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Tope Alabi

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Tope Alabi
Born (1970-10-27) 27 October 1970 (age 53)
Lagos, Nigeria
EducationPolytechnic Ibadan
Occupation(s)Gospel singer, actress, film music composer
Known forGospel music
Children3

Tope Alabi Listenⓘ(born 27 October 1970) is a Nigerian gospel singer,[1] film music composer[2] and actress.[3] She is also known as Ore ti o common and as Agbo Jesu. can be described as one of the pacesetters of soundtracks in the Yoruba film industry and has composed over 350 soundtracks credited to her name till date.[4][5] Tope Alabi obtained a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from the Polytechnic of Ibadan, after graduating in the year 1990, she worked as a correspondent at NTA (Nigerian Television Authority) in Ibadan. She started singing at a younger age, when she joined the choir in her local Catholic church at the age of seven.[6] Tope has ability to produce different traditional and modern beats.[7][8] She had composed and released several songs and couple with Christian slangs that made her different.[9]

Early life and education

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Tope Alabi was born in Lagos State, Nigeria, into a family of seven. She hails from Yewa in Ogun State. Alabi developed an interest in music at a young age, participating in her church choir and singing during school events. She attended Oba Akinyele Memorial High School in Ibadan, Oyo State and obtained her West Africa School Certificate, before proceeding to the Polytechnic Ibadan, where she studied Mass Communication and graduated in 1990.[10]

Career

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Tope Alabi began her career in the Nigerian entertainment industry in the 1990s, working as an actress and singer for the theater group Jesters International.[11] During this period, she developed her skills in film music composition, writing, and performing soundtracks for Yoruba-language films.[12] Her ability to craft spiritually uplifting music, often blending Yoruba proverbs and Christian teachings, earned her recognition within the industry.[13][14]

In 2000, Alabi released her debut album, Ore ti o Common (Uncommon Favor), which gained significant popularity and established her as a leading gospel artist in Nigeria.[15] The success of this album was followed by other notable releases, including Agbara Nla (2001), Angeli Mi (2007), and Yes and Amen (2018).[16][17] Her songs, often delivered in a mix of Yoruba and English, emphasize themes of faith, worship, and divine intervention.[18]

Style and Influence

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Tope Alabi's music is characterized by her unique ability to combine traditional Yoruba musical elements, such as folk rhythms and storytelling, with contemporary gospel and worship music. She is known for her powerful vocal delivery and the spiritual depth of her lyrics. Alabi's music often incorporates cultural and religious references that resonate with Nigerian audiences, and she has played a key role in popularizing Yoruba gospel music beyond Nigeria.[19]

Her influence extends to the church and gospel music communities, where she is considered a mentor to many up-and-coming gospel artists. She is also recognized for her live worship performances,[20] which draw large audiences both in Nigeria and internationally.[21]

Personal Life

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Tope Alabi is married to Soji Alabi, her music producer.[22] The couple has three children.[23][24]

Alabi is known for her deep spirituality, often sharing her Christian faith through both her music and public appearances. Her testimony and commitment to spreading the gospel have earned her a reputation as a spiritual leader within the gospel music community.[25][26]

Controversies

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In 2021, Tope Alabi faced criticism for her comments regarding a popular gospel song, "Oniduro Mi," by fellow artist Adeyinka Alaseyori. Alabi's remarks were perceived as critical of the song's lyrics, leading to a public backlash from fans and supporters of both artists. The controversy sparked debates about the interpretation of gospel music and the nature of divine names in the Yoruba language. Alabi later clarified her statements and emphasized her respect for other gospel musicians, urging unity within the gospel music community.[27]

Discography

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  • Ore ti o Common (2001)
  • Iwe Eri (2003)
  • Agbara Re NI (2005)
  • Agbara Olorun (2006)
  • Angeli MI (2007)
  • Kokoro Igbala (2008)
  • Kabiosi (2010)
  • Moriyanu
  • Agbelebu (2011)
  • Alagbara (2012)
  • Agbelebu (2013)
  • Oruko Tuntun (2015)
  • Omo Jesu (2017)
  • Yes & Amen (2018)
  • Spirit of Light (TY Bello) (2019)
  • Olorun Nbe Funmi (Iseoluwa)
  • Eruretoba (TY Bello)
  • Adonai (TY Bello)
  • Awa Gbe Oga (TY Bello)
  • Angeli (TY Bello)
  • No One Else (TY Bello)
  • Oba Mi De (TY Bello)
  • Olowo Ina (TY Bello)
  • War (TY Bello)
  • Lowo Olorun Lowa (2020)
  • Unless You Bless Me (2022)
  • Igbowo Eda (2023)
  • Oluwa Ni: The Spontaneous Worship (2024) [28]

