Gospel celebration to honour late church founder

The concert will take place in London on September 25 and features Muyiwa and Riversongz, the Love and Joy Gospel Choir, the Ken Burton Singers and the OK Orchestra. Money raised will go towards the OK Foundation, set up last year in memory of the late Olusegun Kolade Omideyi.

The Nigerian born pastor arrived in England in 1969, and pursued a music career with the prestigious Royal School of Church Music. He co-founded the first ever branch of Christ Apostolic Church in Britain in the London borough of Haringey in 1974, was ordained as a pastor in 1983 and was the Superintendent Pastor in the CAC branch in Hackney, east London until his death in 2008.

Pastor Omideyi continued his career within the church as an organist and choir master teaching classical music to people of all races and backgrounds. He also dedicated his time to caring and supporting families in need within London and abroad.

His wife, Christina stated, “My late husband loved God, life and people. He was also a talented musician and following his death in 2008, I, along with our four children, felt it would be appropriate to establish a foundation in his honour, that would meet two criteria.

"It would firstly play a part in educating the public about the art of music through concerts and music workshops, and secondly it would help relieve financial and emotional hardship within families by providing grants, counselling and advice.”

Funmi, his 28 year old daughter, stated, "Whilst growing up, our home was a hub of activity. If daddy wasn’t playing his beloved organ/piano, he was always giving advice and support to needy families.

"He taught us that as Christians it was important for us to have time for people, and to be there for them during their times of suffering and hardship.

"It seemed just right for us to set up a foundation that represented the things my father loved the most.”

Since it was launched in 2008 the OK Foundation has set about achieving some of its aims. This has included establishing a soup kitchen, distributing food to the homeless in London and running seminars on the subjects of relationships and family welfare and music workshops.

Funmi said, “We are hoping people who love music will join us at this special event to pay tribute to the life of my father, and that they too will be inspired to live a life of service to their community.”



Tickets for the event are £25, £20 and £15. Phone 020 7730 4500 or 07961 068014 or 07985 117103 for ticket details