12 Gospel Singers To Follow In Nigeria

Nigerian gospel singers have explored different genres, in different tunes, and also in several languages. What remains unique about their music, however, is passing the message of the Christian God through rhythm, beats, and lyrics.

Although there are numerous of them to follow, here are 12 that comfortably stand out. There are several criteria that are often used to judge the best musicians such as commercial success, awards, and nominations; years spent in the industry, and critical acclaim. Here are the factors we intend to use here:

Music performance
Vocal quality
Uniqueness and acceptance
Strong use of harmony and lyrical content
Impact

Best Gospel Singers in Nigeria Everyone Should Know About

1. Sinach

Full Name: Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu
Date of Birth: March 30, 1972
Age: 52 years old
State of Origin: Ebonyi State
Famous Songs: Way Maker, I Know Who I Am, This is Your Season

When it comes to music performance, the ideas of Sinach about God are always vividly passed through her unique voice that not many can compete with. She decrees and declares through her songs and matches her rhythm and lyrics to praise God.

While at this, she also turns heads as a music writer to reckon with. Out of her many songs, Way Maker has been sampled numerous times and translated into about 50 languages in countries since its release in 2020.

At present, she has been listed as one of the 100 Most Influential Christians in Nigeria.

Some awards and major accomplishments of Sinach

Has been listed among 200 Africa’s Most Influential Women (2020)
She became the 3rd Nigerian artist and the first gospel singer in the country to amass 100 million views in a single video (Way Maker)
She is the first African gospel singer to tour India (2019)
Sinach was the first artist from Africa to top the Billboard Christian Songwriters chart
Dove Awards Song of the Year (2020)

2. Panam Percy Paul

Full Name: Bakulipanam Percy Paul Mokungah
Date of Birth: December 14, 1957
Age: 66 years old
State of Origin: Plateau State
Famous Songs: Master of the Universe, Bring Down Your Glory, All Over to You, Come Let’s Praise the Lord, Higher Than High, This is Our Time

He is not only one of the gospel singers to follow in Nigeria but also one of the most consistent and impact makers. His career has spanned from the 1980s and year after year, he has brought something good in terms of music and spreading the gospel.

His influence has reached other notable singers such as Nathaniel Bassey. At present, the rich-voiced singer hones the music prowess of others through his “Panam College of Music Ministry, Jos”.

He further has a record label called “Panam Music World” which also serves as an organization to assist the education of musicians.

In recent times, he is famous for aiding in the composition of some songs in the film, Still Falling (2012). He also played the character of Bishop Lincoln in the film that preaches love and forgiveness.

Selected Awards and achievements of Panam

Award of Excellence in Music at Who is Who Awards (2018)
Crystals Lifetime Achievement Award, Crystal Awards (2014)
Artist of the Year, BMI Music Award (1995)
Best Vocalist of the Year at the Fame Gospel Music Award (1992)

3. Nathaniel Bassey

Full Name: Nathaniel Bassey
Date of Birth: August 27, 1981
Age: 42 years old
State of Origin: Akwa Ibom
Famous Songs: Onise Iyanu, Olowogbogboro, Imela, Righteous One, You Are God, Alagbada Ina

For as long as Nathaniel Bassey’s songs exist, they are worthy to pierce through the hearts of listeners and praise the Christian God using some powerful words such as “The One who’s clothed with fire, Your voice resounds like thunder and The One with eyes of fire”.

It is no wonder that in terms of lyrics, he cannot be ignored. Also, his voice has been described as “power” and “gift” by Johnny Drille – a Nigerian artist who in a similar way has a powerful voice.

He additionally makes music in an interesting and unique way where he lets trumpets flow while he sings in harmony. More to this, Nathaniel remains one of the most impactful gospel singers in Nigeria.

Apart from recording music, he started the #HallelujaChallenge where people join in praise and worship of God through music and prayer. Only in its first phase in less than a month, he recorded 60,000 views on social media and has impacted the lives of many, including Nigerian stars such as Banky W and Adesua Etomi.

