Nigerian gospel minister Dunsin Oyekan has released his new song, ‘Wake Up’, featuring renowned Christian teacher Bro Gbile Akanni, with a music video created in collaboration with Mount Zion Films, the Christian film production ministry currently making headlines with its new cinema release, ‘Agbara Nla (Ultimate Power)’, which has been breaking box office records.
Rather than the usual music video centred on singing and performance, Oyekan uses drama to tell the story behind the song, drawing on Mount Zion Films’ years of experience in Christian storytelling.
The message of ‘Wake Up’ is about returning to your first love, remembering where you started with God and not allowing the things of this world to take His place in your life. The lyrics speak about the unhealthy mixture of the Spirit and the flesh, drawing from the biblical account of how the enemy sowed tares while men slept. Oyekan questions how long believers will continue this way before calling on the sleeping soldier to wake up, arise from the dead and let Christ give them light.
There is something important about storytelling in music. As powerful as a song can be, a good story can make its message even clearer. This was quite common in music videos in the 80s and 90s, when artists used their visuals to tell stories rather than simply perform in front of a camera. Seeing Dunsin Oyekan take this approach with Mount Zion Films is one of the things that makes this release interesting.
The story in the video speaks directly to the theme of the song. God calls you into ministry, but somewhere along the way, you begin to rely on your own wisdom to do the work He called you to do. Or perhaps you spent years praying for a job, faithfully serving God and trusting Him for an answer. Then the job comes, and gradually, the same God you once made time for becomes less of a priority. You become so occupied with the blessing that you begin to neglect the One who blessed you.
That is exactly what the video portrays, and it gives so much meaning to the song. These are situations people can easily relate to, and watching the story unfold makes you think about your own journey with God. Have you become too comfortable? Are you still as committed as you were when you first started? Have the things you once prayed for now become the very things taking you away from God?
The involvement of Bro Gbile Akanni, whose teachings have long focused on Christian discipleship and spiritual growth, also fits well with the message of the song.
‘Wake Up’ is more than a call to become spiritually alert. It is a reminder not to lose sight of the One who called you in the first place, even when life begins to change and the prayers you once prayed have been answered.
And I particularly love the message that ends the video. I won’t give it away. Go and watch it to hear it for yourself.
