the Hallelujah Challenge, impacting millions globally. His recent invitation to minister at Donald Trump’s Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast in 2025 underscores his growing influence. Bassey’s journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring ministers and musicians, emphasizing the importance of obedience, preparation, and reliance on divine guidance. His life reflects a profound truth: true ministry is about ministering to God and His people, using one’s gifts to glorify Him.
Featured Image Source: Channels Television

References

Nathaniel Bassey Wikipedia Biography Biography of Pastor Nathaniel Bassey Nathaniel Bassey: Biography of an Anointed Gospel Musician How to Blow in Your Music Ministry – Nathaniel Bassey Nathaniel Bassey – When I Met Jesus (The Call) Nathaniel Bassey on Not Charging for Ministry Nathaniel Bassey’s Testimony on Trump Inaugural Invite Conversation with Pst Sola Osunmakinde, 2025
Got something you want to read about on our platform? Contact us: [email protected]
You might also like:
This article was first published on 4th July 2025
Notice: Undefined variable: last_modified in /var/www/html/articles/wp-content/themes/cnhalptem/content-single.php on line 36

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.

Comments (0)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *