The Chronicles according to Praise ‘N’ Joy @ 25 - Phil-lola Adika

Preamble

It was a do-or-die affair when this ministry was birthed 25 years ago to fill a vital void in the Kingdom. Though the strong message and call to this itinerant praise-music ministry came in 1997, it was resistantly ignored due to fear, especially as this type of ministry was not popular in our denomination then. However, a Jonah-like experience with six armed men who took me to an unknown place on September 20, 1998, served as the final warning to either heed the call or face dire consequences. This led me to resign as a music minister of Grace Baptist Pentecostal Church, Oke Afa, Isolo, Lagos. What an experience! Consequently, the ministry was born out of passion and a divine marching order.

Our Mission’s Mandate

• Redeem the choir’s image and restore its lost glory
• Sanitize the gospel music of the land
• Be a sanitizer and crusader against corruption through seminars, conferences, and church ministrations
• Turn sorrow into joy in every life, home, and church via praise revivals, music ministrations, and nights of praiseproofs
• Enhance the growth of the church and ministry through praise and music ministrations and teachings
• Promote the dignity of praise, choir, and music ministries in our generation through workshops and a music college
• Prepare the choir and church for the heavenly mass choir after the close of the age

The Breaking of the Mandate

1. Praise Revivals
2. City-to-city choir and praise conferences
3. Choir and praise seminars and workshops
4. Choir and praise publications
5. Praise and music outreaches
6. Church music ministrations
7. Annual Night of Praiseproofs
8. Training and equipping praise minstrels and music lovers
9. Production of inspirational and soul-lifting songs
10. Sound production/equipment for Christian functions
11. Consultancy services

Publications

Every assignment or vocation has its principles, textbooks, tools, and information banks. That is why we were mandated to publish books and booklets to impact, boost, and increase the knowledge of choir and praise minstrels for the progress of the music ministry.

From our archives, apart from magazines, articles, outlines, and various interviews, we have the following:

1. The Choir Ministry: An Insight into the Office of the Levites - Published in 1996
2. Understanding Praise and Worship (1) - Published in 1997
3. Understanding Praise and Worship (2) - Published in 1997
4. Music: An Eternal Ministry - Published in 1997
5. The Gospel Band: Entertainment or Ministration? - Published in 1999
6. 100 Helpful Hints on Praise and Worship - Published in 1998
7. Pick and Praise Him in 377 Thanksgiving, Praise and Worship (1) - Published in 2000
8. Ayewa@25: The Story of the Glory - Published in 2001
9. Pocket Guide for Choirmasters and Music Leaders (1) - Published in 2003
10. Praise Dynamics: Exploring the Hidden Treasure of Praise in Life, Family, and Church - Published in 2004
11. Pocket Guide for Choirmasters and Music Leaders (2) - Yet to be published
12. The Power and Abuse of Praise Night - Published in 2008
13. Pick and Praise Him in 311 Thanksgiving, Praise and Worship - Published in 2000
14. Keeping Joy Aglow - Published in 2016
15. Music Minister and the Lead Pastor - Yet to be published

Albums

In my lifetime, I have received and composed over 200 songs, making studio work seamless when led. Some titles were inspired by testimonies, interactions, and encounters from well-wishers. I recall when we sang Judgmental Praise at one of our praiseproof programs, the guest speaker was so moved that he requested it go viral through studio production.

Among the eight albums, four are praise medleys, and four are original tracks composed by us with the ministry’s copyright. They are as follows:

1. Praise Him (2000)
2. Jericho Praise (2002)
3. Think and Thank (2005)
4. Drum of Joy (2006)
5. Reflect and Rejoice (2011)
6. Joy Unlimited (2016)
7. Judgmental Praise (2018)
8. Grateful (2021)

Listen to Praise and Joy music songs via the following album links:

• Think & Thank
• Jericho Praise
• Join and Praise Him
• Drum of Joy
• Reflect & Rejoice
• Judgmental Praise
• Joy Unlimited
• Grateful

As you listen, may God bless you, and may His grace rest upon you for all eternity. Be uplifted—amen!

Our Little Beginning

The takeoff of this ministry was rewarding because I was happy doing what He asked, though not without challenges. I faced mockery, ridicule, rejection, and accusations from some Christians and pastors, who called me unprintable names. I recall being rebuked by a respected ordained minister for dancing with the youth in church as they expressed joy in His presence for the first time. What an irony! Despite hostility from some quarters, many ministers saw this ministry as a revolution and a timely call, offering their support, cooperation, and invitations to minister.

