Veteran gospel singer Toun Soetan is dead

Veteran Nigerian gospel music icon Toun Soetan has passed away at the age of 73.

Her death was confirmed on Friday by gospel comedian Woli Agba in a post shared on social media.

Announcing the development, he wrote, “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… Mummy, sing with the Angels. Mummy, wow, goodnight. May God be with our beloved daddy and the family.”

Gospel musician Peter Olaniyi also confirmed the death, describing the late singer as a legend in the Nigerian gospel music community.

“We just lost another legend this morning, Mummy Toun Soetan. May the Lord be with the family and Daddy Titus Soetan. Please let’s commiserate with the family,” he said.

Tributes have continued to pour in from gospel artistes and admirers who described the late singer as an inspiration and mentor to many in the music ministry.

Gospel artiste Bukola Omowaye said Soetan played a major role in shaping her spiritual and musical journey.

“Mama, heaven’s gain. The only time I had the opportunity to minister alongside Mummy Toun Soetan was a moment I cherished so much,” she wrote, recounting how she first encountered the late singer’s music as a child through her parents’ television.

She added that Soetan’s teachings at worship gatherings and music programmes helped strengthen her Christian faith and ministry.

Another gospel artiste, Shola Adesina, also paid tribute, describing the late singer as a peaceful and graceful woman.

“Mummy Toun Soetan. Rest on, ma. Had the privilege of a one-on-one experience with ma during Celebrating the Legend. She’s so peaceful and full of grace. May your gentle soul rest in peace, ma,” Adesina said.

Also reacting to the development, Kunle Bakare, a former Secretary of the Entertainment Writers Association of Nigeria in Oyo State, described the late singer as a God-sent musician whose gospel lyrics were deeply rooted in Christian teachings.

“The late gospel music player will also be remembered for her music college, where she trained so many gospel music players, most of whom are reigning today,” Bakare said.

Born Racheal Olatoun Soetan in Lagos, the late gospel minister grew up in the Beere–Oke Are area of Ibadan. She was one of 28 children in her family and was originally raised in a Muslim background.

Her spiritual journey took a new turn in 1974 after she attended a revival service at Oritamefa Baptist Church, where she had a profound Christian experience that later shaped her music ministry.

Before fully committing 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 music and ministry work.

Over a career spanning more than four decades, she became widely recognised as one of Nigeria’s pioneering gospel singers, known for spiritually themed songs such as “Train Up Your Child” and “Darling Jesus.”

Her music, characterised by rich harmonies and strong biblical messages, inspired generations of gospel musicians and worshippers across Nigeria.

Soetan is survived by her husband, Titus Soetan, family members and a large community of gospel ministers and followers influenced by her life and ministry.