Awards and Recognition

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Tope Alabi has received numerous awards for her contributions to gospel music, including:

References

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  1. ^ Shepherd, John; Laing, Dave (2003). Continuum encyclopedia of popular music of the world, Volumes 3-7. Continuum. p. 171. ISBN 978-0-8264-7436-0.
  2. ^ Adeyemi, S. T. (2004). "The Culture Specific Application of Sound in Nigerian Video Movies". Nigerian Music Review. 5. University of Ife: 51–61. ISSN 1116-428X. OCLC 5386079.
  3. ^ Adebayo, Bose (26 July 2008). "I Was in Labour for Four Days for My Second Baby-Tope Alabi". Vanguard. Retrieved 19 October 2009.
  4. ^ "Biography". Tope Alabi. Retrieved 6 December 2010.
  5. ^ "Listen: "Logan Ti Ode" by Tope Alabi Featuring Ty Bello". guardian.ng. 31 October 2018. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  6. ^ Mankinde, Olajide (20 September 2024). "The Inspiring Biography of Gospel Singer Tope Alabi". Np Media. Retrieved 20 September 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  7. ^ "Tope Alabi Biography, Profile, History, Latest Music, Songs & News - NaijaGists.com - Proudly Nigerian DIY Motivation & Information Blog". 22 October 2012. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  8. ^ NG, Youth Village (23 March 2016). "10 Things You Didn't Know About Tope Alabi". Youth Village Nigeria. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  9. ^ Babatunde (16 September 2022). "Full List Of Tope Alabi Albums And Songs". Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  10. ^ "Tope Alabi". Naija.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  11. ^ ""I Loved To Reveal My Boobs" - Tope Alabi". Nigeria Films. 14 June 2008. Retrieved 19 October 2009.
  12. ^ Alonge Michael (6 July 2009). "Tope Alabi on nine month's course". ModernGhana.com. Retrieved 19 October 2009.
  13. ^ Ajibade, George Olusola (2007). "New Wine in Old Cups: Postcolonial Performance of Christian Music in Yorùbá Land". Studies in World Christianity. 13 (2). Edinburgh University Press: 105–126. doi:10.1353/swc.2007.0014. ISSN 1354-9901.
  14. ^ "How An Unplanned Career Change Took Tope Alabi To The Top Of Gospel Music - Nigerian Entertainment Today". 9 November 2020. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  15. ^ "I was reluctant to sing gospel –Tope Alabi". modernghana. 5 June 2009.
  16. ^ "Tope Alabi Biography |Profile |FabWoman". FabWoman | News, Style, Living Content For The Nigerian Woman. 27 October 2020. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  17. ^ "#CommentSection: Tope Alabi crowned luminary of Yoruba artistry at #UBAAt70 yk". Oak TV Newstrack. Oak Tv. 21 May 2019. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  18. ^ "Tope Alabi: Story lines determine my soundtrack compositions". The Nation. 19 July 2020.
  19. ^ Black, Henry (8 December 2021). "Why I Chose Not To Follow My Mum's Style Of Music – TOPE ALABI's Daughter, AYOMIKU". Nigeriafilms. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  20. ^ Akinola, Wale (16 June 2021). "Oniduro Mi: The missing holy spirit and Tope Alabi's outburst by Lawal Adewale". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  21. ^ Abimbolu, Debola (12 April 2019). "Tope Alabi and TY Bello deliver live music themed music video for "Iwo Lawa O Ma Bo"". The NATIVE. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  22. ^ Metibogun, Shade (19 April 2024). ""50 ke? So she is older than him?" Tope Alabi marks hubby's birthday, fans react". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  23. ^ Edeme, Victoria (16 November 2021). "Singer Tope Alabi, husband mark 21st wedding anniversary". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  24. ^ Edeme, Victoria (7 May 2022). "Singer Tope Alabi, husband celebrate daughter's 24th birthday". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  25. ^ "Tope Alabi tours US says, 'My testimony is about people receiving Jesus' - Daily Trust". Dailytrust. 10 July 2023. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  26. ^ Olawale, Gabriel (13 July 2023). "My joy during ministration is seeing people repent – Tope Alabi". vanguardng.
  27. ^ "Wetin Tope Alabi tok about di song 'Oniduromi' and how pipo react". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  28. ^ VibeOnVibe.com.ng (2 February 2023). "Stream 'Tope Alabi - Oluwa Ni: The Spontaneous Worship Album". VibeOnVibe.com.ng. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
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