Some churches have allowed us to conduct praise revivals for the past 20 years, becoming great encouragers of this ministry. We remain grateful and will not forget their support.

This experience taught me why some gifted individuals are pushed to other denominations without divine direction due to hostility they cannot manage. I could have left too, but His grace, focus, perseverance, and encouragement from godly, visionary leaders sustained me.

We moved from cities to villages, campuses to fellowships, spreading the message of praise and choir ministries. We started from the grassroots, staging city-wide praise and choir conferences. At times, we had no mobility and borrowed cars to transport our luggage and materials. I recall when my wife carried materials on her head due to exhaustion, and some church sisters mistook her for someone else. What an unforgettable experience!

Yet, we were and remain happy fulfilling this divine mission.

I recall a pastor inviting us for a praise revival, but the executive council opposed it, finding it strange. They questioned, “Are you telling us we’ll come to church for four days just to dance, as if we have nothing else to do?” The pastor wisely proposed a one-day trial. On the first day, the Lord ignited the house with His presence through a simple, Spirit-backed message of thanksgiving. The man who had opposed the revival at the council meeting had a transformative encounter that Sunday and later begged the pastor to extend the revival to five days. On the final day, he confessed to the church, “We could have robbed you of these blessings,” crediting the pastor’s wisdom for giving it a chance.

Another time, after a two-day choir conference, sincere leaders collected an offering of just N43 for the ministry. We received it with thanks, as Paul said, “...none of these things move me...” (Acts 20:24). We were seeing results—choristers and musicians converging to learn about their ministry, eager to be equipped and transformed. God be praised for this humble beginning.

Recently, at a choir conference, two music pastors shared how we ministered at their churches when they were young. Now married with children, their testimony made me a happy man, all to God’s glory.

Mandate Progress Report

Soon, the ministry expanded to other denominations across all six geo-political zones of Nigeria, ministering in nearly all denominations except Deeper Life and Celestial Church to date. We have crossed oceans to East and Southern African countries, with cheering testimonies to His glory. Many music ministers and praise minstrels have been groomed godly through this unique ministry, with many mentored and still under our tutelage. What He told us in March 1994 from Acts 1:8, when we were divinely denied a trip to the UK, is now clearer. We give thanks for steady growth.

Above all, Jesus has proved Himself a faithful Caller (1 Thess. 5:24; John 3:31-33). We have no regrets for running this commission—it’s a privilege to be called and get it right without being replaced (Deut. 7:6). I confidently declare, it pays to praise!

The breakthrough of our first mission car in 1999, engineered by Union Baptist Church, Osogbo, led by Rev. Dr. Olumide Kehinde, was a trailblazer, supported by our Kingdom partners, Board of Trustees, and Advisory Board members.

Over these 25 years, we have enjoyed support from Christian leaders, especially in the Nigerian Baptist Convention, from Rev. Dr. Ola Fadeji (of blessed memory) to Rev. Dr. Ademola Ishola, Rev. Dr. Samson Ayokunle, and now Rev. Dr. Israel Akanji, alongside numerous conference presidents and local pastors. We are deeply grateful—may they and their descendants never miss their reward in Jesus’ name.

In 2019, the Department of Music, Obafemi Awolowo University, honored us by sending a student to understudy our ministry for a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. In 2020, the Nigerian Baptist Convention’s New Frontier Television recognized our ministry for distinguished Christian music mission. In 2005, the Ebenezer Obey Evangelistic Ministry awarded us the Praise Altar Music Award (PAMA) for promoting the dignity of praise, choir, and music ministry. As Panam Percy Paul would say, we lay these trophies before Him, giving God the glory while we receive the blessings. This reminds us all eyes are on us—may we never misbehave in Jesus’ name.

We’ve traveled Nigeria and parts of Africa for 25 years without being maimed or kidnapped. I recall driving 10-11 hours non-stop from Lagos to New Bussa, Niger State, for a praise revival after a night of praise in Ikotun-Egbe. What divine strength, grace, and mercy! Though we faced accidents, He always delivered us.

Being a delicate, popular, and sensitive ministry, we’ve recorded steady growth without blemish. God has guarded us against spiritual attacks from unexpected quarters and realms.

