CELESTIAL MUSIC: A DISTINCT IDENTITY.
In September 1947, Pastor SBJ Oshoffa was divinely inspired to establish the Celestial Church of Christ on the platform of God’s spirit. This unique church adopted independent hymns and modes of worship, setting itself apart from other religious institutions (Faseun, 2010).
Music within the Church is not merely performed for entertainment purposes. Instead, it serves a higher purpose, including facilitating the transformation of prophets and prophetesses into the spiritual realm. Through the use of both Western and traditional musical instruments, the congregation engages in praise and worship. Additionally, the music sets the mood, allowing the seers to enter a trance-like state when necessary. Notably, talented musicians such as Steve Pelemo, Remi Olabanji, Wole Adetiran, Akin Adebayo, and the late Roland Olubukola Olomola, popularly known as Baba Ara, have played a significant role in infusing a spiritual mindset into the church’s music.
In addition to the spiritual songbook, known as the hymn book, various parishes have released inspirational musical albums. Parishes such as Makako and Tejusoho in Lagos, as well as Yemetu and Army Barracks in Ibadan, have contributed to this musical legacy. However, it begs the question: do we still uphold the same standard of celestial music in the Celestial Church today?
THE CURRENT STATE OF MUSIC IN CELESTIAL CHURCH.
The divine purpose and direction of the sovereign universal council for Celestial Church is to prioritize heavenly matters (Siwoniku, 2007).
However, the present state of music within our church raises concerns. While Instrumentation/Percussion and Economic value have taken center stage, the originality and spiritual essence of our music seem to have lost their former glory. The current musicians in our church appear to disregard the standard musical patterns that should be upheld.
The significance of Cantata, once a serious affair in our churches, is gradually fading away. Celestial music now dons various styles and beats, deviating from its traditional form. Regrettably, our present musicians fail to recognize the detrimental impact this has on the spiritual essence of our music, instead focusing solely on individual popularity as artists. It is imperative that we redirect our attention to the musical aspect of our church, as the inspirational power of music serves as the backbone of Celestial Church.
FROM AN ETHNOMUSICOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE
The fieldwork conducted revealed that a significant portion of the music performed in the Celestial Church of Christ has its roots in Highlife music (Adetiran 1987).
The worship practices of the C&S encompass a blend of traditions from mission churches and those unique to the traditional culture. Similarly, in the Celestial Church of Christ, hymns are carefully selected to align with the purpose of each service, complementing the distinct manner of singing and clapping (Olaosebikan, 2016).
It Is important to note that merely singing a gospel song does not automatically qualify someone as a gospel musician. There are individuals who do not believe in the gospel yet sing gospel songs, just as there are Christians who sing secular songs. While those involved in the musical affairs of various parishes may not necessarily be trained musicians, similar to the Orthodox churches, it is crucial for the central body of the church to establish a MUSIC SCHOOL.
This institution would provide training to individuals on the significance of Celestial music, thereby fostering the development of the Church both locally and internationally in terms of music. The concept of self-identity holds great importance as it offers a profound understanding of how individuals perceive themselves as musicians within and beyond the Celestial fold.
In conclusion, the ethnomusicological analysis of the Celestial Church of Christ highlights the influence of Highlife music and the incorporation of diverse traditions in worship practices. The establishment of a music school would serve as a catalyst for the growth and enrichment of Celestial music, contributing to the Church’s expansion and recognition on a global scale.
Written by Celestial Prerogative News
