“Yakubu Manage”: Gospel Singer Bidemi Olaoba Faces Criticism Over Performance During Praise Session
- Fun videos from a Christian event, Marathon Messiah’s Praise, emerged on social media
- Gospel singers like Dunsin Oyekan, Chioma Jesus, Simisola Agbebi, and Toluwasings showed up at the event
- However, singer Bidemi Olaoba's on-stage performance stood out, sparking criticism from some Christians on social media
- In a chat with Legit.ng, a Christian influencer shared his take on the use of slangs by Bidemi Olaoba
Popular gospel singer Bidemi Olaoba recently trended on social media over a video from his live performance at a Christian concert dubbed 84 Hours of Marathon Messiah’s Praise, which commenced on March 3.
The event featured gospel singers, including top stars Dunsin Oyekan, Chioma Jesus, Simisola Agbebi, and Toluwasings, celebrating Pastor E. A. Adeboye, aka Daddy GO, of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), on his 84th birthday.
Source: Instagram
However, Bidemi Olaoba's energetic performance stood out as some Christians on social media pointed out their observations.
Many criticised the gospel singer and his crew for incorporating the viral secular meme "Yakubu manage," a humorous phrase from a late February 2026 video trend, into a church praise session, blurring the lines between entertainment and worship.
In related news, Legit.ng reported that Bidemi Olaoba was among the singers who performed at the annual gospel music concert, The Experience 2025, in Lagos.
The Experience 2025 marked the 20th anniversary edition of the all-night gospel concert, which took place on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS).
Source: Instagram
The Instagram video from Bidemi Olaoba's performance at the Marathon Messiah’s Praise is below:
Netizens slam Bidemi Olaoba over performance
Reacting, some netizens expressed concerns that modern praise events prioritise crowd energy and feel-good vibes over genuine glorification of God. Others claimed Olaoba was more of an entertainer than a minister.
Legit.ng compiled some of the reactions, read them below:
Faladynamite said:
"Entertainer Bidemi Olaoba doesn't disappoint, "Yakubu manage" in the praise session supposedly meant for the Holy One. Charlatans on our tribune. Abihu and Nadab will be shocked at what some have turned "Grace" to sha."
Dalexxy151 said:
"I feel the guy should have spiritual fathers or better still mentor that can call him to order....He's gradually becoming an entertainer and not a music Minister."
okparawife commented:
"Redeem church needs to stop inviting this guy. His rubbish is getting too much."
KingsZekiel wrote:
"I clocked it recently that most church praise sessions now is not really about glorifying God, people want to do what will get people jumping all through then forgetting who the praises should be going forth to. I don’t see these guys again as I used to."
Demon_Bulldozer) reacted:
"Sorry ooo But when did the "Yakubu manage" trend come out that a music "minister" already integrated it into "praise and worship" See ehn... Hnmmmmm."
Viizkiz said:
"I think it's becoming cringing that bidemi olaoba picks trends and infuse em in his songs Why would you add "yakubu mange" to your song? You are already a good performer. You don't need to force it. Gospel Music should be an inspiration from God not an internet trend."
Using secular slang is ungodly
According to a Christian influencer, Bidemi Olaoba, using secular slangs in his ministrations is an ungodly act.
"Bidemi is doing something ungodly. God is to be praised in the beauty of his holiness. Worldly slangs have no place in that," he said.
Governor Adeleke celebrates Pastor Adeboye
Legit.ng previously reported that Osun state governor Ademola Adeleke celebrated Pastor Adeboye on his 84th birthday.
On Monday, March 2, a video showed Governor Adeleke and some other people at Adeboye's residence. The governor sang and danced as he serenaded the clergyman.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