This ministry volunteers and responds to invitations without charging fees, expanding the Kingdom by equipping praise minstrels and musicians through seminars and conferences. We enjoy divine provision, protection, and recognition everywhere. Praise be to the God of praise and joy!

For our silver jubilee, we were led to raise a 250-mass choir to extol our great Father. To our surprise, over 500 customized anniversary T-shirts were bought by well-wishers—what a proof of His calling!

Though Praise ‘N’ Joy has about 60 members, 8-10 have their own brands but remain loyal, seeking permission when unavailable for joint ministrations. The 250-mass choir vision has united singers and musicians across denominations, tribes, states, zones, ages, and statuses to celebrate Praise and Joy at 25—a mission of good cheer and praiseproofs!

We give thanks!

The theme song composed for this silver jubilee says it all:

ABOVE ALL - John 3:31-33

Chorus:
He’s above all (3x)
Let the people say... (2x)
Whoever is from above is above all
He who is from the earth is earthly
Whatever He commissioned, He is committed
Whatever He says, will come to pass

NITORINA:
Adupe af’ogo fun Baba
Adupe af’ogo fun Omo
Adupe af’ogo f’Emi mimo
T’ewo gb’ope o/wa (2x)

Adupe (3x) Gbope o/wa (2x)
Adupe (3x) o, Adupe (3x) o, Adupe (3x) oh oh oh gbope o (2x)
Adupe (3x) gbope wa

A. Call: Though the beginning may be rough
Response: He’s above all
Call: No matter the trials and temptations
Response: He’s above all
Keep on holding the Fort
Jesus holds the key
It will surely and always end in praise (2x)

B. Call: Weeping may endure for a night
Response: He’s above all
Call: But joy cometh in the morning
Response: He’s above all
Winners never quit
Quitters never win
There’ll be joy and victory in the end

C. Call: He is the God of all flesh
Response: He’s above all
Call: The truth everlasting, Light in the darkness
Response: He’s above all
Jesus is our peace
He is over all
He’s faithful and always present help

CODA:
Above all, we give thanks
He has done it again
Jesus is at the center of our lives
What a faithful Father

Words and music by Phil Adika (c) 2023

My Admonition to the Kingdom’s Minstrels

• The foundation of success and fulfillment in Kingdom music is Christ. Ministering outside Christ is failure, foolishness, and a disaster waiting to happen. Never be a deceitful, hypocritical, or borrowed vessel. Ensure you are part of the Kingdom you represent.
• Always seek His grace to be holy and uphold integrity daily. There is no true worship without holiness (Pastor E.A. Adeboye). Don’t be deceived.
• Identify with a local church. Never be a floating singer or musician.
• Beware of the 4F’s of spiritual cancers that militate against musicians: Female (immorality, worldliness), Finance (discontentment, love of money), Fame (pride, ego), and Food (gluttony, covetousness). Instead, focus on divine fame, favor, and firmness in Christ—the better 3 F’s.
• Get a tested, trusted, and godly mentor.
• Music ministry is vast and complex. Get your assignment right and focus on it, no matter what. Be original, not a copycat. Whether a backup singer, bassist, or behind-the-scenes worker, your role is enough to make a mark. Don’t cross another’s lane. Your Caller is a great Rewarder. God sees your labor of love secretly—wait, you’ll be heard soon.
• God makes everything beautiful in His time. Wait for your season. Ministry requires sacrifice, not just comfort. Never force doors open, as many are traps in disguise. Beware!
• Don’t let results or insults change your godly character. People full of hate and envy never live happily (Otabil Mensah). Don’t be a victim.
• Three sets of watchers exist: well-wishers, haters (vision assassins), and neutral observers. The latter align with success but withdraw otherwise.
• Wage war against competition—it kills (2 Cor. 10:12). Rivalry in ministry is devilish. Live for one God with one life.
• Check your company periodically—it can be a bridge or barrier to your destiny. Move with those who inspire and improve you.
• Discard any song you cannot sing or defend in His presence in heaven before it’s too late.
• Fear God always. The fear of God is to hate evil (Prov. 8:13). Blessings await those who fear Him (Ps. 112:1-3).
• Be a 6 o’clock musician—heavenly conscious yet relevant and pleasing to Him on earth.

I conclude with no regret for heeding the call to full-time praise-music ministry since 1992 and being an itinerant praise practitioner since 1998. It’s getting better daily to His glory.

IT PAYS TO PRAISE!