Preye Odede

Preye Odede is a Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter, worship leader and music minister known for his heartfelt songs of faith, hope and encouragement. Born Oyinkepreye Odede, he is from Isampou in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, and has built a career around contemporary gospel and worship music. He is particularly known for songs such as “Ebezina,” “Bulie,” “Oshimiri Atata,” “For My Good,” “I Am Real,” “Okaka” and “Idi Ebube.”

Odede’s music career grew out of his involvement in church music. He began singing in his church’s children’s choir before progressing to the main choir and later developing his skills as a drummer and vocalist. During his university years, he became involved with an a cappella group called Born to Praise and also participated in the Casor Reconciliation Choir at Abia State University. These experiences helped establish the musical and ministry foundation for his later solo career.

Over the years, Odede has developed a reputation for songs that combine contemporary gospel sounds with the emotional directness of Nigerian worship music. His breakthrough came with “Ebezina,” a song whose message of comfort and perseverance resonated strongly with listeners. He has since released several albums and singles, collaborated with other Nigerian and African gospel artists, and established Script Music as part of his wider work in music and ministry.

Quick Facts

Early Life and Background

Preye Odede grew up in Bayelsa State in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region. He is the third of seven children and was raised in a Christian environment where church played an important role in his upbringing.

His interest in music developed early through the church. He began as a member of the children’s choir before moving into the main church choir. His involvement was not limited to singing. He also learned to play the drums, giving him a broader understanding of music and performance.

The church environment provided the foundation for Odede’s eventual career as a gospel minister. Rather than beginning his musical journey through the commercial music industry, he developed his abilities through worship, choir participation and service in Christian communities.

Education

Odede studied Microbiology at Abia State University, Uturu, in Abia State. His university years were also an important period in his musical development.

While at the university, he participated in the Casor Reconciliation Choir and was involved with Born to Praise, a five-member a cappella group. Working within a vocal group gave him additional experience with harmonies, songwriting and live performance.

Although he trained academically in microbiology, music and ministry increasingly became the direction of his professional life. His university experience nevertheless remained part of the foundation from which his later career developed.

How His Music Career Started

Odede’s professional music journey grew gradually from his church and university activities. His involvement with Born to Praise allowed him to experiment with vocal arrangements and develop confidence as a performer, while his work with church choirs strengthened his identity as a worship minister.

He eventually began writing and recording his own material. His early work reflected the personal experiences and Christian faith that had shaped him since childhood.

One of the central ideas in his early songwriting was the belief that God’s word could provide an alternative to the negative circumstances people experience. This perspective became particularly important to his first album, My Script.

Career and Breakthrough

Odede’s debut album, My Script, introduced him as a solo gospel recording artist. The title reflected his belief in the word of God as the ultimate authority over his life and circumstances. In an interview about the project, he described the album as an expression of God’s ability to transform difficult circumstances and raise a person from nothing to something.

The song that eventually became most closely associated with Odede was “Ebezina,” which means “don’t cry.” The song carries a message of reassurance to people facing difficult circumstances, encouraging them not to lose hope because of their present situation.

“Ebezina” became a major turning point in his career. Its emotional message connected with listeners across Nigeria and helped establish Odede as one of the notable voices in contemporary Nigerian gospel music. The song’s popularity also demonstrated the strength of his approach to songwriting, which often combines personal testimony with simple, direct messages of faith.

Musical Style and Influences

Odede’s music sits primarily within contemporary Nigerian gospel and Christian worship. His songs often combine modern gospel production with African rhythmic elements and melodies designed to remain accessible to congregations and individual listeners.

His songwriting frequently centers on hope, God’s faithfulness, worship, gratitude and perseverance. Rather than focusing heavily on technical vocal display, many of his songs place emphasis on the message and emotional connection between the singer and listener.

The influence of his church background is particularly clear in his worship songs. His experience as a choir member, drummer and worship leader has helped him develop music that can function both as recorded gospel and as congregational worship.

Notable Songs and Albums

Following My Script, Odede released Ready in 2017. The album contains 16 tracks in its digital version and features collaborations with artists including Sonnie Badu, Akesse Brempong and Mercy Chinwo. Songs from the project include “Oshimiri Atata,” “I Am Real,” “I Will Restore,” “Straight from Heaven” and “NaNa Owei.”

“Oshimiri Atata,” which translates as “the river that never runs dry,” became another important song in Odede’s catalogue. The song uses the image of an unending river to express God’s inexhaustible nature and faithfulness.

In 2021, he released No Restriction, another major project in his discography. The album continued his focus on worship and gospel songs built around themes of faith and God’s character.

His later catalogue has included songs such as “Okaka,” “Hallelujah,” “Ebezina (Remix),” “Days of Glory,” “Redeemed,” “Idi Ebube,” “The Greatest Name” and “So Good Medley.” His music catalogue has continued to expand through singles, live recordings and collaborations.

Collaborations and Ministry

Collaboration has been an important part of Odede’s career. His Ready album brought him together with established gospel musicians such as Sonnie Badu and Akesse Brempong, as well as Mercy Chinwo.

He has also appeared on recordings by other artists, contributing his vocals to gospel and worship projects beyond his own catalogue. His collaboration with Mercy Chinwo on “Okaka” is among his notable later partnerships.

Beyond recording, Odede’s work is closely connected to Christian ministry. His songs are generally created with a worship and encouragement purpose rather than simply for commercial entertainment. His ministry has taken him to different parts of Nigeria and beyond, where he continues to perform and lead worship.

Through Script Music, he has also been involved in the development and promotion of gospel music, extending his work beyond his own recordings.

Current Career and Legacy

Preye Odede remains active as a gospel recording artist and worship minister. His recent catalogue includes releases such as Days of Glory, Ekele (Live), “Redeemed,” “Idi Ebube,” “The Greatest Name,” “So Good Medley” and “Dey Pray,” the latter featuring Prinx Emmanuel and released in 2026.

His career is particularly associated with music that offers encouragement during difficult seasons. “Ebezina” remains the clearest example of this approach, having connected with listeners because of its straightforward message of hope and reassurance.

From his beginnings in a children’s choir in Bayelsa State to his development as a songwriter, worship leader and recording artist, Odede has built his career gradually through church ministry and gospel music. His combination of contemporary sounds, African musical influences and messages rooted in Christian faith has established him as a recognizable voice in Nigerian gospel music.