By Maxwell Oyekunle
Renowned Nigerian gospel singer and worship leader, Evangelist Racheal Olatoun Soetan, popularly known as “Evangelist Toun Soetan” was a prominent figure in the development of contemporary gospel music in southwestern Nigeria.
She passed away on Friday in Ibadan at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy of music, mentorship and spiritual influence that spanned several decades.
Early Life
Toun Soetan was born in Lagos but grew up in the Beere area of Ibadan.
She was one of 28 children in her family.
Though raised in a Muslim family, her life took a decisive turn in 1974 after attending a Christian revival at Oritamefa Baptist Church, where she gave her life to Christ.
That encounter marked the beginning of her lifelong dedication to Christian ministry and gospel music.
Education and Early Career
She studied at the University of Ibadan before committing fully to evangelism and gospel music.
Before devoting herself fully to music ministry, Soetan trained and worked as a teacher, first for 16 years at Oritamefa Baptist School, Total Garden, Ibadan.
She later became co-proprietress of Pathfinder College, a school founded by her husband.
Her passion for music, however, found expression in church choirs and worship gatherings, where her distinctive voice and ministry began attracting wider attention.
As invitations to minister at Christian programmes and revivals increased, she gradually transitioned from teaching into full-time gospel music ministry.
Marriage and Family Life
Toun Soetan was married to Titus Soetan for over 40 years, who supported her ministry and educational initiatives.
Their partnership extended beyond family life into ministry and education.
Friends and colleagues often described their marriage as one built on faith, mutual respect, and dedication to service.
Despite her public ministry, she maintained a relatively private family life.
Rise in Gospel Music
Mama Soetan gained recognition through recordings and worship ministrations that resonated with churches across Nigeria.
Some of her widely known songs, “Iye Re,” “Ke Pe Jesu” and “darling Jesus,” became a popular chorus in Christian worship gatherings.
She later founded Trinity World Evangelical Ministries and established the Trinity School of Worship (TRISOW) in Bodija, Ibadan, where she trained aspiring gospel singers and worship leaders.
Contemporaries in Gospel Music
Evangelist Soetan belonged to a generation of gospel ministers who helped shape the Nigerian gospel music landscape from the late 1970s through the 1990s.
Her contemporaries included notable gospel figures such as Dr Bola Are, Panam Percy Paul, Evangelist Dupe Olulana and Dr Funmi Aragbaye.
Together, they contributed significantly to the growth of gospel music in Nigeria, blending scripture-based lyrics with indigenous musical styles that resonated deeply with Christian audiences.
Ministry and Mentorship
Beyond her music recordings, Evangelist Soetan was widely respected for mentoring younger gospel artists and church music ministers.
Through TRISOW and her ministry platforms, she raised and trained several worship leaders.
She consistently emphasised that gospel music should remain a spiritual calling centred on worship, discipleship and evangelism rather than purely commercial pursuits.
Legacy
For many in the Nigerian Christian community, Evangelist Soetan was regarded as a trailblazer whose songs and teachings helped shape worship culture in churches across the country.
Her death at 73 marks the passing of a revered gospel minister, but her songs, teachings and the many lives she mentored continue to testify to her enduring legacy.
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