Veteran Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter, Toun Soetan, popularly known as Evangelist Soetan, has died at the age of 73.
The respected evangelist and gospel music icon was widely recognised as the original composer of the popular Christian chorus Darling Jesus, a song that has remained a staple in churches across Nigeria.
Reacting to her passing, a former Secretary of the Oyo State chapter of the Entertainment Writers Association of Nigeria, Kunle Bakare, described the late singer as a spiritually gifted minister whose music carried deep messages.
“The late gospel music player will also be remembered for her music college, where she trained so many gospel music players, most of whom are reigning today,” Bakare said.
Also confirming the development, gospel musician, Peters Olaniyi Olusegun, announced the news in a Facebook post.
“We just lost another legend this morning, Mummy Toun Soetan. May the Lord be with the family and Daddy Titus Soetan,” he wrote.
Beyond Darling Jesus, Evangelist Soetan was known for other notable gospel songs, including Ke Pe Jesu and Cast Your Burdens.
Her music gained widespread acceptance in Christian worship gatherings and continues to be sung in churches across Nigeria.
The late gospel singer was also known for mentoring upcoming gospel musicians through her music college, where she trained many singers and instrumentalists who have gone on to become prominent in the gospel music ministry.