Selected awards and achievements of Bassey

Album of Excellence at the African Gospel Music Awards – nomination (AGMMA, 2019)
Gospel Artiste of the Year, City People Music Award (2017)
Best Gospel Artist Artist at the Africa Muzik Magazine Awards & Music Festival Awards (AFRIMMA, 2017)

4. Mercy Chinwo

Full Name: Mercy Chinwo
Date of Birth: September 5, 1990
Age: 33 years old
State of Origin: Rivers State
Famous Songs: Excess Love, Igwe, Omekanaya, Obinasom, Na You Dey Reign

It became evident that Mercy Chinwo is musically rooted when she won the Season 2 Nigerian Idol music contest in 2012. She then turned toward gospel music and again, she made it known that whatever genre she was into, there was also a fresh and interesting side.

She is famed for taking her listeners on a journey to an emotional part of Christian music with her groundbreaking voice and musical prowess.

At present, Mercy is one of the few Nigerian female singers of any type to maintain consistency in music, thereby impacting positively the music industry of the country and the gospel sector.

Selected awards of Mercy Chinwo

Gospel Artiste of the Year, AFFRIMMA Awards (2020)
Africa Gospel Awards Festival for Africa Gospel, New Artist of the Year, Africa Gospel Female Artist of the Year, and Africa Gospel Song of the Year (2019)
CLIMAX Awards for Best Gospel Artist (2018)

5. Dunsin Oyekan

Full Name: Dunsin Oyekan
Date of Birth: November 5, 1984
Age: 39 years old
State of Origin: Kwara State
Famous Songs: Fragrance of Fire, Open Up, Your Goodness, More Than a Song, Pure Noise, Absolute Nothing, Imole De, Breathe

On the internet, one of the most notable words used to describe Dunsin is “inspirational”. With vigor and power, but with softness, he lets the gospel pass through him in form of music.

The music in turn makes him famous but above all, he influences many. Interestingly, Oyekan does not only sing but creates music with musical instruments. He is also a producer who is also referred to as The Eagle.

Like the many on this list, Oyekan has received accolades over time. He has been referred to by Grammy winner Donald Lawrence as an amazing and great artist.

Achievements of Dunsin Oyekan

Song of Excellence at the Africa Gospel Music and Media Awards – nomination
Best Inspirational Single, The Headies (2022)
One of 100 Most Influential People in Christian Ministry

6. Ada Ehi

Full Name: Ada Ogechukwu Ehi
Date of Birth: September 18, 1987
Age: 36 years old
State of Origin: Imo State
Famous Songs: I Overcame, I Testify, Jesus (You Are Able), Congratulations, Victory Song, Only You

Dubbed one of the 100 Most Influential Christian Personalities in Nigeria in 2017, Ada Ehi has given songs that could move one to dance and still get a person to praise. She has placed herself high on gospel charts and penetrates through hard walls to influence the gospel music industry.

For her great presentation of music, Ada has won several awards and nominations.

Some of Ada Ehis’s Accolades

West African Artist of the Year, Groove Awards (2017)
Her Song Only You was listed as the 20 of Nigeria’s most viewed songs of the decade

7. Tim Godfrey

Full Name: Timothy Chuwkudi Godfrey
Date of Birth: August 26, 1979
Age: 44 years old
State of Origin: Abia State
Famous Songs: Nara, Toya, Okaka, Victory, Akah

The song Nara is quite synonymous with a great gospel song from Nigeria. Tim Godfrey prides himself as the man who created the anthem but rather than doing it alone, he had Travis Greene on the track.

In the same light, he has created other numerous songs that would land him a big name as one of the gospel singers to follow in Nigeria. His blend of lyrics, rhythm, beats, and flow has added to his greatness in music performance.

Accolades of the gospel artist

Africa Gospel and Media Awards for Songs of Excellence Award and Male Artists of Excellnece Award (2019)
Male African Artist of the Year at the GTMA Awards (2019)
NEA Award U.S.A. for the Best Gospel Artist/Group of the Year (2012)

8. Moses Bliss

Full Name: Moses Bliss
Date of Birth: February 20, 1995
Age: 29 years old
State of Origin: Akwa Ibom
Famous Songs: Too Faithful, Bigger Everyday, Miracle, In Your Hands, Taking Care, You I Live For

It was not always fame and a great music career for Moses Bliss – a man that sold vegetables and sachet water to make ends meet. Well, in 2019, his name passed through walls and his music was heard in several parts of the world following the release of Too Faithful.

