Before TikTok challenges, Instagram Reels, and dance trends started dominating social media, there was children’s church.

We had Youth Week, Children’s Day, Thanksgiving Sunday, Family Weekend, and in one or all of these special programmes, the icing on the cake was the children running out in white and black, wearing gloves and doing choreography that left everyone smiling.

Now, if you grew up in a Nigerian church, there are certain songs that practically come with a dance routine attached.

The moment the instrumentals start, everybody already knows their position.

The children all line up, and the excited mommies and daddies bring out their phones to record.

So let’s take a walk down memory lane together and see how many of these songs you remember.

1. Opomulero by Angel

There is almost no way to talk about church choreography without mentioning this song.

For many of us, Opomulero was a full production. The song was so popular, it found its way into nearly every church at some point. Whether it was Children’s Day, church anniversary, or a special thanksgiving service, somebody was performing Opomulero.

In fact, when some of us hear “said in my heart, and in my soul,” we immediately start moving the way our children’s church teacher choreographed us all those years back.

Listen here:

2. Somore by Kenny Kore

Do we remember this one too?

This song had everything: a catchy beat, charisma, and a strong message: Are you grateful?

It became a favourite for praise sessions and choreography teams because it was impossible to stand still while it played.

And somehow, even if you weren’t part of the choreography group, you still knew at least half the moves. That’s how popular it was.

3. Olori Oko by Infinity

Olori Oko was typically done during Cultural Sundays because of its rich Yoruba expressions and traditional sound.

It’s actually a serious song that points to Christ, the Bridegroom, and speaks about His coming. But if we’re being honest, many of us learnt it majorly because we were taught it repeatedly in children’s church.

Plus, the cultural outfits always made the presentation feel even more special.

Listen to Olori Oko:

4. Igwe by Midnight Crew

“Igwe” by Midnight Crew became one of those songs that crossed denominations, generations, and age groups.

It didn’t matter whether you attended a Pentecostal church, an Anglican church, or a fellowship meeting. If Igwe came on, everybody knew what was happening.

5. Book of Life by Nathaniel Bassey

This one is a solemn song, and we did more drama than choreography.

It’s an emotional piece that tells the story of a man who sleeps and wakes up in eternity, only to discover that he cannot enter heaven. This song used to move entire congregations to tears, especially when little children dramatised the story and repeatedly asked:

“Is your name in the book of life?”

Listen here:

You may have forgotten some of the steps. But the moment these songs start playing, the memories come rushing back.

So tell us in the comments

Which gospel song did you perform choreography to growing up?

And which classics did we forget to mention?