What began as a modest fellowship of four young church musicians from Kudum, Kanke LGA of Plateau State, has, nearly three decades later, evolved into an unexpected gospel revival story shaping worship culture across northern Nigeria. In this feature, JENNIFER YARIMA chronicles the journey of Living Scroll and its frontman Wudel Goyomma, tracing how a song recorded in 2013—’Nang Nyi Wo’—suddenly became a 2026 worship anthem, redefining their ministry, reach and relevance in a new digital gospel era
If you’ve been in church or at any Christian event in northern Nigeria lately, you’ve heard it. The song is everywhere.
Worship teams are singing it. Choirs are arranging it. Social media is full of it.
‘Nang Nyi Wo’, an Ngas phrase meaning, ‘Give it to Him’, has become the unexpected anthem of gratitude for 2026. But the story behind the song, and the group behind it, Living Scroll, is 27 years in the making.
The voice leading the chorus belongs to Wudel Goyomma, head of media at Plateau United Football Club and frontman of Living Scroll.
But Wudel insists the story is not really about him. It is about four boys whose journey began in Kudum, Kanke LGA, turning Sunday School experiences into a lifelong ministry.
“I was what people would call a church boy,” he explained.
“My childhood was shaped by Sunday School lessons, Boys’ Brigade activities, church services, and playing in the church band,” Wudel recalled.
Born into a strong Christian family in the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), music came naturally to him.
But faith eventually became personal. “In the year 2000, I consciously accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour and was baptised at COCIN Kufang by Rev. Habila Dachollom,” he said.
That moment, he explained, transformed music from a pastime into a calling.
From church stages to studio dreams
Wudel is one of four married men who make up Living Scroll, alongside Leonard Dokbissa Goyomma, Julius Bulus and Ritbul David.
“We are all married with children and, by God’s grace, we have remained brothers in music and faith through the years,” he pointed out.
Living Scroll did not begin in a studio but on secondary school social nights and literary days, where the group performed dances and mimed popular songs. After school, they transitioned into acapella performances, inspired by Jos gospel pioneers such as All In Him and Peace Brothers.
Their breakthrough moment came around 1999 when they met producer Samuel Kingsley.
“At the time, music production was far different from what it is today. Songs were produced using keyboards and stored on floppy disks. It felt like magic to us,” Wudel said.
One member, Leonard Goyomma—popularly known as Big Joe—became so fascinated that he learned music production himself. Today, he serves as Living Scroll’s producer, shaping and preserving their signature sound.
From the beginning, their mission was clear: “To create music that reflects our faith, inspires people, and glorifies God.”
Struggles, resistance, breakthrough moments
The early journey, however, was not without resistance. Living Scroll’s afro hairstyles, Timberland boots, baggy trousers and fusion of rap and gospel did not sit well with many churches at the time.
“To some people, our appearance and style did not fit their idea of gospel ministry. Doors were often closed to us,” Wudel admitted.
Because they refused to embrace secular platforms, opportunities were limited. However, a breakthrough came through Armageddon, a creative movement led by Roy Mathew and Atomen Edom, which provided a platform for young gospel artists in music, dance and spoken word.
“Through that platform, we found acceptance, community, and opportunities to organise our own concerts,” he said, adding, “Sometimes God opens new doors when traditional ones remain closed.”
Their first major breakthrough came in 2007 with their debut album. Radio stations such as Peace FM 90.5 began airing their songs.
“I still remember the first time we heard our song on the radio. We ran around celebrating like children who had just received the greatest gift imaginable,” Wudel recalled.
Presenters such as DBMC, Sak Solo and Anita Malu became early supporters of their sound.
Unexpected rise of ‘Nang Nyi Wo’
In 2013, Nang Nyi Wo first appeared as track 5 on their second album before quietly fading into obscurity. Years later, it would unexpectedly return as a viral worship anthem.
“Nang Nyi Wo is inspired by traditional songs we heard in church during offering sessions,” Wudel explained.
The song poses reflective questions in Ngas: Do you truly own your life? Do you own your wealth? Its message is simple—everything belongs to God.
With renewed production by Big Joe and modern arrangement, the group released it again without a major promotional campaign. The response, however, was overwhelming.
“The response was immediate and overwhelming. People began requesting the song, sharing it with friends. It felt like a song that had been waiting patiently for its moment finally found its season,” Wudel said.
The updated version blends Ngas and Hausa worship expressions and draws inspiration from 1 Chronicles 29:11–14, where David acknowledges that everything offered to God originally comes from Him.
The impact has been deeply personal for many listeners. A woman testified that the song helped her overcome depression after losing a major business contract, while another listener said it reminded him to remain humble after a career promotion.
“Our music is a heartfelt expression of our faith, using every sound, rhythm, and melody available to point people toward Christ,” Wudel said.
Looking ahead, Living Scroll plans to revisit older songs, produce new materials and expand their ministry reach.
His advice to young gospel musicians remains simple: “Stay faithful to your calling… Don’t lose your originality. Trends come and go, but authenticity remains powerful.”
As Nang Nyi Wo continues to resonate across churches and gatherings, Wudel’s prayer is that it remains a reminder that all things belong to God.
After 27 years of persistence, setbacks and faith, Living Scroll’s story stands as a testament to divine timing—and the power of a song whose moment finally arrived.
I’ve known Living Scroll since I was a teen. Listened to their songs on air, saw them perform at Armageddon. Reading this comes with a refreshing nostalgia and gratitude that they’ve stood the test of time and are still true to their ministry.