MOBO, multi-award-winning U.K. artist, Faith Child (Michael Oluwaseyi Ayo), has released his latest Afro gospel song “Oluwa is Involved” (which means “God had a hand in it” in the Nigerian Yoruba language). The song, which is the artist’s first Afro gospel song where he’s the primary artist, featured Afro gospel rising artist, Marizu (Marizu Ikechi), and was released on June 6.
“Oluwa is Involved” Official Music Video
The Afro gospel sound reflected Faith Child’s Nigerian heritage and was a public declaration that behind every success, talent, and opportunity is the hand of God. “I’ve been a free agent for the last five years now, but my inbox stays full, and I think there’s no PR agent better than the Lord. … God has put … my name in rooms that I don’t even know exist, and for that I always give the glory back unto Him,” said Faith Child. “Matthew 5:16. … So, this is me and Marizu pointing the glory back to God for everything that we achieve.”
Interview with Faith Child on Latest Single, “Oluwa is Involved”
Additionally, Faith Child said he’ll be unleashing an album this summer, which will include the single, the album’s sole Afro gospel tune.
The album, he said, will feature deeper, more mature themes. “I talk about grief, on the album: losing my dad. I talk about church hurts. You know how people have been let down by leaders and those in authority. I also talk about the scripture that says, ‘Lord, I believe, but help my unbelief,’” said Faith Child. “People, Christians, non-Christians are really going through life, and they’re asking these questions, and I think it’s the responsibility of the Church to be honest and vulnerable to say, ‘hey, I can see why you’re feeling this particular way, and here is some help and hope to get you along the way.’”
He said, it’s not a case of invalidating people’s experiences, but becoming compassionate. “The key word for every Christian should be compassion.” He said his approach for the album involves hearing people’s stories and allowing the Holy Spirit to move through that. “I think it’s very important to get the balance, to show the nuance of faith, struggle, triumph, and testimony,” he said.
As an artist who tours in different countries, and has always wanted to release an Afro gospel song, Faith Child said of the Afro gospel sound, “I just feel proud to fly the flag for Africa. … I’m often performing in Europe, doing my rap stuff or hip hop stuff, or pop stuff. Now I can take Africa with me … Some of them probably are familiar with Afrobeats anyway, but I can also add to their Afrobeat … catalogue.”
Faith Child will be touring in the Czech Republic in July, and in the U.K. in August and September, with more dates to be confirmed.