For Albert Oikelome, a professor of music from the University of Lagos (Unilag), music is more than just a rendition of sounds, but a blend of something deeper than the different genres put together.
As the convener and music director of Alberto Signature Sound, the concert was more than a musical gathering. “It is a heartfelt expression of both personal and collective journeys through pain, healing, hope, and restoration.
“As we navigate the rhythms of life, we often find that it is Grace — unseen, yet powerful, persistent, and true — that carries us.”
A musical journey through classical, African & gospel sounds, a musical concert organised by Alberto Signature Sound with the theme, ‘Echoes of Grace’ was held on Thursday June 12, 2025, at the Living Impact Christian Centre, Ilupeju, Lagos.
According to Oikelome, the vision for the concert was born out of a journey that reflects his personal struggle through life. He disclosed that the curated songs reflect seasons of loss and longing; also of faith rekindled and strength renewed, which he described as a “curated blend of classical elegance, African soul, and gospel fervor.”
He also disclosed that performances were thoughtfully chosen to echo the boundless grace of God in humanity. “We thank God for humble beginnings. For the mountains, the dangerous curves, and the storms He has brought us through — each twist, each trial has shaped our journey,” he said.
Oikelome also urged the participants to join in raising their voices in ‘Echoes of Grace.’ This time, not just for a grace that whispers, but the grace that shouts! “Now, we begin to see how all things work together for good. Yesterday was good. Today is better. But we await… the best tomorrow,” he echoes.
Wale Olasoji, senior pastor, Living Impact Christian Centre and host of the concert, said that the entirety of Christian living is made of grace and that Christianity is nothing without grace. “The Christian life is all about grace. Once you remove grace from our Christian life, we lose everything.
“All we have is what is possible with man. Grace introduces God into the race. So, it’s important that there’s an echo of grace every time, in our Christian life,” he said.
According to him, music has the ability to break denominational barriers in Christendom, because music crosses the boundaries of races, gender, and tribes. According to him, music is non-tribal, and powerful for kingdom work.
“And that’s why some people use it negatively. But, we understand the power of using it positively, the way God intends it to be. So, music is educating; it’s also therapeutic,” he said.
According to him, music heals emotionally and mentally, and has the power to calm people down. “It does a lot of things in people’s lives,” Olasoji said, disclosing that his intention for making his church available for the concert was influenced by his view of the kingdom.
“As long as it’s the kingdom of God, we’d love to be a part of it. So, we talked, we looked at the dates, we didn’t have a program.”
Adding colours to the curated sounds were guest ministers like Genevieve Ogu-Odii, Nigerian classical and crossover singer, composer, and music educator. She was awarded a full scholarship in 2013, by the MTN Foundation to study voice at the MUSON Diploma School of Music. She graduated in 2015 as the Best Overall Student, Best Graduating Voice Student, and Best Female Singer.
Another guest minister was Stephen Olu-Bukun Olusoji, a composer, musicologist and professor of Musicology at the University of Lagos, with a career spanning over three decades, and has made significant contributions to the growth of African art music through teaching, research, and composition.
Alberto signature sound
Alberto Signature is a creative outfit committed to transforming lives through music, ministry, and mentorship. Founded by Albert Oikelome, a leading African music scholar, conductor, and mentor, Alberto Signature serves as a platform where sound, spirit, and service intersect.
At the core of Alberto Signature is the devotion to music, ministry, and mentorship, with a vision to be a leading creative force in Africa and beyond, raising a generation of empowered artists, worship leaders and change-makers who carry the sound of hope, healing and heritage.
Alberto Signature believes in the power of sound to minister to the soul and bring hope to communities. Hence, it is crafting and curating soulful, culturally rooted, and excellence-driven music that uplifts and inspires.
With ministry as one of its cardinals, leveraging music and the arts as a channel for healing, worship, and spiritual renewal. From African classical fusions to gospel and contemporary expressions, every sound bears the mark of purpose and grace.
Alberto Signature strongly believes in raising a new generation of purposeful creatives through training, coaching, and intentional relationships under its mentorship drive. With a heart for emerging talents, Alberto Signature nurtures artists, music directors, and cultural ambassadors with wisdom, skill, and character.
Whether through live concerts, studio productions, spiritual retreats, or mentorship programs, Alberto Signature stands as a beacon of excellence, faith, and creativity—bringing echoes of grace to the world. “Alberto Signature grounded in your pillars of music, ministry, and mentorship. “
For Alberto Signature, the mission is simply: to transform lives and communities through impactful music, spirited ministry, and purposeful mentorship, by fusing African cultural heritage with global excellence to nurture creative, spiritual, and professional growth.
