BBC One talent show judge and award-winning gospel singer, Muyiwa Olarewaju, awarded OBE in Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2020
Star of Songs of Praise’s Gospel Choir of the Year competition given the honour in recognition of his service to music.
BBC One talent show judge, radio host and award-winning British gospel singer, Muyiwa Olarewaju, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2020. The vibrant performer is known to television audiences as a star of Songs of Praise’s Gospel Choir of the Year. He has been hugely instrumental in popularising the gospel music genre on a global scale by mixing traditional gospel music with elements from Africa, the Caribbean and Asia, with soul, R&B and pop.
Given the honour for his service to music, Muyiwa has brought his unique style to music fans around the world as he’s toured with legends such as Stevie Wonder and Mariah Carey. He has worked alongside superstars Bob Dylan and Lauryn Hill.
Prince William handed the OBE medal to Muyiwa at the event on the 12th of January 2022. A delighted Muyiwa, said: “I am honoured to be the first in my genre to receive such a wonderful recognition of my work and dedication over such a long period of time.
“I’m incredibly passionate about gospel music and playing a part in the genre reaching as wide an audience as possible. When you pour your heart into your passions, you do so because you love what you do and want to make an impact in not only your own life, but the lives of others. So to be recognized for it as well, especially on such a large scale is a great feeling.”
Muyiwa is the station director of the country’s best known gospel radio station Premier Gospel, which has an audience of 1.3 million listeners nationwide and he presents the popular flagship programmes Gospel Tonight and Worship Tonight to an audience of 500,000. He has also won numerous awards, including Best Presenter Oasis Awards; Best Radio Show and Best Contribution to Gospel Music at the Gospel Music Awards.
In addition, he is host of the TV show Turning Point, which has an estimated audience of 70 million globally.
