The music department is the formation of choir groups in Christ Apostolic Church and dates back to the beginning of the church. Members were endowed with insight by the Holy Spirit to compose lyrics and native airs that inspired and ministered to people’s needs.
The earliest forms of music in CAC were accompanied with drums, gongs and other percussion instruments being the most readily available at the time. These simplest forms of instruments were used in traditional religious ceremonies as known to the Yoruba nation among which the church originated. There were no notations or formal writing of the music. Its sounds can only be extrapolated from the music of the indigenous Africans that strictly adhered to some of the ancient religious practices.
Without formal choir groupings, our ancestors were inspired by the Holy Spirit during their revivals and crusades to compose songs. Among them were Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, Prophet D.O. Babajide, Pastor J.B. Esinsinade (formerly Sadare); Prophet Isaiah Sakpo, Prophet J. Ade Aina, Prophet John Ajilore, Prophet Emmanuel Omotunde, Prophet David Fakunmi, Pastor J.A. Medaiyese, Prophet Emmanuel Omotunde, Prophetess Sophia Odunlami (later Mrs.Ajayi), Prophetess Comfort Bolajoko, Mrs. Pearce, Prophetess Joannah Ogunranti (later Oluranti), and Prophet J. T. Durojaiye.
The second generation of musicians in CAC include the following: Elder James Babalola (aka Oloriire), Mr John Babafemi (Aduralere), Mr E.A. Adetunji, Mr Mathew Dada Mogaji (later pastor), Mr Merry Adurojah (later pastor), Pa Oshun, Dr. J.O. Ogunranti (later pastor), Prince A. Adeosun, Prophet Fesojaiye Adedeji, Pa Oyebadejo, among others. In the mind of a CAC member, singing is very important to spreading the gospel and it is highly celebrated in the church. Most of the contemporary CAC members would be indisputably surprised to know that their church and its founders once used their hands to clap and hand bells to form effective accompaniment to songs of all categories. No doubt the place of the Holy Spirit in the history of singing in CAC mission cannot be underestimated. “I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also” (I Corinthians 14:15).
The third generation of choir leaders in CAC introduced the basic level of instrumental music, especially the harmonium and accordion. The use of instrumental music, a relatively modern addition to christian worship with local drums and bells was typical of CAC in the early stage. It was our belief that christian worship helped to foster evangelism especially in the south western part of Nigeria. The introduction of standard set and acappella type of music was noticed among some choirs in Lagos city and the educated youth choirs, especially in Akure, Ondo State. These third generation of choir leaders in CAC include the following among others: Pastor C.O. Oyesanya, Pa Christopher, Elder G.N. Nebo, Pastor Gabriel O.E. Okafor, Pastor M.O. Babayomi, Elder P.O. Oyeyemi, Pastor Stephen Obisesan, Pastor Oluyemi Ajayi, Pastor Ayo Dakobiri, Mr. J.A. Akinpelu, Mr. Jossy O. Mogaji, Mr. Jide Oloriire, Elder Odumosu, Pastor S.O. Olukunle, Pastor Babs Mala (Late), Pastor C.O.W. Awolaja, Pastor S.O. Gbadebo, Pastor Professor Bunmi Oshun, Pastor Tope Dada, Pastor Professor Femi Adedeji, Pastor Dr Moses Awojobi, Deacon Sampson Anan, Pastor Ayo Adeusi (late), Elder M.A. Adeniji, Elder Leke Adegbaju, Elder Bidemi Oyesanya (SAN), among others. This group brought significant changes to Christ Apostolic Church music. Central choir performance, meetings, training and conferences across districts ministering in local assemblies, and conferences were introduced. The formation of the defunct United Association of CAC Choirs was a significant landmark in the history of CAC choir and one major achievement of this group.
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