Reviewed by George Luke

Sonny Okosuns' name should be well known to fans of African music in general and Nigerian music in particular, as he has been one of the country's top artists for nearly 20 years. Back in the 70s his songs "Papa's Land" and "Fire In Soweto" made many of his fans aware of the situation in South Africa at the time and even today those songs have been adapted by oppressed people in other parts of the continent. Like a number of Nigeria's other high profile recording artists (Ebenezer Obey and Chris Okotie being two examples), Sonny is now a Christian involved in full time ministry and 'Songs Of Praise' was his first shot at recording a gospel album. It's basically 40 minutes of lively praise and worship, split into an English half and a Yoruba half. It's delivered in Sonny's 'Afro-Carnival' style, easily accessible as it encompasses reggae, calypso and a rhythm which is distinctly African. I could have done without that keyboard sound that nearly spoils the Yoruba songs; that aside, it's an enjoyable album. Get, turn it on, turn it up and have church Nigerian style.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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