Oyinloluwa’s “He’s Good” Might Just Be the Gratitude Song Everyone Needs
Gospel music has a way of drawing listeners into moments of reflection, reminding them of the things they might otherwise take for granted. But songs of gratitude don’t always come as slow worship ballads. Sometimes, they have energetic beats that can be danced to and choruses to be sung at the top of one’s voice. On “He’s Good,” Nigerian-born, UK-based musician, bassist, songwriter and producer Oyinloluwa Bamidele makes exactly that happen.
The 2-minute, 44-second Afro-Gospel single opens with an inviting instrumental that immediately sets the pace. The bass guitar is one of the first things to command attention, announcing itself before settling into the rhythm. This is a fitting introduction from an artiste whose musical foundation is in bass guitar. It comes as little surprise, especially considering that Oyinloluwa (Oyinbass) produced the instrumental and arranged the composition.
Featuring Manchester-based Christian singer-songwriter Sam Petts and Cole IZRL, “He’s Good” brings together different vocal approaches. After Oyinloluwa opens the song, Sam takes over with a verse centred on God as the author of his testimony and the overflowing nature of His goodness. Cole follows with a catchy rap performance, using rhymes that bring to mind the energy of UK rap. His verse is one of the song's most memorable moments.
The chorus, however, is where the collaboration comes together. With what sounds like all three artistes joining in the backing vocals, its declarations of being planted on solid rock and God's goodness make for an easy singalong. Oyinloluwa returns to lead the closing chorus, bringing the song back to the message that holds the different performances together. Each section has its appeal, making it difficult to settle on just one favourite.
Asides its delivery, “He’s Good” carries a personal reflection on gratitude. According to Oyinloluwa, it was inspired by a period of considering life's unfulfilled expectations, personal challenges, and circumstances that had not gone as hoped. Rather than waiting for everything to fall into place before acknowledging God's goodness, he wanted to communicate that faith and gratitude can exist even in uncertainty.
Oyinloluwa's previous recording contributions include bass guitar work on Minister GUC's “Lamb of God” and “Potter (Refix)”, among other gospel projects. On “He’s Good,” he takes another step forward as an artiste, bringing his experience into play. At just under three minutes, the song delivers its message without making it difficult to follow. More importantly, it offers a reminder that even when life does not unfold as expected, there is still room to celebrate the goodness of God.
About Oyinloluwa
Oyinloluwa Bamidele, professionally known as Oyinloluwa or Oyinbass, is a Nigerian-born, UK-based gospel musician, renowned bassist, record producer, songwriter and music director. His musical journey includes collaborations within the gospel music scene and contributions to projects associated with EeZee Conceptz Global and Minister G.U.C. A multi-instrumentalist with expertise in composition, arrangement and music production, he continues to explore the fusion of African musical influences and contemporary gospel sounds, building his artistic identity and international reach.