Currently, Bliss has one of the most accomplished careers with his music influencing and voice becoming even better and more powerful.

Awards

Gospel Touch Music Awards for Breakthrough Artists of the Year (2021)
LIMA awards for Best Song of 2020
Christian Legendary and Impact Makers Awards in Africa (CLIMA) for Gospel Song of the Year (2021)

9. Frank Edwards

Full Name: Frank Ugochukwu Edwards
Date of Birth: July 22, 1989
Age: 52 years old
State of Origin: Enugu State
Famous Songs: Under the Canopy, I Lift My Voice, Ebube, You Too Dey Bless Me, Fire

Whenever the name Frank Edwards comes up, what mostly comes to mind is the impact of his music on the Nigerian gospel scene. He performs with a powerful voice that is with no doubt strong and unique in many ways.

Little wonder in the competitive world of music where secular music is more popular, his Frankincense album was able to surpass Beyonce and Adele’s albums only a few hours after its release on the iTunes album chart.

Some awards and major accomplishments of Frank Edward

Africa Best Male Vocalist (2012)
Best Hit Single at the Love World Awards (2012)
Nigerian Gospel Music Awards for Male Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Male Vocal

10. Bapshang Peter

Full Name: Bapshang Peter Tungon
Date of Birth: October 11, 1985
Age: 38 years old
State of Origin: Plateau State
Famous Songs: My Healer, Angels, Risen King, Wuta

Bapshang’s music is more or less like a breath of fresh air. He infuses soft rock with a powerful voice to pass his music across. Perhaps that is what makes him one of the gospel singers to follow in Nigeria.

There is no doubt that his musical performance is good, his vocal quality is hard to find, while his strong use of harmony and passing of lyrics is second to none.

Bapshang who hails from the North-Central part of Nigeria sings mostly in English and Hausa. Regardless, worship is believed to have no language barrier and neither does it choose any location.

It is as such that a lady shared a testimony of receiving healing in Kenya through his song MyHealer! in 2016.

Selected Awards of Bapshang

Jos Art and Music Award for Male Artist of the Year (2017)
Northern Act of the Year, The Green Awards (2014)
Jos Gospel Art & Music Awards for Audio Single of the Year (2011)

11. Tope Alabi

Full Name: Patricia Temitope Alabi
Date of Birth: October 27, 1970
Age: 53 years old
State of Origin: Ogun State
Famous Songs: Ore Ti o Common, Agbo Jesu, Mimi L’oluwa, Halleluyah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Piz33UbxDuw

One of the gospel singers to follow In Nigeria is Tope Alabi. She is one of the most unique Nigerian artists as she fuses traditional and modern beats to create interesting beats.

While at that, she lets her powerful voice take charge of her flowing lyrics which she mostly creates in the Yoruba language. She currently has a large fanbase and impacts music lovers while praising and worshiping God.

12. Solomon Lange

Full Name: Solomon Lange
Date of Birth: July 23, 1978
Age: 46 years old
State of Origin: Kaduna
Famous Songs: Yesu Masoyina, Grace, Nagode, Imela, Yabo, Victory

One of the greatest assets of Solomon Lange is his voice which exposes hard rock in a great way. Yet he sends soothing songs of worship to make him one of the gospel singers to follow In Nigeria.

He is one of Nothern Nigeria’s biggest influences in the gospel music scene. He has graced many stages within and outside of Nigeria and is famous for his songs that project love for God and thanksgiving to him.

In conclusion, there are several other gospel singers to follow in Nigeria but those mentioned here may have placed themselves on higher grounds.

Since the Nigerian gospel music industry continues to grow, there is a likelihood that these artists and pers/haps more could break many barriers to become even better and have that music heard in different parts of the world