Gospel singer Tope Alabi has mourned the death of veteran Nigerian gospel musician and “Darling Jesus’ crooner, Toun Soetan, describing her as “a true spiritual mother and a matriarch in gospel music.”
Alabi made the tribute on her Facebook page on Sunday, expressing sorrow over the passing of the 73-year-old music icon.
“Her life was a reflection of Christ, and her impact in the gospel music ministry will never be forgotten. She lived for Christ and preached Him through her life and music.
“Though we will miss her, we are comforted knowing she has gone to be with the Lord. Rest well, Mama. Your legacy lives on,” she wrote.
The death of Soetan, also known as Racheal Olatoun Soetan, was confirmed on Friday by gospel comedian Woli Agba in a post on social media.
According to the post, Soetan passed on after a life dedicated to glorifying Jesus Christ.
Born in Lagos, Soetan grew up in the Beere–Oke Are area of Ibadan as one of 28 children and was originally raised in a Muslim home. She embraced Christianity in 1974 after attending a revival service at Oritamefa Baptist Church, an experience that later shaped her music ministry.
Before fully committing to gospel ministry, Soetan taught for 16 years at Oritamefa Baptist School and later became co-proprietress of Pathfinder College, founded by her husband, Titus Soetan.
Over a career spanning more than four decades, she became widely recognised as one of Nigeria’s pioneering gospel singers, with spiritually themed hits such as Train Up Your Child and Darling Jesus.
She is survived by her husband, family members, and a large community of gospel ministers and followers influenced by her life and ministry.
