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The Documentary: Nigeria and the song of the bell

Song of the bell

25/07/2023 GMT

Nigeria and the song of the bell

BBC World Service - The Documentary, Nigeria and the song of the bell

The journeys of church bells herald Africa's new role as the beating heart of Christianity

The journeys of church bells herald Africa's new role as the beating heart of Christianity.

The world's most followed religion is changing rapidly. Hannah Ajala explores how church bells travelling from Italy to Nigeria herald Africa's new role as the beating heart of Christianity.

The Marinelli family in Italy have been making church bells for nearly 1,000 years. But in recent decades demand from Italy has fallen as faith dwindles, whilst orders from sub-Saharan Africa have grown dramatically. 

Hannah Ajala follows the journey of the Marinelli bells to Nigeria where she interviews one of the country's most famous pastors, Dr Paul Enenche, about the rapid rise of Pentecostalism. 

The bell's journey ends at a traditional catholic church in the south-west of the country where we hear why Christianity is growing so quickly in Africa.

Producer: Ben Henderson
Presenter: Hannah Ajala
Editor: Clare Fordham

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