Tope Alabi is one of the most popular and influential gospel singers in Nigeria. She has a unique style of blending traditional and modern beats with her powerful and melodious voice. She is also a prolific soundtrack composer and actress, who has contributed to many Yoruba movies. In this blog post, we will explore her biography, achievements, and some of her songs that have touched millions of hearts.
Early Life and Education
Tope Alabi was born on October 27, 1970, in Lagos State, Nigeria. She was the only daughter among the three children of Pa Joseph Akinyele Obayomi and Madam Agnes Kehinde Obayomi. She hails from Yewa, Imeko, in Ogun State. Her mother, who passed away in 2017, was a devout Christian and a prayer warrior, who inspired Tope to pursue her calling as a gospel singer.
Tope started singing at the age of seven, when she joined the choir in her local Catholic church. She also had a passion for acting and comedy, and joined the Jesters International group in her secondary school. She obtained her West Africa School Certificate from Oba Akinyele Memorial High School, Ibadan, in 1986. She then proceeded to the Polytechnic Ibadan, where she studied Mass Communication and graduated in 1990.
Career and Achievements
After her graduation, Tope worked as a correspondent at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Ibadan. She also continued to act and sing with various theater groups in Ibadan and Lagos. She made her debut in the Yoruba film industry in 1994, with the movie Oore Ti O Common, which also gave her the nickname Ore Ti O Common. She later became one of the most sought-after soundtrack producers in Yoruba movies, composing and releasing over 1000 soundtracks and signature tunes.
Tope Alabi’s musical career took off in 2001, when she released her first album, Ore Ti O Common, which was a huge success. She followed it up with other albums, such as Iwe Eri (2003), Agbara Re Ni (2005), Agbara Olorun (2006), Angeli Mi (2007), Kokoro Igbala (2008), Kabiosi (2010), Agbelebu (2011), Alagbara (2012), Oruko Tuntun (2015), Yes & Amen (2018), and Oluwa Ni: The Spontaneous Worship (2024). She also collaborated with other gospel singers, such as TY Bello, Iseoluwa, and Mike Abdul.
Tope Alabi’s songs are known for their spiritual depth, lyrical richness, and cultural relevance. She sings in Yoruba, English, and other Nigerian languages, and incorporates elements of folk, jazz, soul, and classical music.
Some of her most popular songs include Logan Ti Ode, Awa Gbe Oga, Oluwa O Tobi, Halleluyah, Eru Ogo, and You Are Worthy. She has won many awards and accolades for her music, such as the Best Gospel Artiste at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards (2011), the Gospel Artiste of the Year at the City People Entertainment Awards (2016), and the Best Indigenous Language (Yoruba) at the Headies Awards (2018).
Tope Alabi is not only a singer, but also a minister of the gospel. She is the founder and leader of the Tope Alabi Gospel Vibes, a musical group that organizes concerts and crusades across Nigeria and abroad. She is also the convener of the annual Praise the Almighty Concert, which attracts thousands of worshippers every year. She is a mentor and role model to many young and upcoming gospel singers, who look up to her for guidance and inspiration.
Personal Life and Controversy
Tope Alabi is happily married to Soji Alabi, who is also her manager and producer. They have three children, Ayomiku, Deborah, and Damilola. She is a devoted mother and wife, who balances her family and career with grace and wisdom. She is also a philanthropist, who supports various causes and charities, especially those related to children and education.
However, Tope Alabi’s life has not been without challenges and controversies. In 2015, she was involved in a paternity scandal, when a man named Mayegun Olaoye claimed to be the biological father of her first daughter, Ayomiku. Tope denied the allegation and said that her husband was the only father of her children. She also said that she had forgiven the man and prayed for him.
In 2021, she faced another backlash, when she criticized a song titled Oniduro Mi, which was sung by fellow gospel singers, Adeyinka Alaseyori and Yinka Ayefele. She said that the song, which means “my guarantor” in Yoruba, was not appropriate to describe God, and that it was not inspired by the Holy Spirit.
She said that God was more than a guarantor, and that calling him that was limiting his power and majesty. Her comments sparked outrage among many fans and celebrities, who accused her of being jealous, arrogant, and disrespectful. She later apologized and said that she meant no harm or disrespect to anyone.
What Is Tope Alabi's Net Worth?
Tope Alabi’s net worth is estimated at around $350,000, making her one of the richest gospel artists in Nigeria. She earns money from her music sales, concerts, and soundtrack production. She also owns a mansion in Lagos, which she dedicated in 2019.
How Many Awards Has Tope Alabi Won So Far?
Tope Alabi has won at least six awards for her gospel music and soundtrack production. Some of these awards are:
Gospel Artiste of the Year, Nigeria Entertainment Awards, 2015
Best Soundtrack Artiste of the Year, City People Movies Awards, 2017
Proclamation Award, New York State Senate, 2016
How Much Does Tope Alabi Charge For A Show?
Tope Alabi’s show fee varies depending on the type, location, and duration of the event. However, some sources suggest that she charges between N500,000 and N1.5 million for a single performance. This makes her one of the highest-paid gospel artists in Nigeria.
Controversy And Activism Of Tope Alabi
Tope Alabi is a gospel singer who has been involved in some controversies and activism in her career. Here are some examples:
In 2015, she faced a paternity scandal, when a man claimed to be the biological father of her first daughter. She denied the allegation and said her husband was the only father of her children.
In 2016, she received a proclamation award from the New York State Senate for her contribution to the gospel music industry and the Nigerian community.
In 2019, she was crowned the queen of Yoruba language by Nigerians on Twitter, after a competition by United Bank for Africa.
In 2021, she stirred controversy over her comment on a song titled Oniduro Mi, which means “my guarantor” in Yoruba. She said the song was not appropriate to describe God, and that it was not inspired by the Holy Spirit. Her comment sparked outrage among many fans and celebrities, who accused her of being jealous, arrogant, and disrespectful. She later apologized and said she meant no harm or disrespect to anyone.
Tope Alabi Social Media Profile
Tope Alabi is active on various social media platforms, where she shares her music, ministry, and personal life with her fans and followers. Here are some of her social media profiles:
Facebook: She has over 2.6 million likes and 20,000 posts on her official Facebook page, where she posts videos, photos, and updates about her events and activities.
Instagram: She has over 1.8 million followers and 1,500 posts on her verified Instagram account, where she posts pictures, stories, and reels of her family, friends, and colleagues.
Twitter: She has over 300,000 followers and 3,000 tweets on her verified Twitter account, where she posts messages, links, and retweets of her fans and other gospel artists.
YouTube: She has over 600,000 subscribers and 200 videos on her official YouTube channel, where she uploads her songs, live performances, and interviews.
You can follow her on these platforms to stay updated on her latest news and music.
Conclusion
Tope Alabi is a legend in the Nigerian gospel music industry, who has blessed millions of people with her songs and ministry. She is a woman of faith, talent, and passion, who has overcome many obstacles and challenges in her life. She is a source of joy, hope, and inspiration to many, and a testimony of God’s grace and glory. She is Tope Alabi, the voice of gospel music in Nigeria.
