Nigerian singer and songwriter Johnny Drille has once again sparked an honest conversation about faith, art, and music after revealing that he never felt his sound truly belonged within the church walls.
The Mavin Records artist, known for his soulful voice and deeply emotional lyrics, said although his relationship with God remains strong, he has never seen his music as strictly “church music.”
In a candid chat on the CreativiTEA Podcast, the “Believe Me” crooner opened up about his spiritual journey, public criticism, and how his artistry bridges the gap between the secular and the sacred.
“I Love God, But My Music Isn’t for Church”
Johnny Drille, whose real name is John Ighodaro, revealed that he’s often invited to perform in churches but doesn’t consider his songs to be religious.
“I love God and I’m very much involved in church, but I never really felt my music was for church,” he said. “Sometimes I get invited to perform in church, which is quite interesting.”
He added that his songs, while not gospel, carry messages that align with faith, hope, and love — values he believes are at the heart of Christianity.
“I’ve gotten some backlash from the Christian community whenever I perform in churches,” he admitted. “But the truth is, my music spreads positivity. It touches on issues the church tries to avoid.”
Beyond Religion: A Message of Love and Positivity
For Johnny Drille, music has always been more than just entertainment — it’s a tool for healing, connection, and truth.
His songs, often centered on love, introspection, and vulnerability, challenge the stereotype that Christian artists must confine themselves to gospel-only themes.
“The church shies away from talking about love,” he noted. “You go to Christian weddings and hear Davido or Wizkid songs. What if the church decides that we want to start doing our own Christian love songs?”
That simple observation reflects a growing debate in Nigeria’s creative and faith spaces: can love songs be spiritual too?
Why Johnny Drille’s Message Hits Home
Johnny’s take resonates deeply in a generation redefining what it means to be spiritual. Many young Nigerians, especially Gen Z and millennials, see faith not as a set of rigid boundaries but as a living relationship expressed through creativity.
In a society where religious institutions often label anything outside “gospel” as secular or worldly, Johnny Drille represents a new kind of artist — one who loves God but refuses to be boxed in.
Fans online praised his openness.
On X (formerly Twitter), one fan wrote:
“Johnny Drille’s music might not be churchy, but it’s more godly than most songs out there. Love is divine.”
Another added:
“You can feel the spirit in his lyrics. He’s not preaching, but he’s teaching.”
The Backlash from the Christian Community
Of course, not everyone agrees with Johnny Drille’s perspective. Some conservative voices within the church believe Christian artists should keep their music focused on worship and ministry.
A Lagos-based pastor was quoted saying,
“The church is not a performance ground. Music that doesn’t glorify God directly doesn’t belong on the altar.”
But others argue that love itself — the core theme of Johnny Drille’s songs — is the greatest expression of God’s nature.
As the Bible says, “God is love.” And for many, that’s enough reason to believe that his music fits within the broader spiritual narrative.
Johnny Drille’s Journey: From Church Choir to Mavin Star
Before signing with Mavin Records under Don Jazzy, Johnny Drille was a church boy through and through. Born into a Christian family, he started singing in the choir and even produced songs for local worship groups.
His breakthrough came in 2015 after releasing a soulful cover of Di’ja’s “Awww”, which caught Don Jazzy’s attention.
Since then, he’s carved a niche for himself as one of Nigeria’s most authentic storytellers, with songs like “Romeo & Juliet,” “How Are You (My Friend),” and “Count on You.”
His unique blend of folk, soul, and contemporary pop has set him apart in an industry dominated by Afrobeats, proving that heartfelt storytelling never goes out of style.
Why This Conversation Matters
Johnny Drille’s comments tap into a bigger national conversation: Should music be categorized by its message or its audience?
In Nigeria, where religion strongly influences culture, many artists struggle to balance faith with creative freedom.
But the rise of crossover acts like Mercy Chinwo, Limoblaze, and Tope Alabi, who have successfully merged spiritual messages with modern beats, shows that the line between “gospel” and “secular” is becoming increasingly blurred.
Johnny’s story proves that you don’t have to label your art to live your faith.
Love as a Spiritual Message
One of the reasons Johnny Drille’s music connects deeply with people is its focus on authentic love — not just romantic love, but kindness, empathy, and forgiveness.
He often sings about commitment and emotional honesty, themes that are missing in much of mainstream music today.
In his words, “Love is not a dirty word. It’s a godly thing. The church should talk about it more.”
That philosophy has made him not just a singer, but a messenger of wholesome love, reminding listeners that love and faith aren’t opposites — they’re intertwined.
Fans Want More “Wholesome Music”
Many Nigerians are calling for a new wave of music that blends faith with everyday realities — songs that inspire without preaching, and uplift without judgment.
Johnny Drille’s artistry fits that mold perfectly. His message of light, sincerity, and positive emotion resonates across religious and cultural boundaries.
Even listeners who don’t identify as Christians often describe his music as “healing,” “comforting,” and “real.”
What’s Next for Johnny Drille?
After a stellar year of collaborations with artists like Davido, Ayra Starr, and Ladipoe, Johnny Drille continues to redefine what it means to be a modern Nigerian artist with depth.
Rumor has it he’s working on a new body of work that explores “faith, love, and everyday life” — a reflection of his personal evolution and spiritual growth.
His fans can’t wait.
FAQs – People Also Ask
1. Why did Johnny Drille say his music doesn’t belong in church?
Johnny explained that while he loves God and is active in church, his music isn’t confined to traditional gospel themes. He believes his songs spread positivity and tackle issues often ignored in religious spaces.
2. Is Johnny Drille a gospel artist?
No. Johnny Drille isn’t a gospel artist but a soulful singer-songwriter whose music often carries moral and spiritual undertones about love, hope, and humanity.
3. How do Christians react to Johnny Drille’s performances in church?
Reactions are mixed. Some appreciate his message of love and purity, while others believe only gospel music should be performed in church.
4. What message does Johnny Drille’s music promote?
His songs encourage love, integrity, and emotional honesty — universal values that align with faith and spirituality, even if they don’t directly mention God.
5. What’s next for Johnny Drille?
He’s reportedly working on new projects under Mavin Records that explore themes of love, purpose, and faith, continuing his mission to make meaningful, heart-centered music.
Do you think love songs can be spiritual too? Let’s talk — share your thoughts in the comments below!
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