Expectations, as ‘Jesus Is Mine’ debuts in Easter

By Babs Oyetoro

Prince Shadrack Fadebi Olaloko, a blue blood Egba son was born and bred in Lagos.

Loko, as he is fondly called by his youthful peers with whom they grew up together during his school days in the cosmopolitan city of Lagos, lived truly a ‘City boy’ life, partying and enjoying life at a full-scale level.

The Eko Boys High School alumnus in the 80s was born by a Moslem parent, but nurtured by a Christian aunt, with whom he had a maternal relationship.

His story had a resemblance to Biblical Moses’ upbringing; he was born to Hebrew parents but lived in the Egyptian palace. So, it was with then Sarafadeen Fadebi Olaloko but now known as Shadrack.

The ebullient young man was captured by Christ in 1995 and immediately joined a local assembly, Faith Revival Apostolic Church, Egbeda, Lagos; and as providence will have it, he was made the choirmaster.

The ‘new birth experience’, which was like a watershed in his sojourn here on earth, marked a turning point in the entire life of a city boy, now turned gospel evangelist.

Without any formal training in Christian music ministry; his new spiritual birth experience opened the door for Holy Ghost to impact him heavily and Olaloko became an instrument of honour and channel of blessings to the church, as well as members of the choir under his tutelage.

Going through the trajectory of Olaloko’s life, it is obvious that providence has a special responsibility for him in the ministry he has called him into.

As a youth, he joined the bandwagon to Europe with his family in the ‘90s. There, his music ministry started blossoming as he is equally busy serving God in his vineyard.

Going back into memory on his musical career, he says, “I was at a wedding in Manchester on the 24th of November, 2016 when I heard from God that I should go into gospel music ministry, but I didn’t take it seriously until June 12th, 2020 when the Lord averted an imminent plane crash while traveling from Ireland to the UK.

“There and then, the Lord reminded me of the mandate he gave me; making me understand that if the plane had crashed, He wouldn’t have forgiven my disobedience to divine instruction.

“I had no excuse, only to beg for forgiveness and God forgave me”.

In a submission to His will and obedience to the mandate given to him, as soon he returned to Ireland, Olaloko headed to the studio to work on his debut single album entitled: ‘Gratitude’ (Ope), which was released November 4th, 2020.

He followed up with another album, ‘Jesus is Mine’ (Jesu Mi Ni), released in May 2021. While fans were still savouring this specially-packaged soul-lifting melody, Loko released another album, ‘Let Your Kingdom Come (Jeki Ijoba Re De), in 2022.

Committed to the course of the Kingdom and its expansion on all fronts, the gospel evangelist said he decided to release the ‘Jesus Is Mine ’ and ‘Jesus Is The Way’ videos for Christians and all his fans across the globe during the Easter celebration.

According to him, “the timing for the release of these videos is strategic because Easter celebration connotes a period of sober reflection on the great work of redemption undertaken by our Lord Jesus Christ for the sinful world.

It is also symbolic because our Lord Jesus Christ resurrected on the third day as prophesied in the Holy Scriptures. And this is the pivot of the Christian faith.

In this song, the gospel singer, in a lucid manner expressly extols the power of His resurrection and the possibility embedded in His name including His ability to save up to the uttermost.

The second video entitled: ‘Jesus Is The Way’ it is a simple reminder to everyone that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life as he portrays the Saviour as Pathfinder to heaven in this song.

The artist persistently calling on sinners and all and sundry to accept Him as their Lord and Saviour. One common feature in these two videos is the generous use of a mixture of instruments that will set lovers of good music to take their dancing steps. Honestly, you cannot afford to miss these videos.

Understandably, Olaloko is not only fulfilling his ministry, but he has evidently proved his undying love for God and His work.

He says, “Gospel song is my passion, and I love to worship the Almighty at every given opportunity. I also love the things of God.”

The conclusion among gospel music buffs is craving for, ‘Jesus Is Mine’ and Jesus Is the Way’. And this is why these videos are a hot pick for the public.