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A Look Back at the History of Midnight Crew
Midnight Crew began its journey in November 2001, formed by four close friends; Patricia Uwaje-King, Mike Abdul, Odunayo Ojo-Onasanya, and Olugbenga Oyebola—during their university days at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos, Nigeria. Their shared passion for creating music that would both inspire and bring people closer to God was the foundation of their group. Patricia Uwaje-King has often reflected on the group’s vision, emphasizing that their mission was to use music as a powerful medium for evangelism, believing deeply in its ability to stir hearts and transform lives. Over the years, Midnight Crew’s music has evolved, weaving contemporary gospel with African rhythms to produce a sound uniquely their own. This fusion of modern praise and traditional African elements solidified their influence in Nigeria’s gospel scene and positioned them as one of the most significant gospel groups in the country.The Making of “Igwe”
In 2008, Midnight Crew released “Igwe” as the title track of their album Igwe. The word “Igwe,” meaning “King” or “Majesty” in the Igbo language, serves as the focal point of the song; a declaration of Jesus Christ as the supreme King. The group desired to create a song that would bring believers together in praise, regardless of their ethnic or cultural backgrounds. Mike Abdul shared that the inspiration for “Igwe” was drawn from Psalm 47:7 (NLT), which says, “For God is the King over all the earth. Praise him with a psalm!” This verse drove them to craft a worship song that would resonate with the heart of every African Christian, encouraging them to celebrate Jesus’ kingship in their unique cultural way. The song itself is a beautiful blend of African culture and worship. Midnight Crew’s decision to include indigenous languages, traditional African beats, and praise chants underscored their belief in the rich diversity of Nigerian Christianity. As Patricia Uwaje-King expressed, the goal was for “Igwe” to be “a meeting point where all Africans can worship together, regardless of language or tribe”.The Lasting Impact of “Igwe”
Since its release, “Igwe” has become a beloved gospel anthem across Nigeria and Africa. Its lively celebration of Jesus as King has made it a staple in churches, gospel concerts, and Christian events. What made “Igwe” stand out was its ability to appeal to listeners of all ages, crossing denominational and cultural boundaries. The song’s joyful rhythm and uplifting message created a space where people could come together in worship, no matter their background.Sign up for the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter
One of the song’s most notable contributions was how it brought African culture to the forefront of gospel worship. Before the release of “Igwe,” many church services leaned heavily toward Western-style worship music. Midnight Crew’s “Igwe” introduced a distinctly African flavour to worship, proving that Africans could worship God while embracing their cultural heritage. Eze (2021) highlights that this song empowered African Christians to worship authentically, blending their faith with cultural pride and deep spiritual expression. The influence of “Igwe” extends beyond the worship scene; it also impacted the broader gospel music industry. The song demonstrated that gospel music could be both celebratory and deeply spiritual while remaining grounded in African traditions. Many contemporary Nigerian gospel artists, including Frank Edwards and Tim Godfrey, have credited Midnight Crew with inspiring their approach to integrating African sounds into their music. Globally, “Igwe” found a wide-reaching audience. Worshippers across Africa, Europe, and North America embraced the song as part of their worship repertoire. The song’s relevance has been maintained through the power of social media, with countless covers, remixes, and dance videos circulating on platforms like YouTube and Instagram. Music blogs and websites frequently mention “Igwe” as a timeless masterpiece in African gospel music, ensuring its continued influence and impact on worshippers today. From a theological perspective, “Igwe” speaks powerfully to the kingship of Christ. The declaration of Jesus as King aligns with scriptures such as Revelation 19:16 (NLT), which proclaims, “On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.” The song’s focus on Christ’s supreme authority over all earthly kings and kingdoms not only makes it a song of worship but also a bold proclamation of the sovereignty of Christ.
Conclusion
“Igwe” by Midnight Crew is more than just a gospel song; it is a heartfelt declaration of faith and a powerful celebration of Jesus as King. Since its release in 2008, this song has blessed countless individuals, churches, and communities, transcending cultural and national borders. Its unique blend of African cultural expressions with profound worship has left a lasting legacy in gospel music, inspiring contemporary artists and worship leaders alike.Register to attend the CN Business Mixer
In an era where gospel music continues to evolve under global influences, “Igwe” remains a refreshing reminder that African Christians can honour their cultural identity while fully engaging in worship. As a timeless classic, “Igwe” continues to uplift, inspire, and encourage believers to proclaim Christ’s majesty in their lives and communities today.
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