By Ikenna Obioha
For Dunsin Oyekan, the business of making gospel music is one he takes seriously.
Having been introduced to the music genre at a very tender age in church, where he learned to play multiple musical instruments, he’s since turned into a prolific gospel act.
So far, Oyekan has released a substantial body of work, and maintains this impressive streak with the 2023 release of “The Birth of Revival”, a 14-track album that comprises songs that range between six and 16 minutes.
The Sun handpicked four tracks from the latest album for review. They include Maranatha, When I See You, Who Is On the Lord’s Side, and Crown of Souls. But then, the selection of songs covers the essence of the entire album.
What The Birth of Revival reveals is that Oyekan has mastered the art of consistency. Over time, he has maintained a formula that works: a mix of soul, spirituality, and sincerity in praise that compels. Those familiar with his work will discern these qualities throughout the buffet of songs.
Maranatha, which loosely translates to “our Lord, come”, is well mirrored in the title track that looks forward to the coming of the Lord.
Here, Oyekan opens by briefly speaking in tongues over thumping bass and soaring electric guitars. All the background instrumentals fade out, giving way to his mellow yet firm vocals, singing: “You won’t come, without the sound. It’s the protocol of the King. So we lift our voice to You. Maranatha! Hallelujah!”
The sonorous singing of the choir subsequently backs him. After several verses, there is a noticeable key change to unveil a higher pitch and a faster singing pace. The synchronization between him and the choir, the supporting musical instruments, married with sheer audacity inspire assurance. The praise slows down into worship marked by minimal instrumental and vocal proclamations.
When I See You is a worship and praise hybrid song that kicks off riding on the gentle strums of an acoustic guitar and sparkling piano chords. It tells a story of the singer’s allegiance to the Lord and what he plans on doing upon meeting Him on the last day.
As already established, Oyekan doesn’t lack enthusiasm, and it shows on this track as it gradually changes into a harmony of fast-racing beats matched by the spirited choir. It’s an adrenaline-inducing number that makes 13 long minutes seem like a breeze.
Just like he collaborated with Kim Burrell on the fire-breathing Na You, Oyekan recruits Nigeria’s Mercy Chinwo for a call-and-response-styled track, Who Is on the Lord’s Side. Alluding to gospel reggae, the sixth track on the album thrives on the concept of minimal songwriting with no noticeable standalone verse except for interesting ad-libs.
Between Chinwo and Oyekan, there is a seeming balance between the two in terms of who takes the reins without overshadowing the other. This simple quality impacts a certain appeal that only describes the track as a gospel anthem.
Structurally, Crown of Souls is reminiscent of Donnie McClurkin’s Create in Me, except that it starts as a worship song where Oyekan pours out his heart singing the opening lines: “Oh, Great King. How lovely is Your crown of souls. We Your trophies. Are here to worship you.”
Although, it maintains these lyrics throughout the song’s structure, it eventually makes a seamless switch to high tempo praise song punctuated with wild electric guitar riffs at the 2:24 minutes mark, but later loses the torque at the 6:20 minutes mark, where it reverts to a low tempo praise song before closing out.
Generally, Oyekan makes it known he’s a firebrand gospel musician that thrives on the praise lane rather than worship. Try as he might, he always makes his way back to the praise highway. The entire composition maintains all the hallmarks of contemporary gospel music that appeals to awarding bodies like the Grammy.
In all four tracks, Oyekan delivers a live worship and praise experience that is overwhelming. While he’s mastered the art of making music, certainly, his approach only shows he’s led by a higher force, making the listening an experiential one.