CalledOut Music: Pointing people in God through music

24th July 202524th July 2025 Becky Wybrow 446 Views 0 Comments Akosua DF, Calledout, christian, Gospel Awards, music, Working On Me

In 2016, at the tender age of 21, UK Gospel’s CalledOut Music launched onto the scene with his highly successful debut single, ‘Working On Me’. In under a decade the singer/songwriter has garnered over 50 million streams on Spotify; embarked on three world tours; nabbed multiple Premier Gospel Awards; and even bagged a coveted MOBO Award. Beyond all his successes, what truly sets CalledOut apart is his deep reverence for God. Yes, the world hails him as a global phenomenon, but, at the core, he’s ‘just’ a follower of Jesus, faithfully living out 1 Peter 2:9 – ‘…But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light…” Akosua DF talked with CalledOut Music about his life, faith, music, and new deal with Integrity Music.

Akosua DF (ADF): CalledOut Music, welcome to Keep The Faith. For those who may be discovering your work for the first time, can you tell us about your journey into music and what initially “called you out” to pursue this path?
CalledOut Music (CM): Thank you so much for having me! My journey into music started pretty young. I grew up surrounded by music in church and at home – my parents always had worship music playing (sometimes whether we liked it or not!). I began playing instruments, writing songs, and leading worship in church from my teenage years. What really “called me out” was this strong conviction that my gifts weren’t just for me or for entertainment but to point people back to God. I felt led to create music that brings hope and light and reminds people of God’s love, whether they’re inside or outside the four walls of church. Plus, let’s be honest, once you start writing songs, it’s very hard to stop!

ADF: Your stage name, CalledOut Music, is quite distinctive. What’s the story behind it, and how does it resonate with your artistic mission and personal faith?
CM: ‘CalledOut’ comes from the idea of being set apart for God’s purpose. As believers, we’re called out of darkness into His marvellous light, which sounds super fancy but basically means God wants us shining like diamonds out here! I wanted my music to reflect that. The name is a reminder to myself and my listeners that we’re not just here to blend in, we’re here to shine, make a difference, and live lives that glorify God. It’s at the heart of everything I create musically and personally. And, honestly, it was also way easier to secure social media handles for CalledOut Music than for Samuel Nwachukwu.

ADF: I hear that [chuckles]. How do you ensure your music speaks to a broad audience – including those who may not identify as Christian – while staying true to your core spiritual message?
CM: Great question! I always aim to write music that’s authentic, relatable and rooted in my faith, but also human enough for anyone to connect with. I sing about hope, joy, love, struggles – things we all experience, whether you’re quoting Bible verses or just trying to survive Monday mornings. Even if someone doesn’t share my beliefs, they can still find encouragement and positivity in the message. I think music is a universal language – like food, but with fewer calories – and I pray my songs can plant seeds or spark curiosity about God’s love, without feeling forced.

ADF: Congrats on your recent Integrity Music signing! We’d love to know how that came about.
CM: Thank you! Signing with Integrity Music has been such a blessing. We’d been in conversations for quite a while. You know how it goes: emails, Zoom calls, politely stalking each other’s social media…What really sealed it for me was how aligned we were in terms of vision and heart for worship and global ministry. They really understood my desire to create music that’s authentic and reaches people beyond boundaries. I’m excited about the resources, the team, and the opportunity to expand the reach of the music God has given me.

ADF: What are you most excited about for the future of CalledOut Music? Can fans expect new projects, collaborations, or perhaps ventures outside of music?
CM: I’m super excited about the future! There’s definitely new music on the way – singles, projects, and some collaborations I can’t wait for people to hear. Beyond music, I’m passionate about mentoring young creatives and exploring more visual storytelling, like working on short films and possibly stepping more into writing and speaking.

ADF: We’ve seen a rise in Afro gospel. Do you see yourself fitting into or influencing this evolving sound?
CM: Absolutely! I love how Afro gospel is growing and how it’s giving African creatives a unique voice in the global gospel scene. As someone whose sound is rooted in Afro influences, it’s exciting to see the genre getting more recognition. I definitely see myself contributing to and shaping that sound. While I wouldn’t consider myself an Afro gospel artist, it’s a sound I was born with by virtue of being from the continent. I would love to see it seep into the popular worship sound very soon and, if that means adapting it ever so slightly while keeping the sonics authentic and true to Africa, then I’d love to play a small part in that. I believe Afro rhythms bring so much joy and energy; it’s a beautiful way to worship God. It’s already one of the primary genres that young Millennials and Gen Zs from the continent and beyond consume.

ADF: You celebrated your first wedding anniversary back in April. Congratulations! What has this first year of marriage taught you about yourself?
CM: Thank you so much! Marriage has been such an amazing journey. This first year has taught me a lot about selflessness, patience and communication. I’ve learnt how important it is to listen, to be present, and to show love – even in small ways. I’m grateful for a partner who supports me, challenges me, and pushes me to grow, both as a man and as an artist. And hey – at least my wife still likes my songs. So I must be doing something right!

ADF: If you could offer one piece of advice to an aspiring artist looking to make an impact with their music, what would it be?
CM: Stay true to who you are and why you started. The industry can be noisy and it’s easy to feel pressure to fit in or chase trends. But there’s power in authenticity. Let your art reflect your unique story, your values, and your faith. I’m a Christian artist, so all my creative efforts are for one overarching reason: to glorify Jesus. So, if anyone is also looking to do the same thing, make sure Jesus is at the very centre of your life because everything flows from that place. Fight for intimacy like it’s the last thing you do! Every day, make Jesus your priority! And remember it’s bigger than you – your music can change lives, even if you can’t always see it. Keep going, stay humble, and trust God with the journey. Also, drink water, get some sleep, and back up your files… because one accidental hard-drive crash will humble you… very fast!

Visit www.calledoutmusic.com