Veteran Nigerian gospel music icon, Toun Soetan, has died 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.”
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.”
