Tope Alabi

Tope Alabi
Born
Patricia Temitope Obayomi

(1970-10-27) 27 October 1970 (age 56)
Lagos, Nigeria
Other names
  • Ore ti o Common
  • Agbo Jesu
Education
Occupations
  • Actress
  • Gospel singer
  • businesswoman
  • songwriter
  • film music composer
Spouse
Soji Alabi
​
(m. 1998)​
Children2
Musical career
OriginYewa, Ogun State, Nigeria
Genres
InstrumentsVocals
Years active1990s–present
LabelTope Alabi Gospel Vibes
Websiteofficialtopealabi.com

Patricia Temitope Alabi (née Obayomi ; born 27 October 1970), better known as Tope Alabi Listenⓘ, is a Nigerian gospel singer, composer, and actress. She is a significant figure in the Yoruba film industry, and has composed over 350 soundtracks. Alabi obtained a Higher National Diploma from The Polytechnic, Ibadan in 1990, and worked as a correspondent for NTA Ibadan. During her upbringing, she attended a Catholic Church and started singing in the choir when she was seven years old.

Biography

Patricia Temitope Alabi was born on October 27, 1970, in Lagos, and is originally from Yewa, Imeko, in Ogun State, Nigeria. She is the only daughter of Joseph Akinyele Obayomi and Agnes Kehinde Obayomi (1947–2017). Alabi is of Yoruba descent. She grew up with her two brothers. According to Alabi, her mother wanted her to become a nun but decided against sending her to a convent.

Alabi began singing in a Catholic church choir at the age of seven. She has said that she discovered her calling through dreams. She was also interested in acting and comedy but chose to pursue music.

Alabi attended Akinyele Memorial High School in Ibadan and obtained her WAEC Certificate in 1986. Alabi became interested in acting while in secondary school. In Form Three, she joined the drama group Jacob, Papilolo and Aderupoko before moving to the Ishola Ogunshola drama group. She graduated from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, in 1990, where she obtained a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication.

Alabi began her career in acting as a member of the Nigerian theatre group Jesters International. During this time she recorded soundtracks for Nollywood films, particularly those in the Yoruba-language film. Her compositions for Yoruba films gained recognition in the industry, and she became a sought-after composer of film soundtracks. She worked backstage, carrying costumes, before taking on acting roles. She later appeared in the 13-episode television series Koko Arugbo and the drama B’olohun o pani, where she played a princess.

In the 1990s, Alabi had a minor voice role in the Yoruba-language film Yemi In The Moon. produced by Yemi Ayebo. She also starred in the film Owo Agbara where she starred alongside Funso Craig.

In 1992, she released her first secular album, Ikoko Dudu. She then switched to gospel music, releasing her first gospel album, Baba Iwo Lakepe, in 1994, and her second, Ore ti o Common, in 2001. The title was inspired by a message about receiving an uncommon favour from God. Alabi contributed soundtracks to several home videos, including Solo Makinde (2000), My Stepmother and Toyin Tomato (2003). She has named gospel singers Demos Deniran and Bola Are as her mentors. The success of this song was followed by other notable releases, including Agbara Nla (2001), Angeli Mi (2007), and Yes and Amen (2018).

Artistry

Style and influence

Alabi performs gospel music in Yoruba and English, often addressing subjects such as salvation, holiness and the power of God. A study of four of her songs noted changes in her music over time. Her earlier recordings had simpler arrangements and focused on religious themes, while some of her later songs featured faster tempos, more instruments and personal subject matter. She is also recognized for her live worship performances, which draw large audiences both in Nigeria and internationally.

Personal life

Tope Alabi is married to Soji Alabi, her music producer. The couple has three children.

Controversies

In September 2012, Alabi said in an interview that some pastors had made sexual advances towards her. She said that some of the men also supported her ministry, but that she had turned down their advances. She did not disclose their identities. In 2013, reports emerged of a dispute between Alabi and her former pastor, Prophet Elijah Ajanaku. Ajanaku accused her of repeatedly asking him to have sex with her, an allegation her husband denied. The two had reportedly fallen out a few months before Ajanaku's death in August 2013.

In 2021, Alabi commented on the song "Oniduro Mi" by another gospel musician Adeyinka Alaseyori. She questioned the use of the word "guarantor" to describe God, saying that God was more than that. Her comments drew criticism on social media.

