VOICE OF THE CROSS: IGBO GOSPEL SINGERS THAT CHANGED GENERATIONS.
The Voice of the Cross stands as one of the most enduring and influential gospel music duos in Nigerian history, particularly within the vibrant Eastern Igbo musical tradition.
Formed in the early 1970s by two brothers in faith, Brother Lazarus Chukwouma and Brother Emmanuel Ogbonna, the group emerged from the bustling city of Aba in southeastern Nigeria, where they first met during a church service.
At a time when gospel music was largely confined to hymns and choral singing in Pentecostal and charismatic circles, these two visionaries blended highlife rhythms with heartfelt Igbo lyrics and English choruses, creating a sound that resonated deeply with a generation seeking spiritual upliftment amid post-civil war recovery.
Their music, characterized by soul-stirring melodies, powerful vocals, and messages of redemption, salvation, and victory over sin, quickly transcended church walls to become a staple in homes, markets, and long-distance bus journeys across Nigeria and beyond.
The duo's journey began modestly in the Assemblies of God church in Aba, where Lazarus and Emmanuel, both young men passionate about evangelism, discovered their shared gift for songwriting and harmony.
Drawing inspiration from the Bible and the socio-spiritual challenges of the era—including the lingering scars of the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970)—they composed their first tracks on simple guitars and drums.
By the mid-1970s, they had recorded their debut album, which featured timeless anthems like "Hallelujah, Praise the Lord" and "My Jesus Conquered Satan."
This release marked the birth of contemporary Igbo gospel highlife, a genre that fused traditional Igbo folk elements with upbeat highlife beats and overt Christian themes.
Unlike the secular highlife giants like Chief Stephen Osadebe or Oliver De Coque dominating the airwaves, Voice of the Cross infused their music with unapologetic proclamations of faith, turning dances into worship sessions and turning listeners into impromptu congregants.
Their pioneering role in this fusion is widely acknowledged; as early adopters, they paved the way for later stars like Chioma Jesus, Gozie Okeke, and even international sensations such as Sinach, helping to elevate gospel music from niche church entertainment to a mainstream cultural force in Nigeria during the 1970s and 1980s.
As their popularity surged, Voice of the Cross became synonymous with Eastern gospel's golden age.
In the 1980s, they dominated the scene with albums that sold thousands of cassettes in markets like Ariaria in Aba and Onitsha Main Market. Tracks such as "Only Jesus Can Save," "He Has Taken My Sorrows Away," and "Ihunanya" (meaning "God's Love" in Igbo) captured the essence of their ministry: songs that evoked repentance, joy, and communal praise.
Their live performances at crusades, revivals, and church conferences drew massive crowds, often leaving audiences in tears of conviction or waves of ecstatic worship.
The group's unpretentious style—dressed in simple white agbada robes, backed by a modest band of percussionists and keyboardists—amplified their authenticity.
They traveled extensively, ministering in villages, cities, and even diaspora communities in the UK and US, where Igbo expatriates clamored for their tapes.
By the early 1990s, they had released multiple volumes, including the iconic "Voice of the Cross Vol. 1 & 2," which became must-haves for every Christian household.
These recordings not only preserved Igbo language and proverbs in a sacred context but also addressed everyday struggles like poverty, illness, and spiritual warfare, making their music a soundtrack for resilience in post-war Igboland.
The impact of Voice of the Cross on Nigerian gospel music cannot be overstated; they were the doyens who transformed a regional sound into a national phenomenon.
Before the digital era, their cassettes were pirated and shared widely, influencing a wave of artists who emulated their highlife-gospel hybrid.
Historians of African music note that groups like theirs in the 1970s helped democratize gospel, making it accessible beyond elite choirs and into the streets of Eastern Nigeria.
Their songs were played in taxis, at weddings, and during fasting periods, embedding Christian messages into the cultural fabric.
Even secular listeners found solace in the optimism of tunes like "Satan Is in Trouble," which proclaimed divine triumph with infectious energy.
The duo's commitment to ministry over commercialism—eschewing flashy endorsements for tent crusades—earned them reverence as true apostles of song.
