Richard Shekari

Richard Shekari is a gospel singer, songwriter, rapper, poet, and author based in Abuja, Nigeria, whose music is rooted in faith and worship. Born on April 11, 1981, in Bauchi, Nigeria, his musical journey began in the early 1990s, when he sang as a tenor in a church choir. That foundation in congregational singing would shape his identity even as his musical path took unexpected turns.

During the late 1990s, Shekari became involved in secular rap music. The experience gave him a fluency in lyric-driven storytelling, but it also created a tension that eventually led him back to gospel music. He now describes his current musical style as a fusion of melodic worship and lyrical storytelling, directly influenced by his background in rap.

Shekari’s recorded catalog includes the album Cold Streets, Warm Faith (2026), along with songs such as “My Love Song,” “Assurance,” “Beacon of Hope,” “The Lord’s Soldier,” “I Am Alive,” “Before the Dawn,” and “Father of the Poor.” These releases reflect his commitment to expressing Christian faith through a blend of contemporary worship and the rhythmic, poetic sensibilities he honed in earlier years.