Veteran Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter, Toun Soetan, popularly known as Evangelist Shouet, has passed away at the age of 73, marking the end of an era in Nigeria’s gospel music ministry.
News that Toun Soetan dies has sparked tributes from members of the gospel music community, many of whom described her as a gifted evangelist whose songs inspired worship across generations.
The late singer was widely recognised as the original composer of the popular Christian chorus “Darling Jesus,” a song that has remained a regular feature in church services across Nigeria.
Reacting to the development, former Secretary of the Oyo State chapter of the Entertainment Writers Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Kunle Bakare, said the news that Toun Soetan dies is a huge loss to gospel music. He described the late musician as a divinely gifted minister whose songs carried deep spiritual messages.
Bakare also noted that the late evangelist would be remembered for establishing a music college where she trained several gospel musicians who are now active in the industry.
Also confirming the development, gospel musician Peters Olaniyi Olusegun shared the news in a Facebook post, mourning the loss of the respected singer.
“We just lost another legend this morning, Mummy Toun Soetan. May the Lord be with the family and Daddy Titus Soetan,” he wrote.
Beyond “Darling Jesus,” the late evangelist was known for other notable songs including “Ke Pe Jesu” and “Cast Your Burdens,” which became widely used in Christian worship gatherings. Many gospel music lovers say the legacy of her songs will continue to live on even as the gospel community mourns the loss following the announcement that Toun Soetan dies.