Nigeria’s gospel music award body unveils nominees as Bliss, Chinwo, Oyor lead star-studded categories

By Godwin Okondo

THE Academy of Gospel Music in Nigeria (AGMN) has unveiled the official nominees for the 2026 edition of Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards (NIGMA). Leading gospel ministers such as Moses Bliss, Mercy Chinwo, Lawrence Oyor and Gaise Baba dominate the nominations ahead of the awards ceremony scheduled for Sunday, 8 August 2026 at MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

Announcing the nominees in a statement, the academy said this year’s shortlist reflects the remarkable growth, diversity and excellence that have come to define Nigeria’s gospel music industry. According to AGMN, the nominees represent ministers, songwriters, vocalists, choirs, producers and other creative professionals whose works have continued to inspire millions while advancing the message of the gospel through music. The announcement has already generated excitement among gospel music lovers, with some of the country’s most influential ministers competing across major categories.

The coveted Artiste of the Year category features four of Nigerian gospel music’s biggest names—Moses Bliss, Lawrence Oyor, Mercy Chinwo and Gaise Baba—whose music has enjoyed widespread acclaim, significant digital success and far-reaching ministry impact over the past year.

Competition is equally intense in the Song of the Year category. Nominated are ‘No Turning Back II’ by Gaise Baba featuring Lawrence Oyor, ‘We Will Be Many’ by Sounds of Salem featuring Lawrence Oyor and Moses Akoh, ‘E Ti Tobi To’ by EmmaOMG featuring Pelumi Deborah, BBO and The OhEmGee Choir, and ‘Favour’ by Lawrence Oyor, a worship anthem that has become a staple in churches across the country.

For Album of the Year, Moses Bliss received a nomination for ‘The Expression,’ while Chinwo earned recognition for ‘In His Will.’ Veteran worship leader Frank Edwards was nominated for ‘Heart of Worship,’ while fast-rising worship minister Sunmisola Agbebi secured a place on the shortlist with ‘Glory.’ This category is expected to be one of the night’s biggest attractions, reflecting the growing global influence of Nigerian gospel music.

The vocal categories also feature a strong lineup. Peterson Okopi, Neon Adejo, Moses Bliss and Kaestrings will contest Male Vocalist of the Year, while Chinwo, Onos Ariyo, Judikay and Agbebi are nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year.

In the Group/Choir of the Year category, Mr. M and Revelation, Tim Godfrey and Fearless Community, The City Choir and 121 Selah will compete for top honours, showcasing both established ministries and emerging voices within the gospel music space.

Collaboration continues to be a defining feature of the industry, with the Best Collaboration category recognizing some of the year’s biggest joint projects. The nominees include ‘No Turning Back II’ by Baba featuring Oyor, ‘We Will Be Many’ by Sounds of Salem featuring Oyor and Moses Akoh, ‘Oluwatosin’ by TKeyz featuring SteveHills, ‘E Ti Tobi To’ by EmmaOMG featuring Pelumi Deborah, BBO and The OhEmGee Choir, and ‘Yahweh ‘(Godiya Gareka) by Limoblaze.

The rapid rise of Afro-Gospel is reflected in the Afro-Gospel Song of the Year category, where Moses Bliss secured two nominations with ‘Unending Joy,’ featuring Greatman Takit and ‘Everyday,’ featuring Victor Thompson. They will compete alongside ‘No Turning Back II’ and ‘Do It Now’ (Agbanilagbatan) by Limoblaze, featuring Joe L Barnes.

Moses Bliss

Celebrating indigenous expressions of worship, the Indigenous Gospel Song of the Year category features ‘Eze Abata’ by Chinyere Udoma, ‘E Ti Tobi To’ by EmmaOMG, ‘Operempe’ (Odogwu Ka Odogwu) by Mr. M and ‘Revelation’ and ‘Nasara’ (Live) by Kaestrings.

The academy also spotlighted emerging talents through the NIGMA Next Rated Artiste category. TKeyz, Khael, Mera Owili, Uchenna Okereke and BBO earned nominations following impressive performances and growing recognition within the gospel music community.

The international influence of Nigerian gospel music is reflected in the Diaspora categories. Limoblaze, Gabriel Eziashi, Evans Ogboi and Lawrence DeCovenant are nominated for Diaspora Artiste of the Year (Male) while Enkay, Purist Ogboi, Tosin Oyelakin and Ada Ehi will contest the female category.

Beyond the competitive awards, AGMN announced a number of honorary recognitions celebrating outstanding contributions to gospel music and ministry. The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Evangelist (Dr.) Bola Are and Pastor Kunle Ajayi in recognition of their decades of dedication, exceptional accomplishments and lasting impact on gospel music. The Gospel Icon Award will honour Sinach and Kingsley Ike for their enduring influence and contributions to the growth of gospel music.

The Kingdom Impact Award will recognise Pastor Paul Adefarasin, Pastor Jerry Eze, Pastor Emmanuel Iren and Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo for their leadership and sustained support for gospel music ministry while the Legacy Award will honour Buchi Atuonwu, Lara George, Segun Obe and the late Sammie Okposo for their enduring influence on generations of gospel musicians.

In addition, The Experience was named Gospel Concert of the Year while Special Recognition Awards will be presented to Adeyinka Alaseyori, Pelumi Deborah and Blessing Lopez for exceptional contributions to gospel music beyond the conventional award categories.

Speaking on the announcement, NIGMA 2026 Project Director, Victor Igbinigie, said the awards remain committed to celebrating the purpose and impact of gospel music beyond entertainment.

“NIGMA is more than an awards ceremony,” he said, “it is a celebration of purpose, excellence, and the transformative power of gospel music. We congratulate all the nominees and celebrate every minister and creative whose work continues to inspire faith, hope and positive change across Nigeria and beyond.”

The academy said preparations are in top gear to deliver what it described as an unforgettable evening of worship, music and excellence. It also called on gospel music lovers, media organisations, corporate partners and the general public to join in celebrating the nominees and supporting the continued growth of Nigeria’s gospel music industry.