Nigerian Afro-gospel artist and creative entrepreneur Angelo has opened up about an extraordinary childhood marked by loss, poverty and constant displacement, revealing how living with 27 different families shaped his faith, music and life's mission.
Speaking on Sunny 88.7 FM's Inspirational Morning Drive, the singer said his difficult upbringing convinced him that God could be found in every season of life, inspiring him to create music that speaks to everyday human experiences from a Christian perspective.
More Than a Musician
Although widely known as a recording artist, Angelo describes himself as a creative entrepreneur with multiple passions.
He is the co-founder of an animation studio, runs a creative agency involved in event production, branding and film, and has designed artwork for numerous gospel musicians across Africa.
"It's a full ecosystem of creativity," he said, explaining that he regularly switches between producing music, branding festivals and performing on stage.
'I Make Jesus Music and Love Songs'
Rather than describing himself simply as a gospel musician, Angelo says he creates "Jesus music and love songs."
According to him, Christians experience every aspect of life, from careers and relationships to grief and joy, and their music should reflect those realities while pointing listeners to Christ.
"I try to make music that speaks to the different aspects of life for someone who is saved," he explained.
A Childhood Marked by Pain
Behind Angelo's vibrant personality lies a deeply painful story.
His parents separated when he was just three years old.
At the age of nine, his mother travelled abroad, suffered a medical emergency and later returned to Nigeria with severe health complications.
As her condition deteriorated, the family slipped into poverty and churches often stepped in to help pay school fees and medical bills.
Eventually, after his mother's death in 2017, Angelo found himself navigating life without the one person he believed was unconditionally responsible for him.
"I heard clearly in my heart that the only person entitled to take care of me was now dead. So anybody who shows up for you, appreciate them," he recalled.
Living With 27 Different Families
Perhaps the most remarkable revelation during the interview was Angelo's account of moving between 27 different families over 20 years.
The experience exposed him to different churches, cultures and economic backgrounds.
"I've lived with rich people, poor people and middle-class people," he said.
He even spent six months living in a Muslim household before moving again and returning to a Christian environment.
The constant relocation also meant worshipping in numerous church denominations across Nigeria.
"I think the only pastor in Nigeria I haven't seen is Pastor Chris," he joked.
Finding God in Chaos
Despite the instability, Angelo said one lesson remained constant.
Whenever life became overwhelming, he found himself turning to God.
His mother's illness led the family from one healing service to another, reinforcing his belief that God was the first place to run in times of crisis.
Later, while living in abusive homes and enduring difficult circumstances, prayer, Scripture and the Holy Spirit became his greatest source of comfort.
Rejecting a Lucrative Record Deal
As his musical career began to take shape, Angelo faced a defining moment.
A record executive offered him a lucrative seven-figure contract on one condition: remove references to Jesus from his music.
At the time, he was still a struggling university student being supported by churches and well-wishers.
After spending an entire weekend considering the offer, he declined.
"I wanted to be able to say what I wanted to say, when I wanted to say it," he explained.
Why His Music Is Different
Angelo acknowledged that many Christians initially questioned whether his songs qualified as gospel music because they addressed topics such as grief, broken relationships, purpose and emotional struggles.
His response was simple.
"The Bible is a full life experience," he said.
"It talks about marriage, pain, failure, restoration and everyday life. Why can't I make music about the full life experience from the perspective of someone who loves God?"
Music That Meets People Where They Are
Today, Angelo says his greatest joy is hearing how his songs have impacted people's lives.
Some couples have used his music as the soundtrack to their love stories and weddings.
Others have found comfort while grieving the loss of loved ones.
He believes Christians need to create music that walks with people through every stage of life instead of only celebrating spiritual victories.
"Sometimes you don't preach people out of grief," he said. "Sometimes you just have to be quiet."
Visiting Ghana
Angelo was in Ghana after being invited by friends of a couple who wanted him to surprise them at their wedding.
The groom had introduced his bride to Angelo's music during their courtship, and his songs became part of their journey to marriage.
While in Accra, the artist also hosted a private listening session for his upcoming album and connected with Ghanaian musicians and supporters.
He praised Ghana's growing Afro-gospel movement, singling out Joe Mettle, Scott Evans and Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta (NAAH) for their contribution to contemporary Christian music.
Listen to Inspirational Morning Drive on Sunny 88.7 FM, also streaming live at sunnygh.com.