Mount Zion Faith Ministries, commonly known as MZFM, was founded on 5 August 1985 by Mike Bamiloye and his wife, Gloria Bamiloye. Mike Bamiloye, born on 13 April 1960 in Ilesa, Osun State, trained as a teacher before dedicating himself full-time to Christian drama.
The ministry was created with the purpose of using drama and film as tools for Christian evangelism. During the mid-1980s, Nigerian theatre and film were predominantly secular, and MZFM’s establishment marked the emergence of structured, faith-based performance art, aiming to communicate Christian teachings to diverse audiences.
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Key Figures
Mike and Gloria Bamiloye
Mike Bamiloye and Gloria Bamiloye co-founded MZFM, with Gloria contributing significantly to scriptwriting, acting, and production. Their collaboration laid a firm foundation for the ministry’s growth and influence, establishing them as pioneers in Nigerian Christian drama.
Debut Drama: Hell in Conference
In 1986, MZFM staged its first drama, Hell in Conference, at the National Christian Teachers Conference in Ilesa, Osun State. Both Mike and Gloria participated in the performance. This drama marked the official launch of the ministry’s stage activities.
Although the play was never performed again after this initial staging, it served as a critical step in the ministry’s development, leading to future stage productions and eventually film initiatives.
Expansion into Film
Following the success of their stage productions, MZFM transitioned into film production. Their first film, The Unprofitable Servant, was released in 1990, and other early works included The Beginning of the End and Agbara Nla.
These productions established MZFM as a pioneering force in the Nigerian gospel film industry, providing an alternative to secular cinema and demonstrating the commercial and spiritual viability of Christian-themed media.
Societal and Cultural Impact
MZFM contributed significantly to the cultural and religious landscape of Nigeria. The ministry created opportunities for actors, directors, producers, and other professionals within Christian media. Its films and dramas provided moral instruction and spiritual education, particularly for churchgoing audiences.
Through stage performances, campus tours, and film distribution, MZFM’s productions gained recognition within Nigerian Christian communities, contributing to the acceptance of gospel film as a legitimate form of entertainment. While there is limited documentation regarding international tours or audience demographics, the ministry’s influence within Nigeria is widely acknowledged.
Legacy
Today, Mount Zion Faith Ministries has produced over 200 films and remains active in Christian drama and film production. The Bamiloye family continues to oversee the ministry’s operations and creative output, ensuring continuity and adherence to its original mission.
MZFM’s history demonstrates the ministry’s pioneering role in Nigerian gospel film, influencing subsequent Christian media initiatives and establishing a model for faith-based storytelling that continues to inspire new generations of Nigerian filmmakers.
Mount Zion Faith Ministries represents an important chapter in Nigeria’s cultural and religious history. The 1986 debut drama, Hell in Conference, marked the beginning of a gospel film tradition that has shaped Nigerian Christian media. The ministry’s development reflects the potential of faith-driven creativity to influence culture, establish new media genres, and provide moral and spiritual guidance through entertainment.
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Author’s Note
Mount Zion Faith Ministries illustrates the power of vision, faith, and creativity in shaping Nigerian Christian media. Its founding and the staging of Hell in Conference in 1986 laid the foundation for the gospel film industry, creating a lasting legacy in both religious and cultural spheres. The ministry continues to influence Nigerian entertainment through ongoing film production, training of Christian creatives, and promotion of moral storytelling.
References
PM News Nigeria. “Bamiloye unveils shocking truth about Mount Zion’s first play.” 9 May 2025.
“Power, Drama, Mount Zion Faith Ministries Expression”, Kingdom Times Nigeria (article on MZFM origins)
