Aunty Tope Alabi, has fondly called, is a highly respected Nigerian gospel singer, film music composer, and actress. She is described as one of the pacesetters of soundtracks in the Yoruba film industry and has composed over 350 soundtracks credited to her name till date. Tope Alabi is married to Soji Alabi, who also doubled as her music producer. The couples are blessed with three children, whereby one of them, in person of Ayomiku Alabi, have also embarked on this music journey. 

Background:

Veteran Tope Alabi does have a humble beginning, however, she was born in Lagos, Nigeria, into a big, lovely family of seven. Even though she was born in Lagos, her roots are in Yewa, Ogun State. From the time she was little, she just loved music! According to history, she was always singing in her church choir and at school. 

She went to Oba Akinyele Memorial High School in Ibadan, where she got her West Africa School Certificate. Then, she continued her education at the Polytechnic Ibadan and graduated in 1990 with a degree in Mass Communication. After graduating, she worked as a correspondent at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). 

Career:

Tope Alabi’s story in entertainment really kicked off in the 90s. Can you believe she started out acting and singing with a theatre group called Jesters International? That’s where she really honed her skills, especially in writing and performing those amazing soundtracks for Yoruba movies. Over the years, she’s known to be blessed with the gift of weaving spiritual messages with Yoruba proverbs and Christian teachings in her music, and that’s what has really made her stand out.

Then, in 2000, she released her first album titled ‘Ore ti o Common’ (Uncommon Favor), which speedily took off; everyone loved it, and it basically made her a superstar in the Nigerian gospel scene. She didn’t stop there! She followed up with more incredible albums like ‘Agbara Nla’ in 2001, ‘Angeli Mi’ in 2007, and ‘Yes and Amen’ in 2018. Her songs, a beautiful mix of Yoruba and English, are all about faith, worship, and believing in divine help. 

Success: 

What’s truly special about Tope Alabi’s music is how she beautifully blends the old with the new. How she’s able to weave those lovely traditional Yoruba sounds, like folk rhythms and storytelling, and then mix them with modern gospel and worship music to make melodies are always magical. 

Her voice? It’s so powerful and full of feeling, and her lyrics just touch your soul. It’s no wonder she’s helped bring Yoruba gospel music to so many people, not just in Nigeria, but all over the world! She’s been featured on different projects. Singers like TY Bello, Mike Abdul, Tim Godfrey, amongst others have worked with the Veteran.  

Watch her song Logan Ti Ode with TY Bello 

Tope Alabi has received numerous awards for her contributions to gospel music, which includes:

(i) Gospel Artiste of the Year at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards

(ii) Best Gospel Musician at the City People Music Awards, and

(iii) Special Recognition Award for her contributions to Yoruba gospel music. 

Her testimony and commitment to spreading the gospel have earned her a reputation as a spiritual leader within the gospel music community, and we believe the life of this woman of God is such an inspiration to you. 

Would you like to share any song of Tope Alabi that’s blessed you with us in the comment section? We look forward to your responses.