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Renowned evangelist and filmmaker, Mike Bamiloye, has publicly defended the viral gospel anthem “No Turning Back” by Gaise Baba and Lawrence Oyor, following a wave of both praise and criticism from within the Christian community.
The energetic track — a fusion of Yoruba rhythms, bold declarations of faith, and a modern sound — has resonated widely among Nigerian youth, racking up over 4 million streams across digital platforms. But its accompanying music video and unconventional presentation have stirred controversy, with some Christian critics — including a pastor — taking issue with the artists’ appearance and stylistic choices.
In a passionate social media post, Bamiloye urged believers to look beyond aesthetics and focus on the song’s core message: a transformative encounter with Jesus Christ. Citing lyrics like “Ife Jesu lo wa mi ri, to gbami ku o” (“The love of Jesus sought me, found me, and died for me”), he argued that the track effectively delivers the gospel in a language today’s youth can understand.
“Teenagers and young adults today are some of the most difficult people to reach with the gospel,” Bamiloye wrote. “In a world that glamorizes drugs, promiscuity, money-worship, and fleeting love, we finally get a song that boldly centers Jesus — and some of us are criticizing it? What is wrong with us?”
The criticism, which has ranged from Gaise Baba’s colorful hair to Lawrence Oyor’s headband and expressive dancing, misses the point, Bamiloye said. He called on the Church to embrace new forms of gospel expression that are culturally relevant without compromising biblical truth.
“Will every gospel singer be Dunsin or Nathaniel?” he asked. “Instead of focusing on the outward appearance, what if we focused on praying that, out of 4 million streams, at least 400,000 youths would genuinely surrender to Jesus?”
Bamiloye’s comments have sparked further conversation online about the role of creativity in gospel music and how best to reach the next generation. He warned that harsh criticism of contemporary Christian music risks pushing young people further into the arms of secular culture.
“When we publicly condemn songs like this, directly or subtly, we shut the door to one of the few tools actually speaking the language of the street with the heart of the cross,” he wrote.
“No Turning Back,” released earlier this year, has become a viral soundtrack for Christian youth, often used in TikTok challenges and Instagram reels. Its success is a reflection of growing efforts by Nigerian gospel artists to merge spiritual depth with sonic relevance.
Bamiloye concluded his message with a plea for understanding and unity: “Rather than criticise, let’s pray. Let’s encourage. Let’s support gospel expressions that speak to this generation in their own rhythm. Haba! Some of us are still ‘saving the ark’ and we don’t even know it. May God help us all.”
English (US) ·