Top Nigerian AfroGospel artiste and record label owner Mike Abdul has restated his commitment to taking gospel music beyond the traditional boundaries. In a recent interview, he shared his vision of making gospel music a dominant force in the entertainment industry, not just in Nigeria but globally.
Abdul shared his belief that gospel music should not be limited to specific platforms or audiences. “This isn’t about keeping gospel music in a corner, it’s about going into the culture, speaking the language of the streets, and flipping the narrative,” he said.
He revealed that his new project titled Fuji Rush is part of this effort to break boundaries. According to him, the sound is heavily percussion-driven and rooted in traditional Fuji but infused with elements of pop and other genres. He noted that gospel is now pushing into spaces once considered unconventional for the genre.
For Abdul, gospel music has a lot more ground to cover. He wants to see it reach the level where it influences the entire entertainment space. “I want to see stadiums filled with people showing up for gospel music. Imagine if gospel music became the standard, that if you’re not involved in it, audiences don’t even engage. That’s the kind of shift I’m aiming for,” he said.
Speaking about his creative approach, Abdul explained that his music is designed to connect with everyday people. He described one of his music layers as the “street department” where the goal is to share positive values and the gospel in a way that feels familiar.
Looking ahead, Abdul believes AfroGospel will continue to evolve. “People change, culture changes, music has to change with it. The gospel will always find a way to connect. It’s built for that,” he said, confident that the genre will stay relevant and impactful in the next ten years.
He also talked about his journey, noting that his breakthrough moment came with the realization that making music had moved from being a talent to being a responsibility. “Now it’s about setting goals, building something meaningful, and staying consistent,” he said.
Despite the challenges that come with the music industry, Abdul said quitting has never been an option, noting that he sees obstacles as reminders that growth is still taking place.
On managing family and career, Abdul stressed the importance of discipline. He keeps his work separate from his personal life and protects his home as a safe space. “If family members want to contribute to what I’m doing, that’s fine, but I never impose it. Boundaries matter,” he said.
