Gospel Artist, Wande Embraces New Name “Arike”
Nigerian-American gospel artist Wande has shared a profound transformation in her life. She announced that she will now go by the name “Arike,” feeling led by God into this new season. She shared on social media, “Yahweh has called me into a new season. In moments of stillness with Him, He brought to my remembrance my names given to me at birth: Mutiat and Yewande.”
Explaining the significance of these names, she noted, “Mutiat is an Arabic Muslim name meaning obedience/devotion to Allah. Yewande is a Yoruba name meaning ‘the mother has returned’ (reincarnation).” Through prayer with her mother, who shares her Christian faith, she felt a divine calling to adopt a new name.
“Ireoluwa-Anike (E-ray-O-loo-wa) (Ah-knee-keh) is my new middle name, meaning ‘the goodness of God—we have something to care for and cherish and not take for granted.’ The name I felt led to go by publicly is ‘Arike,'” she shared.
Wande emphasized that this change is not a marketing scheme. She said that it is an act of obedience, surrender, and submission to God. Wande quoted Philippians 3:8 NLT to support this assertion. Also, Wande added that she drew inspiration from Isaiah 55:9 NLT:
She expressed gratitude for the support of her husband, parents, family, and business partners as she steps into this new chapter, leaving behind the old and embracing the new for the glory of Yahweh. “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert,” she quoted from Isaiah 43:18-19 NKJV.
Wande encourages others to listen to God’s voice and seek wisdom through the Bible, regardless of cultural background or past identity. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever,” she quoted from Psalms 111:10 NKJV.