“We are going to be singing a song that we used to sing when I was young, and has now been made popular by somebody who remodelled it. I want the choir to sing the modern version, so everyone here can dance and sing with joy.”

-Pastor E.A Adeboye, August, 2025.

This might sound like just an ordinary request, but if you know the backstory, you’ll understand that it was something deeper than that.

In front of the millions of people present at the recently concluded RCCG convention, and several more who watched online, Pastor E.A Adeboye had given the Afrogospel song by Gaise Baba, “No turning back,” a stamp of approval. Since the song was released in May, it has been the subject of criticism and backlash by a lot of Christian leaders. With accusations of blasphemy, and ‘encouraging unhealthy prosperity gospel,’ this song was a topic of controversy in a lot of congregations.

One would think that the younger, millennial leaders would be at the forefront, encouraging the younger generation to praise God in the authentic way that Afro-gospel provides. However, in a surprising twist of events, they have been the loudest skeptics, leaving it up to the elders of the Baby Boomer generation to show grace and support the Afro-gospel movement.

Read Also: Beats of Faith: How Afrogospel Honors African Traditions While Spreading the Gospel

Why is there so much pushback against Afro-gospel music?

Throughout history, changes in music styles in the church have met resistance in one way or another; from the first use of instruments in worship, to the era of hip-hop praise with Kirk Franklin.

Afro-gospel is the latest sound in that long line, and it is facing the same skepticism that fresh expressions have always encountered.

As such, the pushback and resistance is not strange. It is only surprising that millennials, who are younger and closer to the new generation are at the forefront of critiquing the Afro-gospel movement.

As we dig a little deeper, we see that their objections stem from a handful of fears and other preconceived notions.

First off, the fear of worldly influence. A lot of Afro-gospel artists have unconventional looks. With dyed hair, or streetwear outfits, they often tend to draw from a demographic that millennials have been taught to associate with ungodliness.

That brings us to our next reason: Their background. Millennials today were raised with stricter church cultures, where topics like money, dressing and expression were either off limits or demonized. So we can’t blame them too much, they’re only trying to uphold the same boundaries they grew up with.

How the older generation is embracing the Afro-gospel Movement.

Older leaders in the faith like Pastor Adeboye, Bishop Oyedepo, Pastor Poju Oyemade, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and several others, have now risen up in a surprising show of support for the Afro-gospel community. From giving platforms to rising artists, to encouraging music ministers on a global scale, Baby Boomers are focusing on the big picture: the souls being won to Christ and the massive spread of the gospel through Afro-gospel music.

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Acceptance is not bound by age.

This dynamic teaches us a very important lesson about how God raises help from unexpected places.

While the millennial generation may not yet be fully welcoming of Afro-gospel music, the gospel is still finding Champions in the generation before them. And with the signs and wonders that God is doing through the Gen-z worshippers, it is only a matter of time before the sound of Afro-gospel is embraced across every generation; not just as a trend but as a beautiful way to declare God’s unchanging message.