By Ladi Ayodeji
Rev Chris Okotie clocks 63 on June 16, 2023. Beats Publisher, Ladi Ayodeji, a close associate of Okotie, pays tribute to the iconic preacher and reveals details of the Pastor’s political plans:
Chris Okotie came into the limelight with his epoch-making hit album, I Need Someone in 1980, more than 42 years ago and the controversial superstar remains in the national consciousness, for reasons beyond his music.
In the period under review, Okotie has become one of the nation’s elite preachers, and politicians, and, by virtue of his more than 100 self-composed/produced gospel songs, one of the greatest musicians of all time.
Not only did I Need Someone capture the spirit of the age, but it also defined the parameters by which pop music is measured in this country. It’s the standard for all subsequent pop albums to date.
Okotie is our first national pop hit-maker, and pop music hero.
He is the only singer whose new album release generated national expectations, pop fan euphoria, debates, etc.
Okotie is the only Nigerian singer whose poster was sold alongside Michael Jackson and other American idols.
Yet, millions do not know that Okotie’s biggest treasure is his more than one hundred unreleased songs that he sings in his church.
One of these songs is the popular signature tune, Yonder Place, which used to herald his famous weekly gospel message, Apokalupsis on AIT, NTA, and other broadcast outlets.
Asked why his gospel songs are not recorded for commercial distribution, Okotie said he has not been led to do so.
It’s for the same reason his powerful messages are not online. Nowadays, he needs divine instructions to do anything in ministry or even politics.
Of all he has done so far his forays into politics are the biggest and boldest venture yet and the most misunderstood.
However, on Sunday, June 19,2023, the Reverend would address the media on his Vision for Nigeria, his views on 2023, and his role in the political process.
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