Sammie Okposo, a Nigerian musician, was unquestionably one of the country’s most popular and longest-running gospel artists.
Okposo performed on both local and international stages and has a fan base that spans the continent and the globe. He most recently performed in London in October 2022.
While he is no longer alive, Okposo has left an indelible mark on the music industry, and his voice will be heard for many years to come.
Here are some of Okposo’s albums that will live on in the gospel music scene.
‘Welu Welu’
Okposo captivated many with this traditional track rendered in pidgin, which also served as his groundbreaking debut in the music industry.
The catchy chorus “Jesus, I thank you, wellu wellu” has kept the song’s appeal with the gospel crowd even two decades after it was released.
The song appears on his debut album, ‘Unconditional Love,’ which was released in 2000.
‘Jump and Shout’
This upbeat praise song continues to be a call to the dance floor at Christian parties, gatherings, and church worship services to this day.
Jump and Shout, another popular track from his ‘Unconditional Love’ album, is partially rendered in the Ghanaian Twi language.
‘Naija Praise’
The song is a popular medley that combines several praise songs from across the country.
It was released as the ninth song on his second studio album, ‘Addicted,’ in 2004.
Okposo, who was born in Delta, sang in a variety of Nigerian tribes’ languages, including Isoko, Urhobo, Edo, Efik, Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo.
‘Lift Him High’
The song is a sample of ‘Lord I Lift Your Name on High,’ which was originally released in 1989 by the Maranatha! Gospel band and is also from his 2004 album.
‘Na Only You I know’
The solemn song is a departure from the upbeat tempo of many of Okposo’s songs.
Instead, he showed off his vocal range alongside Kefee, Essence, Ige Samsong, and Soji Isreal, who were all featured in the song.
The ninth single from his 2006 album, ‘No More Drama,’ is titled ‘Na Only You I Know.’
‘Jehovah Idi Ebube’
The song, which was written in both English and Igbo, is another solemn track by the singer.
The 16th track on his 2012 album, ‘The Statement,’ the title translates to “Jehovah is glorious.”
It is yet another popular worship song used in church worship and praise services.
‘Baba Ye’
Despite his international fame, Sammie Okposo’s songs always reflected his Nigerian roots.
In ‘Baba Ye,’ Okposo strayed from his Delta roots and, in collaboration with Mike Aremu, rendered the song in Yoruba.
The song appears on his third studio album, ‘No More Drama.’
Okposo, 51, died early Friday morning.
