Without a doubt, Sammie Okposo, the popular Nigerian musician, was one of the most popular and longest-standing gospel artists in the entire country and was loved by so many people.
With a fan base ranging across the continent and the world at large, Okposo performed both on local and international stages. He most recently held a concert in London, in October 2022.
Here are some of Okposo’s records that will remain evergreen in the gospel music scene.
‘Welu Welu’
Okposo captured many with this traditional track rendered in pidgin, which is also his ground-breaking debut into the music industry.
With the catchy chorus “Jesus I thank you, wellu wellu,” the song has maintained its appeal with the gospel crowd even two decades after its release.
The track is the first on his debut album titled ‘Unconditional Love’ which was released in 2000.
‘Jump and Shout’
This upbeat praise record remains a call to the dance floor at Christian parties, gathering and church worship sessions till today.
Rendered partly in the Ghanaian Twi language, Jump and Shout is another popular track from his ‘Unconditional Love’ album.
‘Naija Praise’
The record is a popular medley that combines several praise songs from different parts of the country.
It was released in 2004 as the ninth song on his second studio album, ‘Addicted.’
Okposo, who hailed from Delta, sang in different languages of Nigerian tribes including, Isoko, Urhobo, Edo, Efik, Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo.
‘Lift Him High’
Also from his 2004 album, the song is a sample of ‘Lord I Lift Your Name on High’, which was originally released in 1989 by the Maranatha! Gospel band.
‘Na Only You I know’
The solemn track is a departure from the upbeat tempo that characterises many of Okposo’s songs.
Instead, he demonstrated his vocal range alongside the likes of Kefee, Essence, Ige Samsong, Soji Isreal, who were also featured in the song.
‘Na Only You I Know’ is the ninth from his 2006 album, ‘No more Drama.’
‘Jehovah Idi Ebube’
Another solemn track by the singer, the song was rendered in both English and Igbo.
The title which translates to “Jehovah is glorious” is the 16th track on his 2012 album, ‘The Statement.’
It is another staple worship song for church worship and praise services.
‘Baba Ye’
Despite most of his international status, Sammie Okposo always demonstrated his Nigerian roots with his songs.
In ‘Baba Ye,’ Okposo stepped out of his Delta origins, and in collaboration with Mike Aremu, rendered the track in Yoruba language.
The song is the fourth track on his third studio album, ‘No more Drama.’
Okposo died Friday morning at the age of 51.