Discography

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1993 Yemi in the Moon Yemi Film debut
2012 Pastor Keu Actress Home video
2013 Osan Ja Actress Home video
2020 Odi Idiwon Actress Mount Zion faith-based film
2023 The Weight Lead role Also executive producer
2024 Olorun Merinlokan Actress Directed by Oreofe Williams

Television

Year Title Role Notes
— Koko Arugbo Unknown 13-episode television series
— B’olohun o pani Princess Television drama

Selected film scores

Tope Alabi has composed and performed soundtracks for over 1,000 indigenous Yoruba home videos and mainstream cinema releases.

Year Title Director Studio(s) Notes
2000 Solo Makinde
— Idariji
— Ayemi Ayemi
2003 Toyin Tomato
— Elenini Amutorunwa
— Asiri Bibo
— Omo Laso
— Eso Lore Iwa
— Mowowa Aye
2026 Mama Deola Wedding Story

Awards and nominations

Year Association Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Gospel Artist of the Year Herself Won
2017 City People Movie Awards Best Soundtrack Artiste of the Year Herself Won
2020 Nigerian Canada Celebrities Entertainment Awards Headline Celebrity Award Herself Won
2023 Eagle Awards Africa Showcase Special Icon Recipient (Non-Competitive) Herself Honoured
2025 The Headies Best Inspirational Song Herself Nominated
United States Congress Proclamation of Congressional Recognition Herself Honoured
2026 CLIMA Africa Awards Africa Gospel Music Lifetime Achievement Award Herself Won
United States Government US Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Herself Honoured