In the 2000s and beyond, as gospel evolved toward more polished Afropop influences, Voice of the Cross remained a benchmark for authenticity, releasing later works like "Gospel High Life Vol. 1" in 2014 and "Vol. 2" in 2015, proving their enduring relevance.
They continued performing at major events, such as the Lord's Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement crusades, where their sets ignited spiritual fervor among thousands.
Testimonies from fans and contemporaries paint a vivid picture of their transformative power.
One longtime listener recalls, "Voice of the Cross, indeed. You have impacted many generations. I grew up in faith hearing your voice; till this moment, still as fresh as it were in those days."
Another shares a personal story: "My mom put me on Voice of the Cross. I haven't seen any gospel music group better than that group till date," highlighting how parental introductions embedded their music in family legacies.
For many, the songs induced profound spiritual shifts; as one fan reminisced, "Back then when you listen to a Nigerian gospel song, you immediately become sober, regret your sins & commit to living a holy life... Voice of the Cross Vol.1 & 2 by Bro. Emma and Lazarus."
Childhood memories abound, with admirers crediting the duo for shaping their faith: "Voice of the cross really sang the gospel. This music group blessed my childhood. Songs like 'Hallelujah (3x), Praise the Lord'... Only Jesus can save... He has taken my sorrows away."
Even in broader discussions of Igbo musical heritage, they are hailed as legends: "Igbos has the best all time Gospel songs and artists in the whole Africa... Voice of the Cross [among others]."
A poignant anecdote from social media describes a man repenting after hearing their music blaring from a neighbor's speakers, underscoring the spontaneous evangelism their sound inspired.
These accounts reveal not just musical appreciation but life-altering encounters, where lyrics like those in "Looking for a City" or "Come and See the Light" prompted conversions and sustained believers through trials.
Though Brother Lazarus and Brother Emmanuel—now revered as Apostle Dr. Lazarus Chukwuoma and Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Ogbonna—have aged gracefully into their later years, the Voice of the Cross legacy endures through reissues on platforms like Spotify and YouTube, where millions stream their classics.
In an era of auto-tuned worship anthems, their raw, highlife-infused praise reminds listeners of gospel's roots in testimony and triumph. As one observer noted, "No more Voice Of The Cross kind of gospel music," lamenting the shift but celebrating the irreplaceable void they filled.
Today, on September 7, 2025, their story continues to inspire, proving that true ministry through music outlives trends, touching souls across generations in the heart of Eastern Nigeria and far beyond.
Below is a compiled list of some of the original Voice of the Cross tracks, drawn from available information across their discography.
This list may not be exhaustive but represents the most complete and verified collection available.
1. Walking in the Light of God
2. King of King
3. That Day
4. Sweet Name
5. Joy of Salvation
6. Eternal Life
7. Jua Onwe Gi Ajuju (Medley)
8. Grace
9. Coming of the Lord
10. Thank You for Saving Mee
11. Sing Halleluyah
12. Halleluyah
13. He Wept for Me
14. Good Morning Jesus (Worship)
15. Nearer to Thee Lord
16. Anyi Naja Gi Mma
17. Arise and Shine
18. Arise Oh Lord
19. The Bone Shall Rise Again
20. Prophecy Fulfilled
21. Goodness of God
22. I Shall Not Die
23. Jerusalem
24. Christ Is Coming Soon
25. Satan Is in Trouble
26. The Fountain of Life
27. Come and See the Light
28. Look and Live
29. Great Is Thy Name
30. I Will Praise Him
31. Hossana in the Highest
32. I Will Lift Up My Voice
33. Reason to Praise
34. Praise Him for Ever
35. In Judah God Is Praised
36. Only Jesus Can Save
37. He Has Taken My Sorrows Away
38. Ihunanya
39. Draw Me Nearer
40. It Is Finished
41. Looking for a City
Notes:
- Tracks like “Jua Onwe Gi Ajuju (Medley)” and “Goodness of God” are notably longer (39:35 and 29:19, respectively), suggesting they may include multiple segments or extended worship sessions.
- Some tracks, such as “Thank You for Saving Mee” and “Joy of Salvation,” feature Brothers Emmanuel and Lazarus explicitly as writers or performers, reinforcing their originality to the duo.
Compiled by Obinna Of-Igweocha
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