In a move that electrified the audience, popular Nigerian cleric Chukwuemeka Cyril Ohanaemere, widely known as Pastor Odumeje, made an unannounced appearance on stage with highlife star Flavour. The surprise happened on Monday, December 23, 2025, during Flavour's performance at the Flytime Fest held at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos.
The Unforgettable Stage Moment
The atmosphere reached a fever pitch when Flavour, whose real name is Chinedu Okoli, introduced the controversial pastor to the roaring crowd. Odumeje, the founder of the Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry in Onitsha, Anambra State, walked on stage to loud cheers. Known for his dramatic preaching style and viral social media clips, his presence added a completely unexpected dimension to the music concert.
The duo then performed their collaborative track titled 'War Ready'. This song, which blends gospel themes with highlife and contemporary sounds, is featured on Flavour's album Afroculture released earlier this year. The live performance saw fans singing along enthusiastically, with many capturing the historic moment on their phones.
Audience Reaction and Broader Context
The collaboration between the flamboyant pastor and the celebrated musician is not entirely new, but its live concert debut stunned attendees. While the song had previously drawn mixed reactions for merging church imagery with secular music, the live audience at Flytime Fest was wholly captivated. The surprise act quickly became the most talked-about highlight of the night.
Flytime Fest is one of Nigeria's premier end-of-year concert series, typically spanning several days and featuring top local and international artists. Odumeje's appearance underscored the event's reputation for memorable and unpredictable moments. Following the concert, videos and photos from the performance spread rapidly across social media platforms, with fans expressing a mix of shock, amusement, and excitement.
A Sign of Evolving Creative Landscapes
This stage appearance reinforces Pastor Odumeje's growing footprint beyond the pulpit. In recent years, he has increasingly featured in music videos and granted numerous media interviews, building a substantial online following. For Flavour, the collaboration highlights his artistic openness and willingness to experiment with diverse sounds and personalities, even while staying rooted in his highlife foundations.
Whether viewed as pure entertainment or a controversial crossover, the incident highlights the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of Nigeria's vibrant entertainment scene. As Flytime Fest continues, Odumeje's unexpected cameo is poised to remain one of the defining images of the 2025 edition.
