Nigerian gospel music heavyweight Tim Godfrey has ignited a wave of discussion after announcing the release of his latest track entitled “Infinity”, featuring Afro‑pop sensation Oxlade.
The collaboration—which brings together gospel and Afrobeats elements—was revealed via Godfrey’s Instagram account (where he boasts over 1.3 million followers) with the caption: “With God, Nothing is impossible. My God is capable..Call am, He’s reachable “
A cross‑genre collaboration raises eyebrows
The song’s video snippet—directed by Ella Raaye—was also shared on social media, signalling Godfrey’s dive into a broader sonic landscape.
Yet the decision to collaborate with Oxlade has stirred mixed reactions among fans, especially given Oxlade’s mainstream Afrobeats brand, which some feel may be a bold departure from gospel music’s more traditional boundaries.
The backstory of the featured artist
Oxlade shot to prominence in 2020 with the hit song “Away”, and has since become one of Afrobeats’ most prominent voices.
His past, however, includes public controversy—specifically a leaked sex‑tape incident in February 2022, which resulted in legal action.
The woman involved, identified as John Blessing, sued Oxlade for ₦20 million on grounds of privacy violation; a Lagos High Court later awarded her ₦5 million in damages, payable in two instalments of ₦2 million and ₦3 million.
The Collaboration
This collaboration stands at a pivotal intersection of music genres. On one hand, gospel artist Tim Godfrey is extending his artistic reach and tapping into Afrobeats’ massive appeal.
On the other hand, some within gospel‐music circles may question whether such a mainstream alliance aligns with the ethos and audience expectations of gospel.
The presence of Oxlade—with his pop credentials and controversial history—adds further complexity.
For fans, the move may open new possibilities: gospel with a fresh musical flavour, cross‐audience exposure, and creative expansion.
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For critics, it may raise questions of brand consistency, audience perception, and the balance between ministry and mass appeal.
What’s Ahead
The full track and video drop of “Infinity” are anticipated to test how receptive both gospel and Afrobeats audiences will be to this genre blending.
Will it attract a new demographic for gospel music? Will it prompt push‑back from purists? Only the streaming numbers, chart performance and fan commentary will tell.
As the public weighs in, this release will likely be seen as more than just a song—it’s a litmus test for cross‑genre collaborations in today’s Nigerian music scene, and a case study in how artists manage reputation, genre identity and market ambition.
