Meet Taiwo Deborah Leshaodo: New Voice Leading Global Gospel Evolution

By Ugo Aliogo

The Nigerian Gospel scene is witnessing a vibrant evolution, and at the forefront of this shift is Taiwo Deborah Leshaodo. As one half of the rising duo known as the Lesh Twins, Taiwo; alongside her sister Kehinde, is successfully bridging the gap between traditional heritage and contemporary global sounds. By infusing the infectious rhythms of Highlife and Afrobeats into their ministry, the sisters are crafting a genre-bending experience that resonates as much in the streets of Lagos as it does in the lecture halls of the United Kingdom.

What sets Taiwo and Kehinde apart is their linguistic dexterity and a gifted ability to write in both Yoruba and English. This allows them to maintain deep cultural roots while remaining accessible to a wide range of audiences. Their music is often described as a bridge between worlds; as one industry observer noted, “Their music speaks to our identity, carrying the weight of tradition with a fresh, youthful energy.”
The duo’s trajectory took a significant turn in 2021 at the Annual “Praise God with the Twins” festival in Lagos. Performing before a massive crowd of over 10,000 people, their vocal prowess and stage presence caught the attention of the President of the Gospel Music Association of Nigeria (GOMAN). This performance was so impactful that it led to their official recognition and welcome into the organization, marking a pivotal moment in their professional career.

Since then, the sisters have become cultural ambassadors across the UK, performing at significant events such as the African Day celebration at Sunderland University in 2023 and the Bizwomen show in Newcastle. Most recently, in October 2025, they headlined the Black History Month celebration at the Newcastle City Council, further cementing their status as international representatives of the new Nigerian sound.

The release of their latest single, “JESU LOBA,” in late October 2025, has solidified their standing in the industry. The track has garnered massive support from fans across both Nigeria and the UK, proving that their unique blend of Highlife and Gospel is reaching a global scale. Taiwo and Kehinde’s impact is becoming monumental, as they continue to contribute to a new era of music that is gaining hard-earned recognition both across Africa and on the international stage.