By Joan Odafe

Nigerian gospel artiste, Mike Abdul, has released a new single titled ‘Fuji Rush’, a creative fusion of traditional Fuji sounds with contemporary gospel themes and pop influences.

Abdul said the song marks another creative milestone in his two-decade-long music career.

Abdul, who was also a former member of Midnight Crew, a gospel music group, is known for his energetic performances and genre-blending compositions.

He described the project as gospel music “wearing agbada”, a metaphor for its cultural flair and broad appeal.

“The single departs from the purely traditional format of Fuji while retaining its core cultural elements, with a rich blend of heavy percussion, string and horn progression.

“It’s Fuji at its core but with elements of pop and other genres woven in.

“What’s interesting is how gospel is now pushing the boundaries of Fuji, which traditionally wasn’t seen as gospel-friendly.

“That shift is exciting. Rap has done it. Afrobeat has done it. Fuji Rush is doing it,” he said.

Abdul said the song carried a deeper message aimed at connecting with the streets and reshaping how gospel music is perceived among younger, culturally rooted audiences.

Abdul, who is also the Founder of Spaghetti Records, pledged his commitment to producing music that resonates culturally with diverse audiences without losing the message of the gospel of Jesus.

“This isn’t about keeping gospel in a corner, it’s about going into the culture, speaking the language of the streets and flipping the script so they can be saved.

“That’s the energy Fuji Rush is bringing to the narrative,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran