Early Life and Roots in Worship
Dare Justified, born Oluwadamilare Samuel Ogundoyin on May 3, 1991, is a Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter, worship leader, and recording artist whose ministry has grown from local church services to global praise stages. He hails from Oyo State, Nigeria, and was born as the last of eight children into a devout Christian family deeply involved in church leadership. Being raised in the Christ Apostolic Church exposed Dare to worship from a very early age, and his parents, both ministers and elders, made sure he and his siblings were present in worship environments even when he didn’t feel like attending. This early immersion laid the foundation for his lifelong devotion to praise and worship.
Discovering His Calling
Dare’s introduction to music began long before he ever stepped onto a larger stage. As a child, he was often hand‑picked by his mother to sing and pray at church meetings, including women’s prayer gatherings, which helped him overcome early shyness and develop a heartfelt expression in song. He joined the choir at age 14, and from that point his love for worship deepened steadily. He later joined a music band, further sharpening his vocal skills and broadening his understanding of musical performance. Even in times of hardship, such as walking long distances to attend praise concerts because he could not afford transport, Dare’s commitment never wavered, a testament to his early conviction that worship was not just a hobby but his calling.
Education and Personal Life
Dare pursued formal education alongside his ministry. He attended secondary school in Lagos and later earned a degree in Mass Communication from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), a discipline that later helped him communicate more effectively through media and ministry platforms. In August 2019, he married his wife, Lovelyn, and the union is blessed with children, a personal anchor that brings balance to his life as a minister, artist, and father.
Musical Career and Artistic Identity
Dare Justified’s music career spans over a decade and is defined by a dynamic fusion of indigenous rhythms, vibrant praise medleys, and powerful worship anthems. His first notable single, “Endless Praise”, showcased his vocal dexterity and passion for uplifting worship, becoming a cornerstone of his early ministry. Over the years, Dare has released numerous songs and compilations that reflect his belief in worship as a spiritual encounter rather than mere performance.
He is popularly known for his culturally rich worship medleys, especially the Yoruba Worship Medley, which celebrates God’s faithfulness through deep, indigenous sound. In 2025, he also released the Igbo Praise Medley, intentionally bridging cultural and linguistic worship traditions in Nigeria and beyond, a move that reflects his expanding artistic vision and his belief that praise transcends language and cultural boundaries.
Ministry Movement: The Justified Sound
“Dare Justified” is not just an individual artist, it is also a vibrant worship movement. Together with a team of singers, instrumentalists, dancers, and backup ministers, Dare has built a collective known as The Justified Sound. This ensemble brings spiritual depth and musical excellence to every performance, from small church gatherings to large international praise events. Their ministry has traveled beyond Nigeria to stages across the United Kingdom and other nations, creating environments where worship becomes an encounter with God’s presence.
Collaborations and Performances
Throughout his career, Dare has shared stages with notable gospel artists both within Nigeria and internationally, ministering alongside others in praise and worship environments that uplift and inspire. He continues to be sought after for live worship sessions, praise conferences, and cultural celebrations of faith.
Personal Trials and Faith
In October 2024, Dare publicly mourned the passing of his father, Elder Matthew Aderoju Ogundoyin, who he described as a faithful Christian leader and personal spiritual influence. This period of loss became a testament to Dare’s resilience and deep faith, highlighting how his personal experiences shape both his music and ministry outlook.
Vision and Legacy
Dare Justified’s mission is greater than music, it is about lifting hearts into genuine worship and pushing the boundaries of indigenous expression in global worship spaces. His work embodies a blend of spiritual fervor, cultural heritage, and artistic excellence, making him a distinct voice in contemporary Gospel music. As he continues to release new music and expand his ministry reach, Dare remains committed to leading worship that resonates with believers across generations and cultures.
