His name may not ring a bell, but if you’ve ever been swept off your feet by a deep, groovy bass-line in a Nigerian gospel song, or caught yourself nodding to a rich, soulful jazz rhythm, then it’s certain you’ve encountered the sound of Joshua Fashina popularly known as Agbajoshu.
Give it to him, Agbajoshu doesn’t shout. He doesn’t crave the spotlight. But give him a bass guitar and you see everything about him suddenly comes alive.
A calling, not just career
Born and bred in Lagos, Joshua’s journey into music didn’t start with ambition – it started with love – the kind of love that grows quietly in church pews, between worship songs and Wednesday rehearsals. While others ran to the mic or the drums, young Joshua found himself drawn to the bass guitar. “I found my voice in the bass,” he says with a quiet smile. “It’s not the loudest, but it holds everything together. That’s me. In music… and in life.”
And that’s really who he is, a grounding presence, both on and off the stage. His stage name, Agbajoshu, is a reflection of his spirit. Loosely translated as ‘Elder Joshua’, it depicts a man who’s respected amongst his peers for his leadership, collaboration, humility and purpose.
Music that ministers
For more than 30 years, Agbajoshu has been doing the work faithfully, quietly and brilliantly. He has played with the giants: Ebenezer Obey, Tope Alabi, Tim Godfrey, Mike Aremu, Bright Gain, Agboola Shadare, Tosin Martins, Nosa, Yetunde Are, Olumide Iyun and many more. But you’ll rarely hear him brag.
From the monumental stage of The Experience Lagos to soulful jazz sets at Muson Centre, Lagos International Jazz Festival to Beyond Music, Agbajoshu brings the same thing every time: depth, joy and soul.
“He doesn’t just play,” a fellow artist squeals. “He feels. And when you listen, you feel it too.”
Man behind the music
Agbajoshu, the walking bass maestro, is also a builder of people. As music director at several churches including Holy Hill Lagos, Triumphant Christian Centre, and now Mount Zion Church, Osapa London, Lekki, Lagos, he’s been more than a leader. He’s a mentor, big brother, and quiet coach who sees the gold in others and helps bring it out.
“He doesn’t just train your voice or fingers,” a young worship leader shares. “He builds your confidence. He lifts your spirit.”
The sound of Imole
One of the chapters Agbajoshu is most proud of is Imole Afrika Band, which he co-founded with gifted saxophonist, Segun Atoyebi.
Imole means light in Yoruba, and that’s what the band is all about: shining the light of African-rooted, faith-inspired music into dark places. Their sound is rich, spiritual, earthy and full of message. A few of their songs are already online and reaching hearts far and wide. It’s not mainstream, it’s not manufactured, but it’s real – and that’s what makes it powerful!
Two albums, one heartbeat
Agbajoshu has released two deeply personal albums: Ranti (Remember) in 2013 – a soft, nostalgic reminder of God’s faithfulness, and L’oruko Jesu (In the Name of Jesus) in 2020 – a bold celebration of praise, rhythm, and hope. Both are indeed a reflection of his journey, his faith, his walk, and his groove with God.
Purpose not fame
In today’s fast-moving, trend-chasing music world, Agbajoshu is something rare: a man who knows exactly why he plays – and who he plays for.
“I just want to serve,” he says. “If one bass line I play can help someone feel joy again, or remember God’s love… then I’ve done my job.”
The veteran bassist is not done yet, not even close. The groove is still growing; the faith is still deepening, and the message? Still loud and clear coming through a quiet but powerful bass-line.
Agbajoshu reminds us that not every star shines with noise. Some shine with consistency, grace and groove. And for this, Nigeria’s music scene is better, deeper, richer and truer, because he’s in it.
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