Veteran Nigerian gospel music icon Racheal Olatoun Soetan, popularly called Toun Soetan, has died at the age of 73.
Her death was announced on Friday by gospel comedian Woli Agba in a post shared on social media.
Announcing her passing unto glory, 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.
The late gospel minister, Racheal Olatoun Soetan, was born in Lagos and raised in Ibadan’s Beere-Oke Are neighborhood. She was one of 28 children in her family and was reared Muslim.
Her spiritual path took a new turn in 1974, when she attended a revival service at Oritamefa Baptist Church and had a significant Christian experience that influenced her music ministry.
Soetan spent 16 years teaching at Oritamefa Baptist School before committing totally to ministry. She then became co-proprietress of Pathfinder College, which her husband created, while continuing to engage in music and ministry.
Over the course of more than four decades, she rose to prominence as one of Nigeria’s pioneering gospel singers, well known for spiritually themed songs like “Train Up Your Child” and “Darling Jesus.”
Her music, which features beautiful harmonies and strong biblical teachings, has inspired generations of gospel musicians and worshippers in Nigeria.
Soetan is survived by her husband, Titus Soetan, family relatives, and a wide community of gospel pastors and followers who were inspired by her life and work.
