Top Nigerian Gospel Music Artists To Look Out For In 2023

Over the years, the Nigerian gospel scene has recorded several successes that have seen consistency from some already-established names in the game and the influx of new acts that keep churning out beautiful tunes and aligning the heart of men toward God.

Sadly, some old guards, like Sammie Okposo, have passed away, but the current crop keeps the genre alive and bubbling to date.

This article, IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER, aims to recognize the consistency of gospel acts who have, over the years, continued to shine the light on the “gospel” genre.  They deserve all their flowers.

• Sinach

Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu, ‘Sinach’ is a Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter and was a senior worship leader at Loveworld till 2021. She was born on March 30, 1972, and hails from Ebonyi State.

She is the first solo artist to spend 12 weeks at the top of the Billboard Christian Songwriter list.

She became the first Nigerian to win a Dove Award when her song “Way Maker” garnered three nominations and took home the song of the Year prize at the 51st GMA Dove Awards.

On tour in the US in 2021, she was honored by the US Congress and earned the BMI song of the year award.

In addition to her hit songs like “I Know Who I Am,” “Great Are You Lord,” “Rejoice,” “He Did It Again,” “Precious Jesus,” and “The Name of Jesus,” amongst others, she has published nine studio albums.

Since its 2015 debut, her biggest song, “Way Maker,” has also accumulated many accolades and awards. On YouTube, for instance, the music video for Way Maker is currently the second most-watched Nigerian song.

Over 60 Christian musicians, including Michael W. Smith, Darlene Zschech, Leeland, Bethel Music, and Mandisa, have performed “Way Maker” in various languages.

• Dunsin Oyekan

A gospel singer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter, Pastor Dunsin Oyekan also goes by the moniker ‘The Eagle’.

On November 5, 1984, his father, the General Overseer of the Evangelical Baptist Church, Pastor Gbadebo Oyekan, gave birth to Dunsin Oyekan in Ilorin.

Before attending Federal Government College (FGC) in Ilorin and Baptist Model High School in Ilorin for his secondary education, Dunsin received his elementary education at the Airforce Nursery and Primary School in Ilorin.

After that, he went to the University of Ilorin, earning a degree in industrial chemistry. He has written over 50 uplifting and strong songs and is the convener of The Code Red Worship Experience.

• Mercy Chinwo

On September 5, 1990, Mercy Nnenda Chinwo was born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. She is the fourth of her family’s five children and is the First daughter. Sadly, she was very little when her father passed away.

 Mercy won the Nigerian Idol competition in 2012.

“Testimony,” Chinwo’s debut single, was released in 2015, and “Igwe,” her second single, was released in 2017.

Since then, She has also won the Climax Award for ‘Best gospel artiste’ in 2018, the maiden edition of the Africa Gospel Awards Festival (AGAFEST 2019) as Africa Gospel New Artiste of the Year, Africa Gospel Female Artiste of the Year, and Africa Gospel Song of the Year with Excess Love, and Gospel Artiste of the Year at the AFRIMMA Awards in 2020.

Pastor Blessed Uzochikwa of The Water Brooks Church Lekki, a native of Delta State in Nigeria, is her husband, and they got married on August 13, 2022.

Gospel sesnsation Mercy Chinwo serves as a minister of the word through songs and is signed to the EeZee Conceptz record label. Some of her most popular releases include ” Excess Love”, “Akamdinelu” “Obinasom” “Na you dey reign” amongst others.

• Nathaniel Bassey

Nathaniel Bassey was born in Lagos, Nigeria. He hails from the South-South Nigerian region of Akwa-Ibom state’s Uyo local government area, Ikot Ofon Ikono.

From a young age, Mr. E. Joshua Bassey, his father, who served as a pastor in The Apostolic Church Bashua Assembly, instilled in him a love of music and the gospel.

Over twenty years ago, he was moved when he attended a concert with Dr. Panam Percy Paul, a well-known figure in Nigerian gospel music. Since then, His love of music has evolved and manifested in various musical experiences.

Many have been drawn into the presence of the LORD by his trumpet playing and serene singing in concerts, crusades, and churches.

