Mount Zion founder, Bamiloye defends viral controversial song “No turning back” amid criticism

Mount Zion Pastor, Bamiloye defends viral controversial song “No turning back” amid criticism

Renowned evangelist and founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Mike Bamiloye, has defended the viral controversial gospel song ‘No turning Back’ by Gaise Baba and Lawrence Oyor.

In recent times, the song has sparked both admiration and heavy criticism within Christian groups and denominations.

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Bamiloye responded to the uproar surrounding the song in an emotional social media post, asking believers to put more emphasis on the music’s transforming message than on the artists’ looks or creative choices.

The song, “No turning back” which combines Yoruba rhythms with an audacious statement of faith, has received over 4 million streams on the internet and has struck a profound chord with Nigerian youth.

According to Mike Bamiloye, “No turning back” lyrics like “Ife Jesu lo wa mi ri, to gbami ku o” (meaning “The love of Jesus sought me, found me, and died for me”), conveys the gospel in a way that appeals to a generation that is surrounded by secular influences.

However, some Christians, including a pastor, have criticised the song, fixating on Gaise’s colorful hair, Lawrence’s headband, and the energetic dance moves in its music video.

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Bamiloye expressed shock at this response, asking why some Christians are quick to criticise the song’s appearance instead of applauding its ability to connect with young people.

“Never Going Back – A Soundtrack for This Generation. So Never Going Back by Gaise Baba and Lawrence Oyor, hit the internet and it went viral, young people love it, but recently, I have been seeing videos of a pastor and some Christians criticizing the song and I can’t stop thinking about the message of the song and the reactions it has sparked amongst us christians.

“The lyrics say: “Ife Jesu lo wa mi ri, to gbami ku o”—“The love of Jesus sought me, found me, and died for me.” That’s the gospel, in Yoruba rhythm and sound! Yet all some people can talk about is Gaise’s hair color, his blinks, the headband on Lawrence’s head and the dance steps in the song. Really?

“Someone said, “I go narrow, dem think say I no know road o.” Isn’t that what the Bible teaches? Narrow is the path that leads to life. Didn’t Jesus say He came for the sick, the lost, the sinners? Will every gospel singer be Dunsin and Nathaniel?

“Instead of focusing on the outward appearance of the ministers, what if we focused our hearts on praying that: Out of 4 million streams, at least 400,000 youths would genuinely surrender to Jesus.

“Another 400,000 who are still searching would encounter the Holy Spirit and find salvation. The rest would be stirred to rededicate their lives and stay rooted in Christ.

“Wouldn’t that be worth celebrating? Here’s the truth: whether we like it or not, someone is influencing your children, your teenagers, and your youth group. If they’re not listening to something like Never Going Back, they’ll be listening to something else and let’s be honest, a lot of what’s out there isn’t helping them know Jesus.

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“When we publicly condemn songs like this, directly or subtly, we shut the door to one of the few tools actually speaking the language of the street with the heart of the cross.

“So rather than criticise, let’s pray. Let’s encourage. Let’s support gospel expressions that speak to this generation in their own rhythm.