Nathaniel Bassey, born on August 27, 1981, is a renowned Nigerian singer, pastor, trumpeter, and gospel songwriter. He is widely recognized for his songs “Imela,” “Onise Iyanu,” and “Olowogbogboro.” Throughout the years, Bassey has established himself as one of the prominent and highly regarded gospel ministers in Nigeria. His music encompasses various genres, including worship, hymns, and medley. He is affiliated with The Redeemed Christian Church Of God and serves as a pastor at The Oasis Lagos, the youth church of the RCCG Kings Court in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Bassey was born in Lagos, Nigeria, on August 27, 1981. He hails from Ikot Ofon Ikono, Uyo local government area in Akwa-Ibom state, located in the south-south region of Nigeria. His father, Mr. E. Joshua Bassey, served as a minister in the Apostolic Church Bashua Assembly. Bassey pursued his education in international relations and politics at the University of Lagos before furthering his studies in politics in London. Additionally, he attended the Middlesex University Summer School to study music.
Nathaniel embarked on his musical journey within the church, where he later joined the Rhodes Orchestra and played the trumpet for a duration of two years. Initially, he was an ordinary trumpeter until he composed a song during a visit to Stella Obasanjo, the late wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. In 2018, Bassey emerged as one of the prominent artists in the Nigerian Christian gathering known as T, Experience. His debut album, Elohim, was recorded and mixed in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2008. This album has been acclaimed as a spiritual and artistic masterpiece, featuring the popular track “Someone’s knocking at the door,” a soft-rock tune that has garnered significant attention both locally and internationally.
In June 2017, Nathaniel initiated the #HallelujahChallenge, a worship event where he and fellow believers dedicate an hour, from 12:00 am to 1:00 am, to worshiping God. He broadcasts this event on his Instagram page and extends an invitation to others to join him. Within a month, the event amassed over 600,000 views. The #HallelujahChallenge for 2020 took place from February 4 onwards.