Nathaniel is the music director at the RCCG, The King’s Court, and a graduate of the University of London’s Politics and International Relations program. He has taken music classes domestically and abroad, most notably at the Middlesex University Summer School in the UK, where he studied popular music and the music industry. He records with various musical ensembles and writes, sings, and produces all of his music.

2008 saw the recording and mixing of Nathaniel’s self-titled debut album in Cape Town, South Africa. The famous song “Someone’s knocking at my door” has been called a spiritual and artistic masterpiece.

• Tim Godfrey

Timothy Chukwudi Godfrey is a gospel maverick that hails from Abia State.

Born on August 26, 1980, in Kaduna, Nigeria, to Mr. and Mrs. Victor Godfrey’s family, his parents had six children, and he is the second among them. Despite being an Abia State native, he completed his elementary education in Kaduna, Nigeria. In 2018, Trinity International University of Ambassadors, Georgia, the United States, awarded him an honorary doctorate in fine art and musicology.

The annual Fearless Gospel Concert, organized by Tim Godfrey, has featured several well-known international gospel performers, including Marvin Sapp, Kirk Franklin, Travis Greene, Israel Houghton, JJ Hairston, the late Sammie Okposo, and others.

His most significant success hit, Nara, featured Travis Greene and has amassed over 60 million views on YouTube. He also collaborated with JJ Hairston on the song “Onaga” from the latter’s album in 2019 and included Israel Houghton on the song “Toya.” In addition, Tim Godfrey has performed at the Experience concert regularly since 2016.

Rox Nation, a record company he founded and owned, and Xtreme Crew were founded by him.

Mr. M and Revelation

Mr. M and Revelation are a fast rising band group that has harnessed their ability to use music to spread the message of God’s love in their native tongues and English.

The avalanche group has risen to prominence in the gospel scenes and even got to minister at the most prominent gospel gathering in Nigeria, The Experience, in 2022.

Most of their songs gradually turn to worship anthems in churches all over the federation. The group has its base in Enugu and holds a daily worship session at their Hallelujah City in Enugu.

Mr. Miracle Orabueze, a devoted servant of God, is in charge of the group. He is married to Mrs. Promise Miracle, and they have three beautiful kids together.

• Frank Edwards

Nigerian afro-highlife praise and worship leader Frank Ugochukwu Edwards was born in Enugu State on July 22, 1989.

Rocktown Records, home to recording artists such as Micah Heavens, Gil, Divine, King BAS, Nkay, David, and Edwards himself, was founded and owned by him. He resides in Lagos.

He is a member of the presidential band of pastor Chris’s Loveworld. He has also won numerous awards, which include the Best Song of the Year and Gospel artist of the year awards at the Loveworld awards, to mention but a few.

He is a dynamic praise leader and a relentless worshipper, and many of his songs are still being sung at churches and crusades.

The Definition, his debut album, was released in 2008. Honesty Music distributed the 14-track album. Both his third album, Unlimited, and his second album, Angels on the Runway, were released in 2010.

In November 2011, Tagjam became available. He made an appearance in Sinach’s “I Know Who I Am” video’s live performance in 2013. His high-pitched voice has made him well known.

In addition to being a musician who has written numerous songs that span many musical genres, he is also a music producer and a master mixer. As a result, Gil Joe, King BAS, Divine, Nkay, Soltune, David, and other up-and-coming artists are signed to his record label, Rocktown Records, which he now owns.

• Joe Praize

A seasoned Worshipper and Praise machine, Joe Praize has remained consistent in the gospel music scenes and is renowned for delivering great hits to the body of Christ. Notable amongst them is his “Mighty God” hit for his ‘My Praise’ album, which saw him rise to stardom.

The 43-year-old was born Joseph Omo Ebodaghe on June 20, 1979, and is a native of Edo State.

He is a graduate of Social work and Administration at the University of Jos, Plateau State, and he has since taken on a role as a Love World’s (Christ Embassy’s) praise and worship leader. He is also a member of the presidential band of the church. He has received numerous honors and has ministered in many nations.

The song “Mighty God” won the Song of the Year Award at the 2010 Love World Awards, among other honors.

