Nathaniel Bassey Pays Emotional Tribute to Bishop Mike Okonkwo

Nathaniel Bassey pays heartfelt tribute to Bishop Mike Okonkwo at 80, crediting him for launching his global gospel music journey

Nathaniel Bassey tribute to Mike Okonkwo has touched hearts across social media as the renowned gospel musician celebrated the man who helped shape his calling.

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Marking Bishop Mike Okonkwo’s 80th birthday on September 6, Bassey took to Facebook to reflect on how the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) became a defining figure in his life and ministry.

In a moving tribute, Bassey recounted how a chance encounter over two decades ago changed everything.

As a young boy with nothing but a trumpet and a gift, he had performed at a service of songs for a family friend’s mother — a TREM member. The response from the audience was overwhelming.

“I remember ministering… There I was, a tiny little boy, with the trumpet. As I blew, the place erupted. The members of TREM insisted Bishop had to see me,” he wrote.

That moment led to an invitation to TREM’s Sunday service, where his music caused another eruption of praise.

Bishop Okonkwo was so moved that he ordered a special mini trumpet from overseas to fit the young musician’s size — a gesture that Bassey says still echoes through his journey today.

“Years passed and I grew in the Lord… in 1998 precisely, I was ordained a minister of music in the church. The sound of that trumpet reverberates around the world because someone believed,” Bassey shared.

He described Bishop Okonkwo as “a man of the WORD, CHARACTER, and STATURE,” celebrating him not just for his spiritual leadership, but for recognizing and nurturing raw talent with grace and vision.

“Thank you for your invaluable input into my life and ministry,” Bassey concluded. “On this occasion of your 80th, I join the body of Christ world over to wish you a graceful happy birthday, Sir. Keep shining, Big Daddy!”

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The tribute has since gone viral, with fans and fellow believers celebrating both Bassey’s humble beginnings and Bishop Okonkwo’s legacy of mentorship in the Christian faith.