Toluwanisings’ Death Has Left Gospel Artistes Terrified, Alayo Melody Reveals

Kehinde Adeleye

Nigerian gospel singer Alayo Melody has said the recent death of fellow gospel artiste Toluwanisings has sparked fear among gospel musicians, with some colleagues expressing concerns over who might die next.

Alayo made this known in a recent Instagram video, where he disclosed that he had received several calls from distressed colleagues following Toluwanisings’ death.

The singer said the incident had deeply affected him, particularly because he had been scheduled to perform alongside the deceased at a show the following week.

He also revealed that they still had pending discussions before Toluwanisings’ death.

While praying for the deceased’s family and children, Alayo urged gospel artistes not to allow pressure to please others to override their personal convictions and need for rest.

He advised musicians against accepting invitations to minister when they felt uncomfortable or believed they needed time to rest.

“It’s better to offend people than offend yourself. It’s impossible to satisfy or please everyone. If you are invited somewhere and your spirit kicks against the job, just charge them with millions they can’t afford,” he said.

Alayo also criticised what he described as the growing disconnect between some gospel artistes and their spiritual foundations, alleging that fame and modernisation had caused many to abandon the practices and religious traditions they grew up with.

Reflecting on his background, he said he was born into the Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) tradition before joining the Celestial Church of Christ in 1995.

He referenced prayer and other traditional spiritual practices associated with these churches, arguing that some gospel musicians had become dismissive of the beliefs and practices of their religious backgrounds.

According to him, some artistes attend different churches for ministration without maintaining a consistent place of worship, while others, he alleged, lack a sound understanding of the Bible despite identifying as gospel singers.

Alayo urged his colleagues to reconnect with their spiritual foundations and strengthen their relationship with God rather than panic over the recent deaths.

He also cited the biblical account of Jesus using mud to heal a blind man, arguing that spiritual practice could involve actions beyond spoken declarations.

Concluding his message, the singer prayed against premature deaths and called for an end to what he described as evil within the gospel music community.

His remarks come amid grief over Toluwanisings’ death, which has prompted reactions and renewed conversations among gospel music followers and industry colleagues.