Additionally, he received nominations for Best African Gospel at the SABC Crown Gospel Awards 2010. Furthermore, he won Best West Africa at the Africa Gospel Music Awards UK 2011 and the Love World Awards 2011, as well as accolades for Worship Song of the Year, Best Artist of the Year at the Crystal Awards Nigeria, Best Gospel Song at the Coson Awards Nigeria, and Lifetime Achievement at the Gospel Music Awards.

He is married to Joanne and blessed with a child.

• Eben

Nigerian gospel singer, composer, and minister Emmanuel Benjamin, a.k.a. Eben, is well-known for his Afro-pop, hip-hop, and dance-influenced sound.

He was raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and began his career as a rapper before switching to studio work performing background vocals.

From then, he started his career focused on faith and worship, making his debut in 2007 with the album ‘On the Rock,’ which included the songs “Imaranma” and “I Don Hammer.” amongst others.

He released other equally well-liked albums in the years that followed, including ‘Phenomenon’ (2010) and ‘Justified’ (2013).

He married Jahdiel, a fellow gospel singer, in 2013 and released ‘Magnified’ a year later.

Along with his commercial success, Eben has received other accolades. He has won several Believers World Wide (BLW) awards, including the 2014 and 2015 Worship Song Awards.

As a member of the presidential band of the Loveworld ministers and a household name in the gospel music conversations, Eben’s ride to fame and his consistency in his delivery is top tier and should be applauded. In addition, the talented vocalist has given to the body of Christ back-to-back hits that have remained relevant even today.

• Judikay

At birth, the Amazing gospel vocalist Judikay was given the name Judith Kanayo.

Judikay’s birthdate is unknown because it has yet to be made public. She does, however, have Igbo ancestry.

She received her degree in theater arts from Redeemer’s University in Osun state.

Like renowned musicians such as Chris Morgan, Mercy Chinwo, and GUC, Judikay is also signed to EeZee Concepts, owned by EeZeeTee.

Judikay has had a significant history in the gospel music community. She started in the music scene as Akinwunmi Nathan Oluniyi Akiremi, popularly known as “Florocka” backup singer.

Her debut single, “Nobody Else,” was released in 2013. She has always been a force to be reckoned with in the gospel music genre, as she possesses lovely vocals that sonorously help her deliver her message. When Judikay released “More than Gold,” a song that exalts the beauty of God, in 2019, she cemented her place in the spotlight. The remix featuring Mercy Chinwo has blessed lives.

Judikay’s debut album ” Man of Galilee” and her consistence in releasing good music that resonates have kept her in the spotlight. She is married and with child already.

• Moses Bliss

On February 20, 1995, Moses Bliss was born. He is from Akwa Ibom State, which is in the southern region of Nigeria. Moses pursued his education at the Nigerian National Open University.

He is based in Abuja.

The 27 years old gospel musician of great talent who became well-known in 2019 for his song “Too Faithful.” is the CEO of TEM planet. He is also a pianist, a vocal instructor, the music director of the Engraced Music crew (TEM crew), a drummer, and a Worship Minister at Loveworld.

He has released other singles such as “Bigger every day,” “No dey fall my hand,” and others that have recorded successes.

In addition to receiving nominations for several awards, he has also taken some home. At Loveworld’s LIMA Awards, his song “You I Live for” received the best music of the year for 2020 and won the grand prize of $100000.

• Minister GUC

Gospel Sensation GUC, real name Gift Ugochi Christopher, was born on October 8. He is a native of Emohua LGA, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

He is a Graduate of the University of Port-Harcourt.

The soul-stirring song “Desperate,” which GUC released as a music video, launched him into the spotlight and helped him gain success.

More recognition came once he signed up for a recording deal. The same music label as Mercy Chinwo, Judikay, and Chris Morgan, EeZee Conceptz, offered him a record deal in 2019.

Numerous Christians have attested to the divine quality of the gospel singles that GUC has issued.

One of his successful songs is his number-one hit,” All that Matters”, which has received over 9 million views on YouTube alone.

With many streaming and downloads on Boomplay, several of Minister GUC’s songs have become incredibly popular and in demand online.

His moving gospel music is well renowned, and he is one of Nigeria’s best gospel vocalists right now.

