Veteran gospel music icon Toun Soetan dies at 73

By Oluwapelumi Olusanjo

Veteran gospel music icon Toun Soetan dies at 73 and songwriter, Toun Soetan, popularly known as Evangelist Shouet, has passed away at the age of 73.

The respected evangelist and gospel music pioneer was widely known as the original composer of the beloved Christian chorus “Darling Jesus,” a song that has been sung in churches across Nigeria and around the world for decades.

Her music ministry spanned more than 40 years, making her one of the most influential voices in Yoruba gospel music.

Throughout her career, Soetan’s songs were widely described as inspirational and motivational, particularly during the early 1990s when many of her worship choruses gained popularity in churches and revival meetings.

Beyond “Darling Jesus,” some of her notable songs include “Ke Pe Jesu” and “Cast Your Burdens,” which became widely used in Christian worship.

In addition to her music ministry, Soetan served as the Minister in Charge of Trinity World Evangelical Ministry, where she dedicated much of her life to preaching, teaching, and mentoring younger gospel ministers.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, she spent part of her early life abroad before returning to Nigeria for her education. She later studied at the University of Ibadan before committing fully to evangelism and gospel music.

Over the decades, Evangelist Soetan built a legacy as a teacher, evangelist, and worship leader whose songs were rooted in scripture and aimed at spreading the Christian message.

Many Nigerian gospel artists and church leaders have credited her as one of the pioneers who helped shape indigenous gospel worship in Nigeria.

Her death on March 13, 2026, has sparked tributes from members of the Christian community who remember her as a passionate minister whose music touched generations of believers.