Some songs never truly die—they wait patiently to be rediscovered by the right voice, at the right moment. That’s exactly what happened with the timeless hymn, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.” A staple of Christian worship across the world, the hymn had quietly faded from the mainstream until Nigerian gospel artist Gaise Baba gave it a bold, refreshing twist. But the true fire came when he teamed up with revivalist and prophetic psalmist Lawrence Oyor in the song titled - "No Turning Back II". Together, they didn’t just remix a song—they sparked a movement.
As at the time of this report, the remix has garnered over 3.4 million views in 7 days on Gaise Baba's YouTube Channel. This is not counting the views on other channels and remix on YouTube shorts.
A Hymn with a History
“No Turning Back II” is more than a song—it’s a declaration of faith with origins in India. Inspired by the dying words of a man, Nokseng, who refused to recant his Christian faith, the lyrics—“No turning back, no turning back”—have for decades captured the essence of total surrender. But in a digital age where attention is fleeting and trends are fast, this powerful hymn was no longer a regular on playlists or church setlists.
Gaise Baba’s Cultural Rebirth
Enter Gaise Baba (real name - Akinade Ibuoye), a Lagos-based gospel innovator known for blending spiritual depth with urban rhythms. He took the hymn and wrapped it in a soulful Afro-fusion beat—one that could play just as easily in a worship service as it could on your daily commute.
His goal wasn’t just to revive an old song, but to make it feel relevant for a younger generation. The beat, warm and inviting, combined with Gaise’s smooth delivery, transformed the hymn into a contemporary anthem of conviction. Yet, as good as it was, something was still missing—until Lawrence Oyor entered the picture.
The Lawrence Oyor Effect
Lawrence Oyor, widely known for his intense, Spirit-led worship and chants, added a spontaneous stanza of devotion that lit the match. His contribution was more than just a feature—it was a spiritual accelerant. His raw, prophetic energy gave the track a new dimension, and it was this version that exploded across social media platforms.
With Lawrence Oyor’s hauntingly intimate chants layered into the track, TikTok and Instagram reels began flooding with testimonies, worship dance videos, morning devotion routines, and even evangelistic content—all set to this remix. The hashtag #IFollowJesus began trending, and soon, the song became a digital altar call.
Simplicity Meets Power
One of the key ingredients to the remix’s success was its simplicity. Gaise Baba and Lawrence Oyor didn’t try to overcomplicate things. They respected the weight of the original lyrics while injecting the song with new life. It wasn’t a flashy production—it was heartfelt, stripped down, and spiritually potent.
The video, shot in organic settings with scenes of young people worshipping indoors, further captured the grassroots essence of the movement. This wasn’t a marketing gimmick—it felt real. And in a world starved for authenticity, the song became a voice of revival.
A Tool for Evangelism and Renewal
For many, especially young Christians navigating a noisy world, this song became more than a melody—it became a daily confession of faith. Its virality didn’t just come from catchy rhythms but from its message: a clear, bold choice to stand for Christ, regardless of popular culture or peer pressure.
Churches have started incorporating it into altar calls, youth fellowships used it in prayer retreats, and Christian influencers used it as a soundtrack to share powerful testimonies. In short, it became a soundtrack for spiritual realignment.
Conclusion
What started as a creative project became a global declaration of faith, reaching hearts far beyond Nigeria’s borders. By merging musical excellence with spiritual authenticity, Gaise Baba and Lawrence Oyor have proven that the old can be made new again—and that sometimes, the simplest songs carry the most power.
So if you haven’t already, watch the YouTube video “No Turning Back II”—and maybe, like millions of others, you’ll find yourself singing: “No turning back. No turning back.”
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