Nathaniel Bassey Biography: Age, Wife, Children & Net Worth

Nathaniel Bassey – Gospel Artist

Nathaniel Bassey, known for his stage name “Listen,” was born on August 27, 1981, in Lagos, Nigeria. He is a multi-talented Nigerian artist, pastor, trumpeter, and gospel songwriter who has gained popularity for his songs such as “Imela,” “Onise Iyanu,” and “Olowogbogboro.” Over the years, Bassey has established himself as one of the famous gospel ministers in Nigeria. His music encompasses various genres, including worship, hymns, and medleys. He is an active member of The Redeemed Christian Church Of God and pastors The Oasis Lagos, which is the youth church of the RCCG Kings Court in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Early Life and Education

Bassey hails from Ikot Ofon Ikono, in the Uyo local government area of Akwa-Ibom state in South-South Nigeria. Born to a minister in the Apostolic Church Bashua Assembly. His father’s name is Mr. E. Joshua Bassey. Nathaniel Bassey pursued a higher education, studying international relations and politics at the University of Lagos. Later, he continued his studies in politics in London and also took music courses at the Middlesex University Summer School in the UK. 

Music Career

Nathaniel Bassey started his music career in church. He became well-known when he wrote a song for Stella Obasanjo, the late wife of Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo. In 2018, he was a top artist at a Nigerian Christian event called “The Experience.” His first album, “Elohim,” was made in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2008, and people think it’s a very special and meaningful piece of art. One of the standout tracks from this album is “Someone’s knocking at the door,” a soft-rock tune that garnered considerable attention both locally and internationally.

Love for Jazz

During his formative years, Nathaniel developed an uncommon fascination with jazz music. He began to immerse himself in the works of jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong, Miles Davies, Clifford Brown, Charlie Parker, Stan Getz, Kirk Whalum, Phil Driscoll, Hugh Masakela, and other luminaries of the jazz world. This deep appreciation for jazz led him to seek out like-minded bands and musical groups.

Nathaniel Bassey eventually became a part of the highly regarded jazz quartet in Lagos known as Spectrum 4, where he played alongside childhood friends. It was during this period that he earned the endearing nickname “Nat.” Notably, his exceptional trumpet playing style, characterized by its unique soulfulness, caught the attention of top artists and composers, both within and beyond the borders of Nigeria. Esteemed figures such as Teemac, Ayo Bankole Jr, Cobhams Asuquo, Wole Oni, Yinka Davies, Adlan Cruise, Funsho Ogund.

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THE STEVE RHODES ORCHESTRA

During that period, Nathaniel, affectionately known as “Nat,” received a significant opportunity from one of the most esteemed figures in the Nigerian jazz and music scene, Elder Steve Rhodes. He was entrusted with leading what is often considered the inaugural Jazz Orchestra in the country, aptly named THE STEVE RHODES ORCHESTRA. For a span of two years, Nathaniel served as the band leader and the lead trumpet player. His trumpet style, distinguished by its unique soulfulness, captured the attention of renowned artists and composers, not only in Nigeria but also abroad. 

Hallelujah Challenge

Nathaniel Bassey is also known for starting the #HallelujahChallenge in June 2017, where he, along with other believers, worships God for an hour from 12:00 am to 1:00 am. He live-streams this event on his Instagram page and invites others to join. Within less than a month, the event had over 600,000 views. The #HallelujahChallenge has continued in subsequent years.

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Church Ministry

As time went by, Nathaniel started feeling a profound inner calling. He sensed that his music held a deeper purpose than he had previously realized. This led him to make a bold decision to step away from his flourishing mainstream music career and dedicate himself exclusively to a local church, under the mentorship and guidance of the late Pastor Eskor Mfon, the former Pastor of The Redeemed Christian Church Of God, City Of David Parish. This choice faced intense criticism from friends, fellow artists, and colleagues who found it hard to fathom his abandonment of a thriving career for a church ministry.

During this period of seeking, Nathaniel developed a close and intimate fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Through this connection, he came to understand that music was not merely a means to fill a void in time but a fundamental tool for praising and worshiping the Lord. Subsequently, a music ministry was born, with worship at its core—a form of heavenly music that ministered exclusively to the Lord and served as a channel for Him to connect with His people. Nathaniel’s soulful trumpet playing, combined with his serene singing style, has since led many to experience the presence of the LORD in concerts, crusades, and churches.

Studio Albums

Throughout his career, Nathaniel Bassey has released several studio albums, including:

“Someone’s at the Door” (2010)

“The Son of God (& Imela)” (2014)

“This God is too Good” (2016)

“Revival Flames” (2017)

“Jesus: The Resurrection & the Life” (2018)

“The King is Coming” (2019)

“Hallelujah Again (Revelation 19:3)” (2021)

“Names of God” (2022)

“Hallelujah Live” (2023)

Wife & kids

Nathaniel Bassey is not only a musician but also a pastor and a dedicated family man. He lives in Lagos, Nigeria, with his wife Sarah Bassey with their two children.

Net Worth

Nathaniel Bassey net worth is estimated at $1 million. You can connect with him on Instagram.