The All Souls’ Chapel Choir was established as far back as the 70’s when worship services took place at the foyer of the Faculty of Agriculture. At that time, choir practices were held in Moremi Hall Common Room since members were students. When the Chapel moved to the Religious Grounds (its present location), some members of Staff joined the Choir. The first Organist and Choirmaster of the Chapel was Prof. Johnson Ajibade Adefila (of blessed memory). The size of the Choir was such that even when invitations fell on Sundays, the Choir was still full enough for the Church services. Instrumentalists of the Choir at that time were Prof Adefila, the Fashinas, Dr. Ajibola Mesida and Prof. J.R.O. Ojo. The Choir then, was able to wax a 12-inch record and later an audio tape.
Prof. Adefila and Dr. Horton led the Chapel Choir as Organists and Choirmasters till 1989. However, in 1989, Prof. ’Yemi Olaniyan became the Choirmaster while Prof. Adefila served as Co-organist and Choirmaster until 1990. Prof Olaniyan was later appointed Music Director while Prof. Michael Olatunji and Dr. Ayobami Oyedele served as Assistant Music Directors. Past Assistant Organists who worked with Prof. Olaniyan were Kola Oyadiran, Lekan Adegoke, Ukeme Udoh and Tayo Omosilade.
Presently, the Music Director of the Chapel is Prof. Michael Olatunji while Mr. Oluseyi Amoo is the Chapel Organist. Elected members of the Executive are led by the Choir President, who is currently Dr. Temidayo Olajugbagbe. The Choir also has Patrons and Patronesses who encourage the Choir morally, financially and with logistic support. These eminent personalities are led by Prof. O. B. Fasubaa who is also the Chairperson, Choir Affairs Committee.
The Choir ministers in a broad range of hymns, anthems (classical, contemporary songs, Spirituals and sacred solos) as well as choruses in English, Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa languages. The Choir ministers during regular Worship Services, Choir Anniversaries and special outings like crusades, festivals of other choirs, installation ceremonies, wedding ceremonies and funeral services for the elderly. Annual Christmas Carols of 9 lessons and Easter Cantata have been held except when circumstances dictate otherwise.
The choir now has two teams attached to her to form the Music Service Unit of the Chapel. These are:
(a) The Praise Team and instrumentalists, and
(b) The Technical Team (Audio and Visual sub-units).
The Praise Team leads the praise and worship sessions during services of the Chapel. It also ministers in songs during services.
The Technical Team controls the audio and visual output during every Church service. The audio Team is in charge of recording different segments of the service, most especially the messages, which are made available to members after each service on request.
The Music Service Unit (Choir along with the Praise Team and instrumentalists as well as and the Technical Team) are made up of both student and staff members. Our main goal is to glorify God and edify the church.