• Sensational Bamidele

Sensational Bamidele, also known as Oluwabamidele Adeeko, is a gospel singer from Nigeria. He was born on February 28 in Bundu Waterside, Rivers State, Nigeria. He developed a love of music at a young age. Being from a musically oriented family whose preferred genre is the gospel, his family’s support enabled him to pursue his ambition.

Sensational Bamidele started playing in numerous churches with large crowds as he continued honing his musical talent. His debut album, “Your Friend,” which had seven songs, was released on February 3, 2019.

Sensational Bamidele has since collaborated with several other notable Nigerian gospel artists, including Sammie Okposo, Chioma Jesus, Preye Odede, Ese Walter, and many more.

• Shola Allyson

Nigerian singer and songwriter Sola Allyson-Obaniyi, also known as Shola Allyson or Sola Allyson, specializes in soul, folk, and gospel music.

The early 1970s saw the birth of Sola Allyson Obaniyi in Ikorodu, Lagos State. When she was thirteen years old, Sola Allyson Obaniyi began her career as a backup singer in the late 1980s.

Later, she became a skilled backup vocalist and collaborated with artists like Daddy Showkey, Pasuma, Obesere, Gbenga Adeboye, and Yinka Ayefele.

She was raised in a Muslim household and attended several churches, including CCC olushesi parish (apata igbala) iju ishaga. 

Her type of music, which most times includes using her native tongue to lift the souls of her listeners with her calming and soothing vocals, speaks for peace and unity irrespective of religious background.

• Ty Bello

Nigerian singer, songwriter, photographer, and philanthropist Toyin Sokefun-Bello, best known by his stage name TY Bello, was born on January 14, 1978. Before pursuing a solo career, she was a part of the now-defunct gospel group Kush.

TY Bello is part of Nigeria’s Depth of Field photography collective. Greenland, Ekundayo, This Man, Freedom, and Funmise are some of her best-known singles. 

As a member of the now-defunct ensemble KUSH, which stands for Kinetically Ushering Salvation into Hearts and Homes, she first appeared on the musical scene in Nigeria. Lara George, Dapo Torimiro, and rapper Emem Ema were additional group members.

The single “Let’s Live Together” helped Kush become well-known in the early 2000s; they jointly organized to put out an album before breaking up.

She has since switched full-time to conscious gospel music and recently released a work that features other gospel acts like Nosa, Shola Allyson, etc.

Her passion for winning souls has helped her create beautiful worship songs that extol the supremacy of God.

She is married to Kashetu Bello. On October 10, 2014, the same day The Morning Songbook was published, she gave birth to twin boys, Christian and Christopher.

• Samsong

His real name is Samson Uche Mogekwu, born in Delta State, Nigeria, on November 30, 1974. In high school, he discovered his singing gift. He is based in Abuja.

With radio singles like Bianule, a few honors like The Psalmist Award in 2000, and most recently, being nominated as “best Gospel Artist” by the Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA) in New York in 2008, he has had a remarkable music career.

Along with well-known mainstream performers like Donell Jones, Kenny Latimore, 112, 2Baba, D’Banj, Faze, and Styl Plus, he has shared the stage with gospel legends like Marvin Winans, Donnie McClurkin, and Panam Percy Paul.

He has released great tunes on the lips of many Nigerian homes and churches.

• Prospa Ochimmana

Prospa Ochimana, a Nigerian gospel musician and songwriter, was born on November 6.

He is from Kogi State and is well-known for the song Ekwueme.

Prospa began singing as a teenager and holds a linguistics degree from Nasarawa State University in Keffi, Nasarawa.

Before rising to prominence as a worship leader, he a part of the Dunamis International Gospel Church choir bef has collaborated with other gospel musicians, including Joy Abu, Caleb David, and Osinachi Nwachukwu.

His “Ekwueme” song with the Late Osinachi shot him to global recognition as the song ministered to people far and near. His recent song “Out of my belle” is another prophetic tune that gradually fills hearts and raises them to God.

• Tope Alabi

The family of Pa. Joseph Akinleye Obayomi and Madam Agnes Kehinde Obayomi welcomed Patricia Temitope Alabi on October 27, 1970.

