By Tahav Agerzua
Former Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, NCPC, Evangelist Tor Uja has said the late Israel Terhemba Ikyereve, popularly called New Jerusalem took the Tiv Swange music and dance to global pinnacle before he passed.
Evangelist Uja spoke at the Commendation Service for the deceased gospel minister at Mission House International, in Makurdi today, July 4, 2025.
“Israel, you revolutionized gospel music, taking the Swange gospel music to the pinnacle of world music. These songs made spiritual meanings to all tribes, Tiv, Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba – and English. The language did not matter anymore: the spirit became the fulcrum,” he stated.
“A group of about 25 white men were seen twisting their bodies and moving their legs forward and backward at the sound of New Jerusalem music. Another group of white people numbering about 30, were seen in a video twisting to the music in the United Kingdom. Yet another group was seen in Canada, dancing in a circle of about 18 persons, moving at the compelling beats of the NEW JERUSALEM gospel music.
Recently, a group of white people were seen again in a circle turning their chests and waists in opposite directions asymmetry with the music – in Australia. And more recently, a combination of white and black persons, numbering about 50, were turning, twisting, and doing “pride movements” in Italy at the ordination of a Tiv Reverend Father in Rome.”
“Over the years no one paid attention to Swange anymore. Its music and allure had died. What remained was left for drunkards, criminals, death and the dead, and in discussing witchcraft. Swange died.”
Isreal, this is what you came and picked up. You washed it, did a thoracic surgery and planted something new inside Swange.
That new thing inside Swange now under your care was Jesus, His love, his passion, salvation and healing.
Suddenly Swange came alive, with regenerated beats and recreation songs.
Even those who had no dancing or singing talents rose to join up at the invitation of the music. The music broke its cultural barriers and became a global asset, played in different parts of the world.”
Born on December 25, 1971, the deceased passed on 7th June, 2025 leaving behind a wife, four children and 12 albums.
He will be laid to rest at Sati-Agirigi, Mbamo, Kpav, Shitile, Katsina-Ala local government area tomorrow, July 5, 2025.
