Nigerian gospel minister BJ Sam comes thru with a refreshing new single named “Rise Up, Don’t Give Up” which is a straightforward exhortation to stay on to faith during difficult times.
His catalog still leans into that same encouragement-first manner, tackling struggle head-on with statements of optimism rather than avoiding it. The title says it what the song is trying to do, giving a name to the conflict, but not letting it prevail. That directness is part of a broader wave of Nigerian gospel right now, with musicians opting for straightforward and passionate words over esoteric worship.
Production is still warm and energetic, centered around instrumentation that has true forward movement all the way thru. There is no rest here, and none for long. The arrangement advances unremittingly, as is fitting for the determination included in the title.
It’s the kind of honesty that allows a message like this to continue to resonate with people in the middle of a terrible season.
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