The sole girl of the family’s three children was born in Lagos State, although she hails from Yewa, Imeko, in Ogun State.

She is a Nigerian gospel singer, film music composer, and actress well-known in the country’s gospel music scene.

Tope once belonged to the comedic troupe ‘Jester International’ and even performed with several well-known touring and live theater companies in Lagos and Ibadan.

After committing her life to Christ, she later transitioned into gospel music and has since been blazing the trail with her praise and worship hits, primarily in her native tongue.

• Chioma Jesus

Evangelist Amaka Okwuoha, also known as “Chioma Jesus,” is a female Nigerian gospel performer and one of the most well-known native gospel songwriters from the country’s eastern region.

Imo state-born Chioma Jesus gained notoriety in 2003 with her self-titled single “Chioma Jesus.” After that, her name became well-known and remained consistent in the gospel music community.

Chioma Jesus is best known for writing and singing her songs in Igbo, with the occasional addition of English. Surprisingly, though, Chioma wrote her very first song in Yoruba.

However, her desire and purpose are to utilize her music to win more souls to Christ and to support gospel musicians.

• Ada Ehi

Ada Ogochukwu Ehi was born on 18 September 1987 as Ada Ogochukwu Ndukauba.

She is a gospel performer, singer, composer, and recording artist from Imo State.

She began her musical career at ten by singing backup for Tosin Jegede, a child star. She has steadily grown in local and global recognition through her songs and music videos since launching her professional music career in 2009 under Loveworld Records.

She holds a degree from Lagos State University (B.Sc Chemical & Polymer Engineering), met her hubby, Moses Ehi, while in school, and married him in 2008. Their union has two kids.

The amazing award-winning vocalist joined Loveworld Records in 2009. She has three studio albums, one of which topped the Nigerian iTunes chart the same day.

• Theophilus Sunday

Minister Theophilus Sunday, a well-known Nigerian gospel minister and singer, was born on May 9, 1987. He is a particular gospel pastor with a peculiar anointing that emanates through his chants and songs. He was born in Dekina, Kogi State.

Theophilus Sunday, also known as One Spirit, was appointed to unite man and God in marriage since Christ is the spouse man and man is the church. His ministry employs worship to help the church develop a close relationship with the Holy Spirit. Theophilus Sunday, a psalmist, is well known for his gospel chant songs, precisely like those of Evangelist Lawrence Oyor. His spirit-filled songs stoke every listener’s appetite for God.

The True Worshippers Concert, a manifestation of the World Worship Conference, is organized and regularly hosted by Him. It is a concert inspired by a mandate to transform men into the image of God via the ministry of worship and to instill in them the spirituality that was part of their original makeup. The True Worshippers Concert is a call to spirit-hood, with the inaugural iteration taking place in Lokoja, Kogi state, between May 19 and 21, 2022.

Minister Theophilus Sunday, like many other gospel pastors, is protected spiritually, and the respected Apostle Arome Osayi serves as his spiritual father. Although little information is available regarding love life, he isn’t married.

• Preye Odede

Preye Odede is a Gospel avalanche whose mission is to seek out the lost and win them back to Christ.
He is a multi-award-winning gospel singer, songwriter, minister, and music director who has built his ministry on the principles of the Bible. His mission is to spread gospel music worldwide and restore hope to everyone who believes. He is currently the CEO of Script Music and resides in Port Harcourt.

He runs a worship session ‘Time Of Devotion’ on his YouTube Channel. some of his popular releases include “EZE M” “Ebezina” “Oshimiriatata””Bulie” amongst others.

He is a seasoned Worshiper and a Motivational Minister of the word.

• Freke Umoh

One of Nigeria’s most well-known gospel performers and maverick, Freke Umoh, has the spirit and vigor for songs of praise.

With his famous praise hymn “Hallelujah no go finish,” Freke Umoh became a worldwide sensation. Freke Umoh, from the state of Akwa-Ibom, is an extrovert known for his humor. He is an excellent Vocalist.

These are just a few examples of the many talented gospel singers in Nigeria. The gospel music scene in Nigeria is quite rich and diverse, and there are many other artists who are making a name for themselves in the industry.