EMPRAIZ

Praise Bishop

Empraiz is a distinguished Gospel artiste who readily comes to mind when one needs to relish the dynamic and exhilarating fusions of a spirited songster, an anointed Psalmist and a vocal powerhouse. Empraiz, whose original name is Emmanuel Olowoyeye, is a contemporary Gospel artiste with undeniable local and global appeal owing to his unique genres of music and his passionate renditions of songs. 

As a joyful praiser and an intense worshipper of Yahweh, his styles of music promptly strike a chord with any listener who hears him minister in songs. His genres of music which include Gospel, Contemporary Gospel, Worship, Highlife, Naija Gospel and African Melodies are nothing but music to one's ears. 

The Lagos-based Gospel crooner is outstanding for his peculiar flavours and embellishments of music and is altogether distinct in his deeply-accentuated and truly-rich indigenous Niger-Delta and Igbo influences in his songs. But for his South-Western name, it may somewhat be hard for anyone to pin this delectable and anointed Gospel musician to a particular tribe as he constantly elevates his craft and as he consistently expresses himself musically beyond his ethnicity with unpredictable versatility and true Africanness.

EARLY LIFE

Empraiz started his musical journey as a youngster who served God in the church choir. With an affinity for structured music which began in 1990 as a young chorister in the church, Empraiz has since remained inseparable from his first love and his object of undying passion which music is. 

MUSICAL CAREER 

Ever since he embraced music lock, stock and barrel, Empraiz has continually evolved over the years as he leads praise/worship in churches in addition to his personally composed and recorded songs. As a music practitioner who knows his onions, divine providence in benevolent reciprocity has made it realizable for Empraiz to become a household name as his songs progressively proliferate the airwaves and Christian gatherings and as he heartily performs in concerts within and outside Nigeria. Undoubtedly, Empraiz's relentless pursuit of his musical career clearly reveals that he is no joker neither is he a charlatan in the world of Gospel music.

With a musical career which spans over twenty years, it is noteworthy that Empraiz has garnered notable appellations and recognitions for his contributions to Gospel music especially in Nigeria. In his professional journey and in his continual pursuit of his calling as a Gospel musician and also as a result of his unflinching involvement in the Gospel music scene, Empraiz has confidently shared the stage or different stages with renowned international artistes such as Tye Tribbett, Micah Stampley, Ron Kenoly, Bob Fitts, Alvin Slaughter and Byron Cage just to mention a few. On the local scene as well, Empraiz has also gallantly performed alongside some of Nigeria’s finest musicians including Sammy Okposo, Samsong, Eben, Frank Edwards, Sinach, Midnight Crew amongst others. 

While still firing on all cylinders in his divine calling, Empraiz currently has three albums including Identity and Zamar and three live recordings in his professional coffers to show for his musical acuity and doggedness. His humility, together with his kindred spirit, is also proven by his past and present collaborative works with other Gospel artistes which he does with professional excellence. 

Also known as Da Bishop of Praise, the energetic and soulful music machine already has some awards to his credit and many more in the offing. This hearty and tireless studio rat who has a compendium of songs to his honorable mention is also an award-winning Gospel artiste, having bagged celebratory and honorary awards in the line of duty. As part of his contributions to Gospel music, Empraiz is the convener of the popular concert tagged ”Bishop Empraiz Live and Loud" which used to be known as "Empraiz Live And Loud". 

Da Bishop of Praise is also the coordinator of the quarterly programme, "SNOW", which is essentially a supernatural night of worship. The monthly programme themed, "PRAISE AND PROPHECY" is another event he anchors in his true and spirited worship of God. Empraiz also participates in other Christian concerts within and without the shores of Nigeria in his labour of love for Gospel music. This man who is completely sold out to God through music does not only have singing as his forte, he also has his eyes and hands and heart in other fields of human endeavour such as pastoring and business. Again, apart from being a Gospel artiste, Empraiz is also an instrumentalist, a music director, a song writer and a music promoter.

AWARDS / HONOURS

ILPC Award Of Excellence And Recognition For Contributions And Supports To Gospel Music Industry In Nigeria (2021)

Excellence In Gospel Music Award Presented By The Assemblies Of God Church, Portharcourt (2020)

Best Gospel Group Of The Year At The Niger Delta Music Award (2019)

PERSONAL LIFE

Despite all the feathers in his ministerial cap, it is obvious and certain that family dearly matters to Empraiz. Da Bishop of Praise, as he is also fondly called, is a loving husband of one wife and a great father of two children. Empraiz's fixity of purpose as regards his music ministry is clearly evidential, not only in his great dedication to God but also in his unblinking commitment to his family both in his private and public life.

DISCOGRAPHY

Album 1: Identity 

Nanowei

God Is Good

Ebube Dike

So Blessed 

God Is Able

Arugbo Ojo

Super Power 

Baba Ku Ise

God Dey

Baba Tise

Celebrate 

Adura 

Carry Go

Album 2: Zamar

I Just Wanna Praise The Lord  Ft. Afy Douglas 

Egwu

Alade Ogo

Level Don Change

Ayiba Nua

Holy

Awesome God 

Total praise

Psalm 23

Celebration 

I Found You

I Am A Winner

Singles

Omiomio

Ahyeh