Steve Crown (born Uche Okolo, 27 September 1990) is a Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter best known for the global hit “You Are Great.” He runs the Lakelight Entertainment record label and the NAWIRAS gospel concert from Abuja.
Quick Profile
- Real name: Uche Okolo
- Stage name: Steve Crown
- Born: 27 September 1990
- Place of origin: Igede ethnic group, Obi LGA, Benue State
- Based in: Abuja, FCT
- Genre: Worship, contemporary gospel
- Record label: Lakelight Entertainment (founder)
- Wife: Ruth Thomas (married 26 April 2025)
- Notable song: “You Are Great” (2015 audio, 2016 video)
Family and Early Life
Steve Crown is the son of Mr Cletus Okolo and Mrs Naomi Okolo. He has five siblings — three brothers and two sisters — and one of his brothers manages his career. The family is Anglican; Steve grew up in Abuja in a household where worship and church music were daily routine.
He gave his life to Christ at age nine, led to faith by his father.
Education
Steve Crown earned a National Diploma in Law from the University of Abuja, then a Higher National Diploma in Office Management and Technology from the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, in Zamfara State.
Music Career
Church Beginnings
He started singing in the choir at St John’s Anglican Church as a child and joined the Deacon Kids Band shortly after. The Anglican worship tradition shaped his hymn-led, choir-driven sound — heavy on harmonies, sustained crescendos and call-and-response refrains.
“You Are Great” Breakthrough
The audio of “You Are Great” dropped in 2015 and went viral on Nigerian gospel radio. The video, directed by C-Ri Snow, was officially released on 9 October 2016 and pushed Steve Crown into the front rank of African gospel artists. The track sat for months on Nigerian gospel charts and was widely covered in churches across the continent.
Debut EP
His debut EP, also titled You Are Great, came out in 2016 with seven tracks and no guest features.
Notable Songs
- You Are Great
- You Are Yahweh
- Mighty God (feat. Nathaniel Bassey)
- Imela
- God of Wonders
- All The Glory
- Awesome God
- You Alone
- We Wait on You
- Angels Bow
- Healing Wings
- Ejiro
Songwriting Process
Steve credits the Holy Spirit as his songwriting source. In an interview with Vanguard‘s Sam Eyoboka, he said lines often arrive while he is at the gym or in a dream where he is leading a choir. He writes them down on waking. Some songs come from personal experience or stories shared by people around him.
Lakelight Entertainment
Steve Crown founded Lakelight Entertainment as a development platform for emerging gospel artists. The label takes on mentoring, vocal coaching, recording and brand-building for its signed acts, focusing on artists whose music carries a clear ministry message.
NAWIRAS Concert
NAWIRAS — Nations Will Rise And Sing — is the annual gospel concert run by Steve Crown’s foundation. The maiden edition was held on 22 October 2017 in Abuja. NAWIRAS now draws gospel ministers and worshippers from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Awards and Nominations
- Best Artist of the Year, 2016
- Gospel Song of the Year, 2016
- African Entertainment Legendary Award
- Christian Legendary Impact Makers Award
Marriage
After years of public commentary on staying focused under pressure from female fans — including a 2016 Sun interview where he said “I need a wife to be shielded from some of these distractions” — Steve Crown married Ruth Thomas on 26 April 2025. Ruth Thomas is from Abia State and works as an entrepreneur, event planner and interior decorator.
Influences
Steve cites his father Cletus Okolo as his first role model — a calm, focused man and a strong believer. Other influences include Pastor Mike Nwanegbo, Pastor Joshua Talena, Pastor Benny Hinn and Don Moen.
Public Image and Style
Steve Crown often wears traditional African and Nigerian attire on stage to represent his roots, alongside corporate suits and all-white outfits. He has said the white attire signals purity and modesty in worship settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Steve Crown?
He was born on 27 September 1990, making him 35 in 2026.
Is Steve Crown married?
Yes. He married Ruth Thomas on 26 April 2025.
Where is Steve Crown from?
He is from the Igede ethnic group in Obi Local Government Area of Benue State, but he was raised and is based in Abuja.
What is Steve Crown’s most famous song?
“You Are Great,” released as audio in 2015 and as a music video in October 2016.
What record label does Steve Crown own?
Lakelight Entertainment, which he founded to develop upcoming gospel artists.
What is the NAWIRAS concert?
NAWIRAS — Nations Will Rise And Sing — is Steve Crown’s annual gospel concert held in Abuja, first staged on 22 October 2017.
Did Steve Crown study music?
No. He has a National Diploma in Law from the University of Abuja and an HND in Office Management and Technology from Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda.
What denomination is Steve Crown?
He was raised in the Anglican Communion at St John’s Anglican Church and credits its worship tradition for his musical foundation.
Who are Steve Crown’s parents?
His father is Cletus Okolo and his mother is Naomi Okolo.
How many siblings does Steve Crown have?
Five — three brothers and two sisters. One of his brothers manages his career.
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