Veteran gospel singer and accordionist Rev Sola Rotimi has been described as a dedicated servant of God who helped redefine Nigerian gospel music by popularising the accordion. His daughter, Mrs Rachael Longe, shared reflections on her father's ministry, household upbringing, and unique musical style in an interview with Punch.
According to Longe, the minister first saw an accordion in 1964 and took time to teach himself how to play it in 1968. The opportunity came when his church choir leader at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Ogidiri, situated along Ipee Road in Offa, Kwara State, relocated to Lagos. Finding no organ in the assembly, he took the instrument home to practice, eventually becoming the person credited with introducing the piano accordion to the country's gospel scene.
His musical journey took full flight in 1970 under the identity Sola Rotimi the Triple S. By 1972, the musical group grew into Sola Rotimi and The Triple S, an acronym meaning Saved To Serve Singers. His primary focus, his daughter noted, was always evangelism and using his craft to bring people into the Christian faith.
Growing up in the Rotimi household meant living inside a vibrant musical space. Longe explained that her father used his accordion to wake the family for morning devotions, picking songs that suited different moments. Alongside his own records, the home enjoyed tunes from international ministers like Don Moen and CeCe Winans.
Longe also recounted how her father raised his children, stating that he preferred verbal guidance over corporal punishment. He only whipped her once, delivering two strokes, but his words carried enough weight to make a child weep and reflect. He consistently taught his household the value of contentment and holding on to a good name rather than pursuing wealth through greed.
Responding to comparisons with other accordion-playing contemporaries like Ojo Ade and Niyi Adedokun, Longe pointed out clear differences in style. She explained that while others often sang stories, her father built his songs on Bible parables, thanksgiving, prayers, and straightforward gospel messages. Rotimi recently retired as a CAC superintendent in the United States while continuing to worship actively.
