Nigerian Afro-gospel minister and culture architect Gaise Baba drops his most ambitious project yet with “God Is Cooking,” a 13-track album that moves across grief, faith, continental identity, and community in equal measure.
The title carries a specific theological confidence. When God is cooking, something is being prepared – and the waiting period, however difficult, is part of the process. That framing runs through the entire album as a unifying thread. Gaise Baba does not skip over the hard parts to arrive at the celebration.
The collaborator selection shows real intentionality. Lawrence Oyor on “No Turning Back II” brings contemporary gospel credibility. Greatman Takit on “Show Workings” connects two of Nigeria’s most consistent Afro-gospel voices. Kaestrings on “Fire” adds guitar-worship energy that lifts one of the album’s most energetic moments. Nontokozo Mkhize on “Smile for Joy” extends the project’s reach into South African gospel. Each feature serves the album’s vision rather than its commercial potential.
The solo records carry equal weight. “Yield” – written before his father’s passing and then lived through it – became the album’s most personally significant moment. “Light Of Africa” expands the scope beyond individual experience. “Coming Down” closes the solo run with intimacy before the features bring the community back in. That sequencing is thoughtful and deliberate.
Stream “God Is Cooking” front to back and tell us your top three tracks – drop your ranking below!
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