Veteran Nigerian gospel singer Toun Soetan has passed away at the age of 73.
Her death was confirmed on Friday by popular gospel comedian Woli Agba, who shared the news in an emotional message on social media.
Announcing her passing, he wrote that Soetan had remained consistent in her faith and devotion to Christ throughout her life. “The message remained the same. The lifestyle remained that which glorifies Jesus. Your transition into glory to meet the Lord Jesus happened today. Our dear legendary Mummy Toun Soetan… sing with the angels. Goodnight. May God comfort Daddy and the entire family,” he said.
Gospel musician Peter Olaniyi also confirmed the news, describing the late singer as one of the legends of Nigeria’s gospel music scene. He urged fans and colleagues to support the family during this difficult time.
Since the announcement, tributes have continued to pour in from gospel artistes and admirers who remembered Soetan as a mentor and a major inspiration in the music ministry.
Gospel artiste Bukola Omowaye shared how the late singer influenced both her spiritual life and musical journey. She recalled that the first time she encountered Soetan’s music was through her parents’ television while growing up, and later had the opportunity to minister alongside her — a moment she said she deeply treasured.
Omowaye added that Soetan’s teachings during worship programmes and music gatherings played an important role in strengthening her Christian faith and ministry.
Another gospel singer, Shola Adesina, also paid tribute, describing the late gospel icon as a calm and graceful woman. She said she had the privilege of interacting with Soetan personally during a programme titled Celebrating the Legend, where she experienced her humility and peaceful nature firsthand.
Reacting to the loss, Kunle Bakare, a former Secretary of the Entertainment Writers Association of Nigeria in Oyo State, described Soetan as a God-sent gospel musician whose songs were deeply rooted in Christian teachings.
Bakare noted that the late singer would also be remembered for establishing a music college where she trained several gospel musicians, many of whom are now prominent figures in the industry.
Born Racheal Olatoun Soetan in Lagos, the gospel minister spent much of her early life in the Beere–Oke Are area of Ibadan. She was one of 28 children and was raised in a Muslim family before later embracing Christianity.
Her spiritual journey took a significant turn in 1974 when she attended a revival programme at Oritamefa Baptist Church in Ibadan, an experience that greatly shaped her future in gospel music and ministry.
Before fully dedicating herself to ministry, Soetan worked as a teacher for 16 years at Oritamefa Baptist School. She later became co-proprietress of Pathfinder College, a school founded by her husband, while continuing her work in gospel music.
During a career that spanned more than four decades, Soetan became widely known as one of Nigeria’s early pioneers in gospel music. She gained recognition for spiritually uplifting songs such as Train Up Your Child and Darling Jesus, which resonated with many believers.
Her music, known for its rich harmonies and strong biblical messages, inspired generations of gospel singers and worshippers across the country.
She is survived by her husband, Titus Soetan, other family members, and a large community of gospel ministers and followers whose lives were touched by her music and ministry.