Notes

  1. ↑ As metioned on her facebook page

References

  1. ↑ Shepherd, John; Laing, Dave (2003). Continuum encyclopedia of popular music of the world, Volumes 3–7. Continuum. p. 171. ISBN 978-0-8264-7436-0.
  2. ↑ Adeyemi, S. T. (2004). "The Culture Specific Application of Sound in Nigerian Video Movies". Nigerian Music Review. 5. University of Ife: 51–61. ISSN 1116-428X. OCLC 5386079.
  3. ↑ Adebayo, Bose (26 July 2008). "I Was in Labour for Four Days for My Second Baby-Tope Alabi". Vanguard. Retrieved 19 October 2009.
  4. ↑ "Biography". Tope Alabi. Retrieved 6 December 2010.
  5. ↑ "Listen: "Logan Ti Ode" by Tope Alabi Featuring Ty Bello". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. 31 October 2018. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  6. ↑ Mankinde, Olajide (20 September 2024). "The Inspiring Biography of Gospel Singer Tope Alabi". Np Media. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  7. ↑ NG, Youth Village (23 March 2016). "10 Things You Didn't Know About Tope Alabi". Youth Village Nigeria. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  8. ↑ Babatunde (16 September 2022). "Full List Of Tope Alabi Albums And Songs". Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  9. ↑ Temitope (27 October 2020). "Tope Alabi shares stunning pictures as she clocks 50 - Vanguard Allure Tope Alabi shares stunning pictures as she clocks 5". Vanguard Allure. Retrieved 1 November 2026.
  10. ↑ Tope Alabi. "I want to announce the glorious exist of my mother Madam Agnes Kehinde Obayomi..." Facebook. Retrieved 1 November 2026.
  11. ↑ Kasali, Kazeem (27 February 2017). "Gospel singer Tope Alabi's mother dies at 70". TVC News. Retrieved 1 November 2026.
  12. 1 2 3 Stets, Regina (30 October 2020). "Tope Alabi's biography and achievements - Legit.ng". www.legit.ng. Retrieved 1 November 2026.
  13. 1 2 "Tope Alabi". Naija.ng – Nigeria news. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  14. 1 2 3 "I was reluctant to sing gospel –Tope Alabi". modernghana. 5 June 2009.
  15. ↑ Alonge Michael (6 July 2009). "Tope Alabi on nine month's course". ModernGhana.com. Retrieved 19 October 2009.
  16. ↑ Ajibade, George Olusola (2007). "New Wine in Old Cups: Postcolonial Performance of Christian Music in Yorùbá Land". Studies in World Christianity. 13 (2). Edinburgh University Press: 105–126. doi:10.1353/swc.2007.0014. ISSN 1354-9901.
  17. 1 2 3 "How An Unplanned Career Change Took Tope Alabi To The Top Of Gospel Music - Nigerian Entertainment Today". The NET. Lagos, Nigeria. 9 November 2020. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  18. ↑ Tope Alabi was first introduced to the Nollywood world through this movie (YEMI IN THE MOON) written and produced by Yemi my lover. Retrieved 2 November 2026 – via www.facebook.com.
  19. ↑ "Yemi in the moon | WorldCat.org". search.worldcat.org. Retrieved 2 November 2026.
  20. ↑ Afigbo, Chinasa (6 January 2024). ""She Went Through a Lot to See Me": Actor Yemi My Lover Speaks on His Relationship With Tope Alabi - Legit.ng". www.legit.ng. Retrieved 2 November 2026.
  21. ↑ TOPE ALABI OLD MOVIE, OWO AGBARA. Retrieved 2 November 2026 – via www.facebook.com.
  22. ↑ Tope Alabi did the soundtrack for many Yoruba movies but the one for Solo Makinde is one of those I can never forget since the year 2000 when the movie was released. Retrieved 2 November 2026 – via www.facebook.com.
  23. ↑ Eko, Ayobami (1 January 2022), A MUSICAL STUDY OF TOPE ALABI'S SOUND TRACKS IN "MY STEP MOTHER", pp. 158–174, ISBN 978-978-970-430-9, retrieved 2 November 2026
  24. ↑ Toyin Tomato (2003). Retrieved 2 November 2026 – via www.facebook.com.
  25. ↑ "Tope Alabi Biography |Profile |FabWoman". FabWoman | News, Style, Living Content for the Nigerian Woman. 27 October 2020. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  26. ↑ "#CommentSection: Tope Alabi crowned luminary of Yoruba artistry at #UBAAt70 yk". Oak TV Newstrack. Oak Tv. 21 May 2019. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  27. 1 2 "Tope Alabi: Story lines determine my soundtrack compositions". The Nation. Lagos, Nigeria. 19 July 2020.
  28. ↑ Black, Henry (8 December 2021). "Why I Chose Not To Follow My Mum's Style Of Music – TOPE ALABI's Daughter, AYOMIKU - Nigeriafilms". Nigeriafilms. Archived from the original on 7 June 2023. Retrieved 2 November 2026.
  29. ↑ Ayokunmi, Olaoluwa; Oluwadamilare, Julius; Paulinah, Obayomi (5 March 2024). "A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF EARLY AND RECENT MUSIC OF NIGERIAN GOSPEL MUSIC ARTISTE, TOPE ALABI by AYOKUNMI, O.M., OLUWADAMILARE, J.O. & OBAYOMI, O. P." 7: 579–600 – via ResearchGate. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  30. ↑ Abimbolu, Debola (12 April 2019). "Tope Alabi and TY Bello deliver live music themed music video for "Iwo Lawa O Ma Bo"". The NATIVE. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  31. ↑ Akinola, Wale (16 June 2021). "Oniduro Mi: The missing holy spirit and Tope Alabi's outburst by Lawal Adewale". Legit.ng. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  32. ↑ Metibogun, Shade (19 April 2024). ""50 ke? So she is older than him?" Tope Alabi marks hubby's birthday, fans react". Legit.ng. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  33. ↑ Edeme, Victoria (16 November 2021). "Singer Tope Alabi, husband mark 21st wedding anniversary". The Punch. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  34. ↑ Edeme, Victoria (7 May 2022). "Singer Tope Alabi, husband celebrate daughter's 24th birthday". The Punch. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  35. ↑ "Tope Alabi tours US says, 'My testimony is about people receiving Jesus'". Daily Trust. 10 July 2023. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  36. ↑ Olawale, Gabriel (13 July 2023). "My joy during ministration is seeing people repent – Tope Alabi". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria.
  37. ↑ ""Pastors pester me for sex" - Gospel singer, Tope Alabi". Daily Post Nigeria. 23 September 2012. Retrieved 2 November 2026.
  38. ↑ "How Tope Alabi's Ex-Pastor, Ajanaku Died". P.M. News. Retrieved 2 November 2026.
  39. ↑ "Wetin Tope Alabi tok about di song 'Oniduromi' and how pipo react". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  40. ↑ "News: The Best Gospel Artist "Tope Alabi" - NEA". Gospelbuzz. 9 September 2015. Retrieved 6 November 2026.
  41. ↑ Emmanuel, Daniji (18 October 2017). "Full List Of Winners At The 2017 City People Movie Awards". City People Magazine. Retrieved 6 November 2026.
  42. ↑ "Tope Alabi Wins 2020 NCCE Award". Gospelbuzz. 21 December 2020. Retrieved 6 November 2026.
  43. ↑ "AT THE 2023 ANNUAL EAGLE AWARDS AFRICA IN LAGOS". www.instagram.com. 5 July 2023. Retrieved 6 November 2026.
  44. ↑ Headies, The (1 March 2026). "17th Headies Nominees/Winners". The Headies. Retrieved 6 November 2026.
  45. ↑ "Clima Africa 2026 Unveils Official Honourees as It Celebrates 10 Years of Kingdom Impact | GMusicPlus.com". 25 September 2026. Retrieved 6 November 2026.