Nigerian gospel artiste Tope Alabi has expressed grief over the death of veteran gospel singer Toun Soetan, describing her as a mother figure and an influential voice in gospel music.

Alabi shared a heartfelt message on her Facebook page on Sunday, where she paid tribute to the late singer and reflected on her impact on the gospel music community.

According to Alabi, Soetan lived a life devoted to Christ and used her music and ministry to spread the Christian message. She said the late singer’s legacy would continue to inspire generations of believers and gospel musicians.

Soetan’s death was earlier announced by Nigerian gospel comedian Woli Agba in a social media post on Friday. The entertainer noted that the veteran singer spent her life promoting the message of Jesus Christ through her songs and ministry.

Born in Lagos, Soetan spent part of her early life in the Beere–Oke Are area of Ibadan. She was raised in a Muslim household but later converted to Christianity in 1974 after attending a revival programme at Oritamefa Baptist Church, an experience that strongly influenced her future in gospel music.

Before dedicating herself fully to gospel ministry, Soetan worked as a teacher for 16 years at Oritamefa Baptist School. She later became a co-proprietor of Pathfinder College, an institution founded by her husband, Titus Soetan.

Over a career that spanned more than four decades, Soetan gained recognition as one of Nigeria’s early gospel music pioneers. She was widely known for songs such as Train Up Your Child and Darling Jesus, which earned her a devoted following among gospel listeners.

The late singer is survived by her husband, relatives and a large community of gospel ministers and admirers who were influenced by her music and ministry.