…Blazing the trail for a decade — How MFM Akute guitar choir redefined musical ministry…From humble beginnings to regional excellence: The Rise of Akute SW229 guitar choir …When guitar strings become tools of worship By BENJAMIN OMOIKE OGUN, Nigeria —
When the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) Guitar Choir in Akute Mega Region SW229 marked its 10th anniversary in August 2025, it was more than a celebration of time—it was a celebration of purpose, perseverance, and praise.
Established in July 2015, the MFM Guitar Choir, Akute Mega Region SW229, was inaugurated under the leadership and guidance of Pastor Samuel Odejayi and Pastor Benjamin Amolo, both of the MFM International Headquarters. What began as a gathering of passionate individuals with a shared love for music and ministry has, over the last decade, evolved into one of the most vibrant and impactful regional guitar choirs within the MFM fold.
According to the Regional Leader, Brother Daniel Amolo, the choir was founded with a clear vision: to foster spiritual, academic, moral, and musical growth while supporting church services through quality guitar ministration.
“We started with a significant number of interested members,” he recalls, “and over the years, we’ve grown not just in numbers, but in experience, skill, discipline, and confidence.”
Today, the choir boasts about 45 active members, each contributing uniquely to its sound and ministry. Structured training programmes introduced over the years have significantly improved musical quality, positioning the choir to minister confidently at high-profile church events. Notably, the choir has been a consistent participant in major programmes such as Power Must Change Hands, regional thanksgiving services, MFM Mega Crusades, and international guitar choir competitions and programmes hosted at the MFM International Headquarters.
Beyond participation, the choir has also taken initiative at the grassroots level, organising local talent hunts and musical outreach programmes aimed at nurturing young talents and using music as a tool for evangelism.
A key pillar in the choir’s growth has been its strong relationship with the MFM Guitar Choir at the International Headquarters and other regions. Brother Amolo credits this to the visionary leadership of Dr. Joseph O. Olubukola, Leader of the MFM Guitar Choir Worldwide. Through structured platforms, virtual training sessions, joint rehearsals, and inter-regional collaborations, the Akute choir has benefited from shared musical ideas, exposure to new arrangements, and sustained excellence—both musically and spiritually.
Reflecting on the choir’s most outstanding achievement, Brother Amolo points to its recognition as the Best Regional Guitar Choir in 2022. The commendation, he says, was a defining moment that validated years of discipline, harmony, and dedication. “To see a group that started small now influencing lives beyond our local church is deeply fulfilling,” he notes.
The journey, however, has not been without challenges. Like many growing ministries, the choir has faced issues such as member turnover, limited access to instruments, and the difficulty of balancing personal commitments with rehearsal schedules. Yet, through prayer, patience, and strategic planning, the choir has sustained a committed core of members. As Brother Amolo aptly puts it, “Who are you leading if there are no followers?”
Looking ahead, the choir’s plans for the year are ambitious and intentional. Key priorities include expanding membership, deepening training, and helping both new and existing members master diverse musical genres—ranging from contemporary to classical. Workshops for new members and active participation in regional programmes remain central to the choir’s mission, all anchored on the overarching goal of deepening worship and reaching more souls through music.
In the next five years, Brother Amolo envisions the MFM Guitar Choir Akute Mega Region SW229 becoming a national reference point for excellence, mentoring emerging regional choirs and playing integral roles in both regional and international church events. Beyond musical proficiency, the choir hopes to strengthen discipleship and spiritual growth among its members.
Assessing the choir’s progress over the past decade, the Regional Leader is unequivocal. “There has been undeniable progress,” he affirms. “Our sound is more polished, our performances more disciplined, and our members more spiritually grounded. While there is still room for growth, the journey so far has been encouraging.”
Brother Amolo also expresses profound gratitude to the General Overseer of MFM, Prof. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, and his wife, Dr. (Mrs) Folashade Olukoya, for their unwavering support. He credits the General Overseer’s vision for excellence in worship and his consistent emphasis on the role of music in ministry as a major source of motivation for the choir.
Equally acknowledged is the support of the Mega Regional Overseer, Dr. Ayo Smith, and his wife, Pastor (Mrs) Adebimpe Smith. Their guidance, prayers, encouragement, and logistical support, Brother Amolo says, have been instrumental in shaping the choir’s structure, discipline, and alignment with church standards.
If given the opportunity to do things differently, Brother Amolo says he would prioritise access to modern instruments, recording facilities, and expanded structured training, including a mentorship system that pairs experienced guitarists with younger members.
As the choir steps into its second decade, one request remains clear: sustained support in the form of musical instruments, sound equipment, and training resources. Such investments, Brother Amolo believes, will further enhance the choir’s ability to minister effectively through music.
Ten years on, the MFM Guitar Choir Akute Mega Region SW229 stands as a testament to what vision, leadership, and dedication can achieve—blazing a trail of excellence, making a difference through strings, and lifting hearts in worship.
