Veteran Nigerian gospel music icon and evangelist Toun Soetan, popularly known as Evangelist Shouet passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the age of 73.

A legendary figure in the Ibadan gospel music scene, she was widely celebrated for her contributions to Christian worship across several decades.

Her death was confirmed on Friday by gospel comedian Woli Agba in a post shared on social media.

Announcing the development, he wrote, “The message remained the same. The lifestyle remained that which glorifies Jesus. Your transition into Glory to meet The Lord Jesus happened today.

“Our dear Legendary Mummy Toun Soetan… Mummy, sing with the Angels. Mummy, wow, goodnight. May God be with our beloved daddy and the family.”

Gospel musician Peter Olaniyi also confirmed the death, describing the late singer as a legend in the Nigerian gospel music community.

“We just lost another legend this morning, Mummy Toun Soetan. May the Lord be with the family and Daddy Titus Soetan. Please let’s commiserate with the family,” he said.

Tributes have continued to pour in from gospel artistes and admirers who described the late singer as an inspiration and mentor to many in the music ministry.

Gospel artiste Bukola Omowaye said Soetan played a major role in shaping her spiritual and musical journey.

“Mama, heaven’s gain. The only time I had the opportunity to minister alongside Mummy Toun Soetan was a moment I cherished so much,” she wrote, recounting how she first encountered the late singer’s music as a child through her parents’ television.

She added that Soetan’s teachings at worship gatherings and music programmes helped strengthen her Christian faith and ministry.

Another gospel artiste, Shola Adesina, also paid tribute, describing the late singer as a peaceful and graceful woman.

“Mummy Toun Soetan. Rest on ma. Had the privilege of one-on-one experience with mam during Celebrating the Legend. She’s so peaceful and full of grace. May your gentle soul rest in peace ma,” Adesina said.

Also reacting to the development, former Secretary of the Entertainment Writers Association of Nigeria in Oyo State, Kunle Bakare, described the late singer as a God-sent musician whose gospel lyrics were deeply rooted in Christian teachings.

“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.

Born Racheal Olatoun Soetan in Lagos, the late gospel minister grew up in the Beere–Oke Are area of Ibadan. She was one of 28 children in her family and was originally raised in a Muslim background.

Her spiritual journey took a new turn in 1974 after she attended a revival service at Oritamefa Baptist Church, where she had a profound Christian experience that later shaped her music ministry.

Before fully committing to ministry, Soetan worked as a teacher for 16 years at Oritamefa Baptist School. She later became co-proprietress of Pathfinder College, a school founded by her husband, while continuing her music and ministry work.

Over a career spanning more than four decades, she became widely recognised as one of Nigeria’s pioneering gospel singers, known for spiritually themed songs such as “Train Up Your Child” and “Darling Jesus.”

Her music, characterised by rich harmonies and strong biblical messages, inspired generations of gospel musicians and worshippers across Nigeria.

Soetan is survived by her husband, Titus Soetan, family members, and a large community of gospel ministers and followers influenced by her life and ministry.

Nollywood actor and producer Rotimi Salami recently expressed deep concern over the poor performance and low audience turnout for his latest film, “Kilanko,” in Nigerian cinemas.

The movie, which hit theaters on March 6, 2026, was a labor of love that took three years to produce and was directed by the late Allwell Ademola.

In an Instagram post, Salami, in a video with veteran actress Yetunde Wunmi, revealed that the movie’s weekend sales were disappointing, putting it at risk of removal from theaters.

Appealing to fans for support, Salami thanked those who attended promotional events and screenings, but acknowledged that the turnout was lower than expected.

He warned that if sales do not improve by the weekend, the film may be pulled from cinemas prematurely.

He wrote, “I am making this post with a heavy heart. Kilanko sales at the cinemas last weekend weren’t good. That’s why I couldn’t post throughout yesterday.

“Still, I say a very big thank you to everyone who came out at different times for the meet-and-greet, and likewise to everyone who came out to watch, but the numbers are pretty small.

“If Kilanko doesn’t make the expected figure by this weekend. It might be kicked out of the cinemas even before Ramadan is over. Please, we need all the support we can get to reach a retainable figure.

“Kilanko is surely a beautiful movie that everyone must see. Thank you, mama @yetunde_wunmi_ for the prayers”.

Taiwo Adegbodu, one half of the popular Nigerian gospel duo Adegbodu Twins, has passed away.

The tragic news was officially confirmed by his twin brother and musical partner, Kehinde Adegbodu, through a heartfelt post on the duo’s official Facebook handle.

In a heartfelt post, Kehinde conveyed his profound grief over the loss of both his brother and ministry partner.

He wrote: “TAIWO, why will you leave me and your kids without notification?
My heart is bleeding, Lord how do you want me to cope without him?
God why? This is too much for me to bear!!!”

Taiwo and Kehinde Adegbodu were renowned in gospel circles for their spirited worship sessions, twin-stage performances, and dynamic ministrations, which resonated with churches and Christian gatherings across Nigeria.

Their music and live performances earned them a devoted following, particularly in the South-West region.

As of the time of this report, the cause of Taiwo Adegbodu’s death and details of his funeral arrangements have not been disclosed.