Legendary Nigerian juju singer Sir Shina Peters has shared the divine inspiration behind his 2021 ordination as a bishop in the Cherubim and Seraphim Church of God.
In a recent interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the 66-year-old music icon revealed that his elevation was the result of a direct instruction from God to the church’s leadership. Peters, known for his iconic fusion of Afrojuju beats and Christian hymns, said the ordination was tied to his lifelong dedication to incorporating hymns into his music.
“The Almighty God said I should be made the first bishop in the Cherubim and Seraphim Church of God. He told the leaders of the church,” Peters explained.
He further noted that his unique musical style, which often draws from Christian hymns, has played a pivotal role in converting many souls to Christianity.
“God said this is because I am the only musician who has been consistent in using hymns in my music and performances, and with this, I have won many souls for Christ,” he said.
Despite initially resisting the ordination, Peters admitted that he eventually yielded to what he described as a divine calling. “I tried to dodge the ordination for a while until God finally got me arrested,” he confessed.
A Storied Career
Born in Ogun State, Shina Peters began his musical journey at a young age, performing under the moniker Olushina and His Twelve Fantastic Brothers. A self-taught pianist, he honed his craft with several iconic bands, including stints with Ebenezer Obey and later General Prince Adekunle’s band, where he transitioned from guitarist to lead singer during Adekunle’s illness.
Peters eventually revolutionized the Nigerian music scene with his Afrojuju genre, a blend of juju, Afrobeat, and Fuji music.
