BACMAC choir to release new book on slave trade

The Choir of Bishop Ajayi Crowther Memorial Anglican Church, Gowon Estate in Lagos State, led by Sir Kelechi Agu, is set to release a music book that tells the story of the slave trade, using Bishop Ajayi Crowther as a peg.

The book titled, ‘Samuel Ajayi Crowther: The Slave Trade’, is a 25-chapter book that gives a clinical excursion into the world of the slave trade as well as provides insight into the life of Ajayi Crowther, the first African Bishop reputed for his great evangelical efforts.

The major work attributed to Ajayi Crowther was his effort at translating the Bible from English to Yoruba.

Commenting on the new book, which is a blend of music and literature, Agu stated that the collection was born out of the desire of the BACMAC choir to spread the gospel and also showcase the life and times of men of faith who have long gone to the great beyond.

Agu, in a statement on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, said the music book was inspired by the extraordinary life and witness of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther.

“It reflects the story of his birth and enslavement to his redemption, consecration, and missionary impact. It offers a musical reflection on his journey while shedding light on overlooked aspects of the transatlantic slave trade and God’s sovereign grace through it all,” he said.

Kelechi explained that the work is unique in its entirety in that it tells stories about Ajayi Crowther that are not known to many.

He said the musical notes were composed by Chibuikem Onwumere while also adding that the book took the choir three years to put together.

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“We travelled far and dug into the archives to get information that is not common. Many people don’t know about the family life of Ajayi Crowther. Many also don’t know that his wife was also a slave whose original name was Ashana before she got the name Susan, while Ajayi was christened Samuel,” Agu added.

He further stated that the book is like no other because it’s both an academic work as well as a musical collection. It serves a dual purpose. It is literature put in music, melodies and harmony.

“For every chapter, there is literature telling the story, and then the music comes after to demonstrate the story,” Agu said.

While commending the effort of Ajayi Crowther, he emphasised that he was a man like no other, adding that he deserves to be celebrated for a lifetime.

Agu stated: “Ajayi Crowther embodies the story of slave trade. But beyond that, he helped to consolidate the Christian faith in Africa. It was his coming that made it easy for the gospel to be easily acceptable by Africans.

“He also brought dynamism to the Anglican Church. He introduced the beating of drums to the church, which almost led to him being ostracised.”

Agu said the book, which was dedicated to the Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos, Rev James Odedeji, will be officially released at a press conference on Saturday, August 2, 2025.

He said: “It would be online for sale and subsequently be launched in a number of places, including the BACMAC, the diocese of Lagos West.

“It will also be presented to the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Revd Henry Ndukuba.”

Agu said the book is the first music book the BACMAC choir will produce.

He, however, added that the choir had performed G.F Handel Messiah part 1 – 3, John Steiner Crucifixion Haydens 7 words on the cross, and several others.

BACMAC Choir has earned for itself a global reputation, taking music from Nigeria to the world stage.

It holds a music festival every year and has consistently represented Nigeria in many choral events across Africa and beyond.

It represented Nigeria at the Africa Choral Gospel Championship in Rwanda (2020), winning two silver medals.

It participated in “Africa Sings” in Togo (2021) and the Benin Republic (2022). It also hosted the Church Music Convocation and Festival in Africa, drawing choirs from over 14 African nations to worship through hymns, chants, and classical anthems in 2023.

The Star