By Ayomide Otitoju
With high anticipation and vibrant fanfare, veteran gospel artist Mike Abdul officially released his latest single, Fuji Rush, on June 20, 2025—ushering in what he described as a bold and rhythmic evolution of gospel music within Nigeria’s dynamic soundscape.
Infused with deep percussions and intelligent lyricism, Fuji Rush amplifies the signature energy for which Abdul has become known in both the gospel and mainstream music scenes. The new single draws heavily from traditional Fuji rhythms while integrating elements of pop and Afrobeat, creating a modern gospel track that pushes musical boundaries.
“It’s Fuji at its core, but with layers—pop, street, gospel all blended. Gospel is now doing with Fuji what rap and Afrobeat have done: breaking barriers,” Abdul said at the unveiling event in Lagos.
The Ojoro crooner emphasized that the song is not merely a celebration of rhythm, but a cultural statement. “This isn’t about locking gospel in a corner—it’s about stepping into the culture, speaking the language of the street, and flipping the script to bring the message home,” he declared.
Fuji Rush nods to Abdul’s roots with the iconic Midnight Crew, while also exploring new musical terrain. Known for hits like Igwe, Korede, and Eyan Jesu, Abdul redefines the Fuji gospel genre by layering contemporary string and horn progressions over its traditional percussion-driven base—resulting in what he calls a “spinning rendition of African sound.”
“This is FUJI RUSH! I carry gospel, I carry groove, I enter studio, BOOM! Gospel don wear agbada,” Abdul quipped, capturing the song’s celebratory essence.
Reflecting on his 20-year journey in music, Abdul said he remains committed to infusing gospel with fresh creativity while maintaining its core message. As founder of Spaghetti Records, he also reaffirmed his dedication to nurturing Afro-gospel talent and fostering culturally resonant gospel expressions.
“Creativity has no limits in gospel music,” he said. “Spaghetti Records will remain a haven for expression and a launchpad for the next generation of gospel stars.”
With Fuji Rush, Abdul once again proves that gospel music can be both deeply spiritual and unflinchingly contemporary—rooted in tradition, yet speaking fluently to today’s culture.
