NIGMA 2026: A showcase of Nigeria’s gospel music excellence, mental health awareness

By Godwin Okondo

THE Academy of Gospel Music in Nigeria has announced that the fifth edition of the Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards (NIGMA) will hold on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, with organisers unveiling an ambitious programme that combines the celebration of gospel music excellence with a nationwide campaign to promote mental health awareness and emotional wellbeing. The organisers described the forthcoming event as more than an awards ceremony, saying it is designed to celebrate the contributions of gospel music ministers while addressing one of the country’s growing social challenges through advocacy, strategic partnerships and public engagement.

Organised by the Academy of Gospel Music in Nigeria, NIGMA has grown into one of the country’s foremost platforms for recognising excellence, creativity, innovation and positive impact within the gospel music industry. Now in its fifth edition, the awards have maintained a reputation for celebrating individuals and organisations whose work continues to shape the gospel music ecosystem in Nigeria and beyond.

Founder and Team Lead of NIGMA and Chief Responsibility Officer of Golden Heritage Limited, Kingsley Omoefe, said the awards remain committed to recognising those whose talents and dedication continue to inspire millions while promoting values that contribute to national development.

“NIGMA is not a competition but a celebration of excellence, creativity, consistency, and positive impact in gospel music. We believe that recognizing outstanding contributions within the industry encourages growth, inspires future generations, and strengthens the role of gospel music as a force for hope, faith, and national development,” he said.

Omoefe noted that beyond honouring achievements in gospel music, this year’s edition would champion a nationwide Mental Health Awareness Campaign aimed at promoting emotional wellbeing, hope and healing, particularly among young Nigerians.

According to him, the campaign will be implemented through strategic partnerships with churches, mental health organisations, media platforms and other stakeholders. Activities will include pre-event awareness programmes in churches and tertiary institutions, keynote presentations during the awards ceremony, counselling partnerships and testimonies intended to inspire hope among individuals facing mental health challenges.

He said the organisers believe gospel music remains one of the most influential tools for inspiring positive social change and national transformation.

“Gospel music has become one of the most influential forces for inspiration, healing, and positive social change. NIGMA exists to celebrate those who use their gifts, creativity, and platforms to impact lives and contribute meaningfully to society,” Omoefe said.

He added that the organisers are committed to leveraging the platform not only to celebrate excellence but also to address important issues affecting communities across the country.

“NIGMA is a celebration of creativity, consistency, and positive influence. We are committed to recognizing those who use gospel music as a tool for inspiration, transformation, and national development while also leveraging the platform to address important social issues affecting our communities,” he said.

Project Public Relations Consultant for NIGMA 2026, Nsikak Daniels, described the awards as an event whose relevance extends beyond entertainment.

“NIGMA has evolved into a platform that transcends the glamour, sights, and sounds typically associated with award ceremonies. At its core, it is about inspiration, transformation, and the power of music to positively influence lives. It is a gathering designed to encourage excellence, celebrate purpose, and inspire greater achievements within the industry and society at large,” Daniels said.

He expressed confidence that this year’s edition would raise the bar by showcasing the best of Nigeria’s gospel music industry in an atmosphere of excellence, creativity and inspiration, adding, “The August event promises an unforgettable experience featuring outstanding performances, special recognitions, meaningful conversations, and memorable moments that will leave attendees inspired, enriched, and motivated long after the curtains close,” he added.

Founder and Team Lead of NIGMA and Chief Responsibility Officer of Golden Heritage Limited, Mr. Kingsley Omoefe

Also speaking on the forthcoming event, Head of Strategy for NIGMA, Peter Armand Boyo, described the awards as a landmark occasion that would continue to strengthen the global profile of Nigerian gospel music.

“This promises to be an exceptionally distinguished and unforgettable occasion, commemorating the profound influence of gospel music and paying homage to the remarkable contributions of artists to the genre,” Boyo said.

He noted that the renewed vision for NIGMA is focused on celebrating the expanding global influence of Nigerian gospel music while recognising individuals whose dedication continues to inspire audiences around the world.

Organisers disclosed that this year’s ceremony is expected to attract leading gospel artistes, music ministers, media practitioners, entertainment stakeholders, corporate organisations, policymakers, church leaders, faith-based institutions and government representatives from across Nigeria and the diaspora.

The programme will feature a red-carpet reception and media interviews, opening worship session, live musical ministrations, a mental health awareness presentation, award presentations across various categories, Hall of Fame recognitions, sponsor appreciation segments, networking opportunities and a closing celebration.

Award categories for the 2026 edition include Artiste of the Year, Album of the Year, Choir of the Year, Best Male Vocalist, Best Female Vocalist, Best Group or Duo, Best Indigenous Artiste, Best Music Producer, Best Record Label, Afro Gospel Song of the Year, Worship Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, Concert of the Year, Media Personality of the Year, Media House of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Awards, Hall of Fame Recognition and Posthumous Recognition, among others.

Since its inception, NIGMA has featured performances by celebrated gospel artistes including Frank Edwards, Ada Ehi, Eben, Segun Obe, Midnight Crew, Tim Godfrey, Folake Umosen, Nikki Laoye, GA2R, Rooftop MCs, Gaise Baba, Onos, Joe Praize and K’ore Infinity. It has also honoured gospel music legends such as Dr. Panam Percy Paul, Ebenezer Obey, Voice of the Cross and the CAC Good Women Choir for their contributions to the growth of gospel music.

According to the organisers, this year’s event is expected to enjoy extensive media coverage through television, radio and digital platforms, with an estimated broadcast audience of between 10 and 15 million viewers, digital impressions exceeding 20 million and widespread engagement across social media and traditional media outlets.

The organisers have invited corporate organisations, development partners, churches, media organisations and members of the public to participate in what they described as one of the most impactful editions of the awards, reaffirming NIGMA’s commitment to celebrating gospel music excellence while using music as a vehicle for hope, healing and national transformation.