Dayo Sax Builds an Altar of Worship and a Platform for Emerging Voices

The sound of the sax, which echoes triumph and praise, doesn’t give way through ease as many would think. The art starts with a piece, practice, and a diligent man. Among the most skillful Nigerian gospel saxophonists is the revered Dayo Sax. Samuel Ogundapo, popularly known as Dayo Sax, is a Nigerian gospel saxophonist, music […]

The sound of the sax, which echoes triumph and praise, doesn’t give way through ease as many would think. The art starts with a piece, practice, and a diligent man. Among the most skillful Nigerian gospel saxophonists is the revered Dayo Sax.

Samuel Ogundapo, popularly known as Dayo Sax, is a Nigerian gospel saxophonist, music instructor, and founder. Dayo Sax takes on the sax not as a musical instrument alone, but as a celestial chest sealed with gifts, valuables, and essence for the world out there. Even with his academic background in electrical engineering and IT from UNILAG and the University of Bradford, Dayo Sax still unveils this magnificence to the world.

It all started with the sticks, the snare, the kicks, and the pleasing sound of the drum set as a whole. As a member of the CAC, one of Nigeria’s Christian denominations, Dayo Sax joined the children’s choir. This is where he got fascinated and inspired to have his roots buried so deep in music. In 2012, he made a significant shift from drum sets to saxophone.

Dayo Sax’s success today swirls from the influence of well-known and experienced musicians like Bukola Bekes, Tosin Bee, Anu Asaoye, Imoleayo Balogun, and Olumide Alabi (Olujazz), among others. Also, his formal training at Muson places him on the right path and a high pedestal. Among a lot of virtues, one of his defining traits is his love to learn, and this has shown in his enviable feat in his career.

In 2018, after his cursory look and keen notice of an uneven gap in the Nigerian Christian musical scene, Dayo Sax takes a step in establishing STAMP (Success Through Abundant Music and Praise). It is an interdenominational platform that aims at bringing together Christian worshippers as one fold under one shepherd (Jesus Christ). Dayo Sax’s initiative, STAMP celebrates music in all its genres, and draws all to the body of Christ, and His magnifying presence with a heart that doesn’t judge.

In a move that is two years close to a decade now, Dayo Sax, using STAMP and its glorious editions, has exuded values very peculiar to a Christian with a contrite heart: gratitude, acceptance, and love. He dearly upholds the rule that none should forsake the gathering of the brethren and using worship as an offering, and STAMP as an altar, Dayo Sax keeps contributing to Nigeria’s gospel musical scene and also the kingdom of God.

Another way to enable everyone to grow is his belief “I am because we are.” This is shown in his move to sharing his platform with emerging artists. Apart from this portraying him as a great African, this portrays him as Christ-like. Mentoring young artists and talents makes Dayo Sax a visionary who envisions a more-shaped Christian music industry in Nigeria.

Dayo Sax has performed on diverse stages. His performance at the 2024 Bradford African Festival of Arts in the UK splatters more splendor on his sonic coats of many colors. The saxophone as a musical instrument makes emotional sounds, but Dayo Sax makes every listener of the sound more emotional. This is not about his performance at BAFA 2024 alone but about how he wears his sound like a regalia, placing himself in every motion of time on every stage.

Dayo Sax has shown that love is still the greatest, and it brings real success with a mix of hard work, learning, and a deep commitment to God. From his early days on the drums to big stages in the UK, he has stayed focused on bringing people together through worship, and music. Establishing STAMP and helping emerging artists makes him be above an ordinary saxophonist. He is a builder of a community of faith. His music proves that when talent is used to serve others, and God, it creates a sound that goes beyond time; for God is the creator of all.