A long-time backup singer of the late Juju and Highlife musician Saint Janet has explained why the singer moved from gospel music to songs with sexually explicit themes.

Sunkanmi, popularly known as Suko, said the change came after the new style brought more audience engagement, bookings and money.

Suko, who worked with Saint Janet for more than 25 years, said she started out mixing Juju with gospel music and even rehearsed at a Celestial Church. Their first studio recording received little attention, and the singer continued performing at weddings, bars and other events without the response she hoped for.

He recalled that the limited reception pushed her to experiment with a more explicit style that used real-life situations at social gatherings. The new approach quickly attracted more bookings from clubs and bars, and the band earned more money on stage than they did with gospel songs.

Suko stressed that Saint Janet never completely abandoned gospel music and still found inspiration to perform it. He recounted a wedding where the bride’s family insisted she switch to the newer style even though children were present, after which the audience responded more generously.

The backup singer said he stayed with the band because of their close relationship, which grew into a family bond. He also recalled Saint Janet’s final performance, during which she publicly appreciated his long years of support.

Photo credit: Punch Newspaper