Nathaniel Bassey is a Nigerian Pastor, singer, songwriter and trumpeter. He is the Pastor of The Oasis Lagos, The Youth Church of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Kings Court in Victoria Island, Lagos.
He is also well known for his #HallelujahChallenge; a 30-day midnight praise challenge which began in June 2017. Nathaniel Basey’s Hallelujah challenge aimed at getting more people to praise God. It has very quickly become the most widely accepted praise culture on social media as is evident by the consistent increase in the number of streamers in each episode. The Hallelujah challenge has attracted the attention of both local and international press.
In this article by owwire, we thoroughly explore the life of Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, one of Nigeria’s finest in the gospel music industry.
Nathaniel Bassey Biography
Pastor Nathaniel Bassey was born in Lagos, Nigeria on August 27th 1981. He however hails from Uyo local government area in Akwa Ibom state, a state in southern Nigeria.
He studied international relations and politics at the University of Lagos. He also attended Middlesex University Summer school, where he studied music.
Nathaniel Bassey developed a love for jazz music in his early years after listening to and imitating music by the likes of Louis Armstrong, Kirk Whalum and several other jazz icons. This passion for jazz led him to join a top jazz quartet spectrum 4, in Lagos.
Around that time, he was approached by Steve Rhodes, the former manager of Fela Kuti. Steve gave Nathaniel Bassey the opportunity to join the Steve Rhodes orchestra. This was the beginning of Nathaniel’s career as a trumpeter. Nathaniel stayed with this orchestra for about two years, before deciding to move on.
As time went on, Pastor Nathaniel Bassey began to sense what he described as “a deep yearning within” for something more. He began to feel that there was a lot more to music than he knew. This feeling resulted in some actions that changed the course of his life forever. To satisfy his yearning for more, Pastor Nathaniel took some time off his numerous engagements to seek the Lord under the mentorship of Late Pastor Eskor Mfon, the former Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David Parish.
This decision attracted a lot of criticism from friends and colleagues who could not understand why he would abandon a thriving musical career to serve in a local church.
However, as Nathaniel developed an intimate relationship with God, he got to understand that music was an essential tool in worshipping the Lord. Shortly thereafter, a music ministry whose focus was solely ministering to and worshipping the Lord was born for Nathaniel Bassey.
Nathaniel Bassey Wife
On April 14, 2013, Nathaniel Bassey married Pastor Sarah Bassey. The union has been blessed with two children – a boy and a girl.
Top 10 Nathaniel Bassey Songs
Since the release of his hit track Someone’s knocking at the door, in 2010, he has released several other hit singles. He has also featured other gospel artists. Below is a list of the top 10 songs by Nathaniel Bassey.
- Hallelujah eh
- Onise Iyanu
- Book of Life
- Imela
- Someone’s knocking at the door
- Strong tower
- See what the Lord has done
- Adonai
- Olowogbogboro
- Olorun Agbaye
Nathaniel Bassey Awards and Nominations
Pastor Nathaniel has received several different awards and nominations over the years. They include
- Best Gospel Artist at the African Gospel Muzik Magazine Awards and Music Music Festival Awards, AFRIMMA, 2017.
- Gospel Artist of the year at the City People Music Award, 2017.
- Album of Excellence at the African Gospel Music Awards 2019
- Artist of the year nominee by the Crystal Gospel Awards 2019
