Nigerian gospel artiste Tomi Folayan is making waves across the music scene with his latest single “Saluting Twale,” which has rapidly gained popularity on Spotify, landing on the platform’s top viral gospel tracks of 2025 infused in multiple editorial and curator playlists. This achievement is a testament to the evolving landscape of gospel music in Nigeria; one that is increasingly resonating beyond the traditional church setting and capturing the imagination of a broader audience.
In recent years, Nigerian gospel music has been experiencing a renaissance, with artistes like Gaise Baba and Lawrence Oyor leading the charge. Gaise Baba, known for his soulful worship sessions and innovative fusion of contemporary sounds with traditional African rhythms, has helped redefine gospel music’s place in Nigeria’s mainstream music conversation. Similarly, Lawrence Oyor’s inspiring chant and heartfelt delivery have garnered a massive following, making gospel music more accessible and appealing to the younger generation.
The success of songs like “No Turning Back” by Gaise Baba and Lawrence Oyor exemplifies how gospel music in Nigeria is shifting its narrative. These artists are breaking barriers by blending spiritual messages with modern musical influences, thus appealing to both churchgoers and secular music lovers alike. Their music is now being streamed in homes, on social media, and in clubs, demonstrating that gospel is no longer confined to religious settings but is a vital part of Nigeria’s contemporary cultural fabric.
Tomi Folayan’s “Saluting Twale” further underscores this trend by blending traditional praise elements with a modern gospel rhythm, creating a sound that is both rooted in Nigerian worship culture and globally relevant. Its organic rise driven by playlist features, repeat listens, and word-of-mouth—highlights how gospel music is gaining mainstream traction without relying solely on traditional promotional channels.
This shift is also reflected in the broader conversation about how gospel music is influencing Nigeria’s music industry. More artistes are experimenting with new sounds and lyrical content, pushing the genre into new territories and broadening its audience. Gospel artistes like Baba, Lawrence Oyor, and now Tomi Folayan are leading this movement, proving that gospel can be both spiritually meaningful and commercially successful.
Finally, congratulations are in order for Tomi Folayan on the success of “Saluting Twale,” which not only marks a personal milestone but also signals a new era for Nigerian gospel music. His achievement, along with the accomplishments of Gaise Baba and Lawrence Oyor, demonstrates that gospel artistes are now shaping the future of Nigeria’s music scene thereby innovating, inspiring, and breaking new ground.
This is indeed a bold and exciting moment for gospel music in Nigeria, one that promises more vibrant, culturally rich, and impactful music in the years to come.
About Tomi Folayan:
Tomisin Kehinde Folayan, Better known as Tomi Folayan is a Nigerian gospel musician born on November 24, 1996, from Kwara State. Growing up in a family of five with his twin brother as last born.
He developed a deep passion for music early on, actively participating in musical concerts from the age of 13. He began the music movement called “OLYMPAS Shihon”
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