Famous Nigerian gospel musician initiates a first of its kind praise movement on Instagram
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For over a week now, Instagram in Nigeria has been agog with the trend #halleluyahchallenge. What started with just a simple announcement by Nigerian gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey on his Instagram post is now the talk of social media by Nigerians both home and diaspora.
For over a week now, Instagram in Nigeria has been agog with the trend #halleluyahchallenge. What started with just a simple announcement by Nigerian gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey on his Instagram post is now the talk of social media by Nigerians both home and diaspora.
The Hallelujah challenge by Nathaniel Bassey sees over 60,000 participants join him live on Instagram and over 80,000 on Facebook at 12am Nigerian time for an hour of praise and worship to God.
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From an announcement made on his Instagram page inviting others to join him on a one hour praise session, this has become very refreshing for those who join and then invite others with the harsh tags #olowogbogboro meaning the outstretch hands of God and #halleluyahchallenge.
Although many joined this movement, it has been greeted with criticism from some Nigerians as a total waste of time. Notable among the critics is Nigerian writer Joy Isi-Bewaji who wrote “This cute online revival will change nothing; even if we gather half the numbers in Nigeria to spread their faith on third mainland bridge and cry out to God (apart from that good feeling that plasters your heart after belting out and sweating on a few hallelujah songs).
This is the era of knowledge. We are not Israelites under Moses. Salvation has come. Jesus has come and died. What else do you want?”
Amidst the debate on whether it is necessary or not, the movement is still growing with more participants daily.
The irony of this in Nigeria is that despite expensive costs of internet data, many are still willing to spend so much to connect live to whatever platform they choose for the one hour praise challenge no matter what it costs them.
With the success of this challenge so far, it looks like this is beginning of different kinds of successful movements in Nigeria to mobilize people for a cause. Perhaps the divides along the line of culture, tradition and religion in Nigeria will be a thing of the past with the help of social media.
This is not the first time the famous gospel singer will call for a movement on Instagram as he called for the #onehourtonguechallenge in May which was successful in its on way but not like the #halleluyahchallenge which is expected to last till the end of June.
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