When NIGMA revved up Christian entertainment in Lagos

By Editor

MUSON Centre in Onikan, Lagos, buzzed with an electric energy on a bright Sunday evening of August 9, 2026 as the Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards (NIGMA) came back after a long break that left a gap in the Christian entertainment industry. The red carpet was spread out under brilliant lights, and a wonderful gathering of faith, culture and creative excellence was welcomed for the much anticipated 5th edition.

The capacity-filled auditorium was a visual feast of stage design and pristine sound, providing a backdrop of spiritual celebration and industry reunion. The highlight of the evening, however, was the incredible bridge that was created between the Nigerian entertainment divide. The room was filled with titans of the wider creative economy, and passionate ministers and artistes such as Tkeyz, Elwoma and Ehiliz were at the heart of the gospel community. Nollywood came out in force, making the celebration of gospel music an industry success. Screen legends and veteran filmmakers such as Fred Amata, Emeka Ossai, Segun Arinze and Tony Akposeri mingled with Lilian Amah and Kepy Ekpeyong Bassey. It attracted the attention of industry giants such as renowned directors Andy Boyo, Zik Zulu Okafor and Mahmood Ali-Balogun as well as the Director-General of National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini.

The synergy between music and film was palpable, and it was embodied by multi-talented artistes such as Abay Esho and Mike Nliam, legendary soul singer Alex O, esteemed broadcaster Cordelia Okpei and kingdom entrepreneurs, Dr. Tim Ogboruche and Tunde Praise joined the vibrant, cross-genre ambiance. The night was so electrifying, even mainstream stars were drawn to it, and celebrated rapper Vector the Viper proved that music knows no bounds.

Meanwhile, the popular gospel singer and comedian Akpororo brought some of his signature high-energy music and rib-cracking comedy to the room. The 5th edition wasn’t just about the celebrities and the spectacular acts, it was about a story of resilience. NIGMA’s organizing team, led by CEO Kingsley Omoefe, was doing its best to keep their heads above to keep the roomful of celebrities bubbling, and the sea of faces outside was a living proof of God’s faithfulness and their own undaunting perseverance. Omoefe’s sincere ‘thank you’ was the highlight of the evening, as he emphasized that the awards were meant to be a credible reward to celebrate those who are utilizing their gifts to impact culture and Christian entertainment.

The final applause reverberated through the MUSON Centre. This was not just a comeback celebration, it was a rebirth. The evening was a great success and it was clear that the two things – spirituality and professional excellence – can work together in a beautiful way to inspire a new generation of creatives. The night had a resurgence of energy, a new vision, and a stronger community, and the message was loud and clear: NIGMA is back!

Artistes and organisers applauding on stage

INTERESTINGLY, the 2026 edition of the Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards (NIGMA) brought together some of the leading voices in Nigerian gospel music, and it celebrated established artistes, emerging talents, industry professionals and ministers who have contributed in shaping the gospel music space. NIGMA has held five editions and has continued to create a platform to recognise excellence and influence within gospel music and Christian entertainment. This year’s ceremony reflected both the growth of contemporary gospel music and the contributions of those who helped build the industry.

Moses Bliss emerged as one of the major winners of the night, as he received the Artiste of the Year award. The Song of the Year award went to “No Turning Back II,” a collaboration between Gaise Baba and Lawrence Oyor. The song also won Best Collaboration and Afro-Gospel Song of the Year, and this gave the collaboration three awards at the ceremony.
Frank Edwards’ Heart of Worship was named Album of the Year, while Tkeyz received the Sammie Okposo Next Rated Artiste Award, recognising him among the emerging voices in the gospel music scene.

Other major competitive awards reflected the diversity of Nigerian gospel music. Sunmisola Agbebi won Female Vocalist of the Year, while Tim Godfrey & Fearless Community were named Group/Choir of the Year. Chinyere Udoma’s “Eze Abata” received the Indigenous Gospel Song of the Year award, and this highlights the place of indigenous languages and cultural expressions within Nigerian gospel music.

The awards also recognised the growing international presence of Nigerian gospel artistes. Enkay received the Diaspora Artiste of the Year – Female award, while Limoblaze won the male category.

Beyond the competitive categories, NIGMA 2026 also honoured individuals and platforms whose influence extends beyond individual songs and performances. The Experience was recognised as Gospel Concert of the Year, while Evang. Dr. Bola Are and Pastor Kunle Ajayi received the Lifetime Achievement Award for their longstanding contributions to gospel music ministry.

Sinach and Kingsley Ike were honoured as Gospel Icons, while the Kingdom Impact Award recognised influential figures in Christian ministry, including Pastor Paul Adefarasin, Pastor Jerry Eze, Pastor Emmanuel Iren and Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo.

The Legacy Award was presented to Buchi Atuonwu, Lara George and Segun Obe, alongside a posthumous tribute to Sammie Okposo. The tribute was particularly significant given Okposo’s continuing influence on the gospel music industry and the award category named in his honour.

Special Recognition Awards went to Adeyinka Alaseyori, Pelumi Deborah, Blessing Lopez, G-EFFECT and Akpororo. The Distinguished Service Award also honoured Peter Armand Boyo, Victor Igibinigie and Dr. Tim Ogboruche for their contributions to the industry behind the scenes.

The range of awards at NIGMA 2026 showed that it is an industry that continues to grow across different generations and musical expressions. Contemporary gospel artistes were recognised alongside established figures, while indigenous sounds, diaspora artistes, ministry leaders and industry professionals all received attention.

The ceremony also highlighted the different people and platforms contributing to the development of Nigerian gospel music. It ranged from emerging artistes finding their place in the industry to veterans whose work continues to influence new generations. NIGMA 2026 brought these different aspects together.

The ceremony ultimately reaffirmed NIGMA’s role in recognising the people using music, ministry and creativity to contribute to gospel music and Christian entertainment in Nigeria and beyond.