Few songs announce the end of the year in Yoruba homes like “Odun Nlo Sopin” by the C.A.C Good Women Choir. As December comes round, this evergreen song returns to radio stations across the South West, to music shops and to church services, just as it has for decades.
The C.A.C Good Women Choir was formed in 1975 at the Christ Apostolic Church in Ibadan, and the choir recorded “Odun Nlo Sopin” in 1979. More than four decades later, it is still one of the best-loved Nigerian gospel recordings of all time.
The song itself is older than the recording. The choir's leader, Mama Deborah Fasoyin, has said she did not compose it: the chorus was already being sung as a revival song in CAC churches in Ibadan, and she added two verses. She has described it as a Christ Apostolic Church song rather than her own.
“Odun nlo sopin” means “the year is coming to an end”, and the song carries the thanksgiving and reflection that the season calls for. Many Yoruba Christians play it to prepare their hearts for the new year: thanking God for keeping them through the months gone by, and committing the coming year into His hands.
Psalm 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Songs like this one remind us to pause, count our blessings and walk into the new year with God.
At 3 minutes 49 seconds, “Odun Nlo Sopin” belongs on your end-of-year playlist, crossover night service and family thanksgiving.
A prayer for today: Father, thank You for keeping me this year. As it comes to an end, teach me to number my days, and lead me into the new year in Your grace. Amen.
Song details
Artist: C.A.C Good Women Choir
Song: Odun Nlo Sopin
Genre: Yoruba Gospel
Length: 3 minutes 49 seconds
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