Nigeria is known for many things and one of the prominent things about her is that she has very talented people. In any area where Nigerians are, they stand out, and this applies to any sector of life whether economic, professional, social, or religious.

In the religious community, the Nigerian gospel industry has never been short of talents. We have many talented artistes, both male and female, who stand out not just locally, but internationally. Whether it is songwriting, singing, and live performances, our Nigerian gospel artistes always strive to put in their best. They provide different elements in their music to bring about beautiful songs.

While we may know of household names like Joe Praize, Dunsin Oyekan, Mercy Chinwo, TY Bello, and Nathaniel Bassey, there are other gospel artists who have contributed to keeping the industry strong.

Today, we will be putting together a list of 20 Nigerian gospel artistes who are making waves in the Nigerian gospel industry. If you’re a fan of gospel music, you should know these names:

1. Sinach

Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu was born on the 30th of March 1973. She is a singer, songwriter, and senior worship leader in Christ Embassy, a megachurch in Nigeria. She started singing for her family in 1989 and has gone on to become one of the most popular Nigerian female gospel singers today.

Her song, “I Know Who I Am” made her a sensation in Africa. The song was a hit, back to back.

2. Mercy Chinwo

Mercy Chinwo, born on the 5th of September 1990, has been singing since she was a child. However, she was thrown into stardom when she won in the second season of the Nigerian Idol contest. Her victory at the contest launched her into the entertainment industry.

A year after winning the Nigerian Idol contest, she got a role in and acted alongside big names like Omawumi and Majid Michel in Yvonne Nelson’s House of Gold movie.

She released her first single in 2015. Two years later, she got signed into the gospel music label, EeZee Conceptz.

3. Nathaniel Bassey

Nathaniel Bassey is a renowned gospel voice in the Nigerian gospel music industry. Born on the 27th August 1978, the “Imela” crooner is celebrated all across Africa.

Nathaniel Bassey is also a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, and the creator of the Hallelujah Challenge, a worship movement that has garnered over 600,000 views.

4. Ada Ehi

Ada Ogochukwu Ehi was born on the 18th of September 1987. The ‘Our God Reigns’ singer is among the best female gospel singers in Nigeria. She started singing at the age of ten as a backup singer for child star, Tosin Jegede.

She began singing professionally in 2009. She is a member of the Believer’s Loveworld, and serves in the Christ Embassy choir. She also performs at Christ Embassy events across Africa, Europe, and America.

5. Preye Odede

Oyinkepreye Odede was born in Bayelsa on the 16th of June 1990. He is a music director, songwriter, and singer.

The singer was a backup singer for a major gospel ministry in Nigeria. His hit song ‘Bulie’ was very popular across Nigeria.

6. Chioma Jesus

Amaka Okwuoha, fondly known as Chioma Jesus, is renowned for her fascinating afro-gospel tracks.

Her first song was written in Yoruba and this launched her into the gospel scene. She is a member of Nigeria’s Scripture Union. Some of Chioma Jesus’s best songs include Original God, Throne, and Favour Me.

7. Frank Edwards

Frank Ugochukwu Edwards was born on the 22nd of July 1989. He is one of the most sought-after gospel artistes in Nigeria.

Apart from singing, Frank Edwards produces and plays several musical instruments. In fact, he has been playing the piano since he was 7. Frank Edwards owns a record label called Rocktown Records and has signed several artistes including Micah Heavens, Dudu, Nkya, King BAS, and Divine.

8. Dunsin Oyekan

Dunsin Oyekan is not just your typical singer. He is a worship leader whose songs take you into a deep place in worship. He was born on the 5th of November 1984, in Ilorin.

Dunsin’s father was a musician who also loved songwriting. He had a huge role to play in Dunsin’s musical journey, including teaching him how to play the guitar. Dunsin began to sing and play the guitar at age 10.

Dunsin Oyekan is the founder of the Healing Room Worship Event and the Code Red Worship Experience.

9. Tope Alabi

Patricia Temitope Alabi was born on 27th October 1970. Tope Alabi is a singer, music composer, and actress. In actual fact, she was an actress before she ventured into the gospel music scene. Tope Alabi studied Mass Communication, but her passion for music and drama took her into the acting and music industry.

She used to be a member of the Jesters International comedy group. She has also worked with various travelling and stage theatre groups in different parts of Nigeria.

She has released many singles and worked with many young gospel artistes, including Ty Bello.

10. Tim Godfrey

Timothy Chukwudi Godfrey was born in August 1979. Often referred to as the Nigerian Kirk Franklin, Tim Godfrey is a music teacher, producer, music director, songwriter, and vocal instructor.

He went into professional singing in 2003. He is widely recognised for his popular song ‘Nara’, where he featured American gospel singer, Travis Greene.

Tim owns the record label, Rox Nation. His other popular songs include Na You Be God, Victory, and Miracles Everywhere.

11. Nikki Laoye

Oyenike Laoye was born on the 19th of December 1980. Nikki is a singer, dancer, humanitarian, songwriter, and actress. Her rise to stardom began in 2006 when she released the song ‘Never Felt This Way Before’.

One of the most outstanding things about this gospel singer is her energy when she performs on stage. During her live performances, she engages with her audience and carries them along.

Her love for people is shown in her philanthropic work. This has earned her recognition by the Nigerian government. Nikki Laoye founded an NGO called Angel 4 Life Foundation, a platform where she mentors various talented youths.

12. Eben

Emmanuel Benjamin is a vocalist, singer, and songwriter. Born on the 9th of September 1979, Emmanuel started his career as a rapper at a young age. In 2005, he appeared at a youth conference organized by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, and this marked the beginning of his fame.

Two years later, in 2007, he released his debut album. He dropped his second album in 2010 and released a third album in 2013.

13. Samsong

Samson Uche Mogekwu started singing while he was in high school. That was where he got his stage name – Samsong. Samsong used to be a member of a quartet known as Praise Creation, which was formed in 1991. Praise Creation released its first album, Best of Life, in 1996.

When he launched into his solo career, Samsong undertook his first major project, his debut CD, titled ‘Count Your Blessings’. It was released in 2002. Since then, he has released four other major collections. Samsong is signed into the record label, Boogie Down Concept.

He was born on the 30th of November 1974.

14. Joe Praize

Joseph Omo Ebhodaghe was born on the 20th of June 1979. He is a worship leader, music director, and gospel singer. Born in Edo State, Nigeria, Joe grew up in a large family with eight siblings.

He is a graduate of the University of Jos. Joe was born again in 1991. He started releasing his gospel songs in 2005. In 2007, he released ‘Great and Mighty God’, a song that became popular and launched him into the limelight. His first album was released in 2009.

15. Lara George

Lara George was born on the 25th of June 1978. She started in College when she landed a role as the lead singer in a performance.

The ‘Hallelujah’ crooner was part of a singing group known as Rock Solid. During her time with the group, she met other talented musicians, including Ty Bello. She was later part of a group, known as KUSH, that won several awards before they eventually split.

16. TY Bello

TY Bello is a singer, photographer, songwriter and philanthropist. Her full name is Toyin Sokefun-Bello and she was born on the 14th of January 1978.

She was a part of the now-defunct gospel band, KUSH, in her university days. Before then, she sang as part of the music team in her church, the Revival World Church.

17. Steve Crown.

Steve Crown Okolo was born on the 27th of September. He attended the University of Abuja. He sang at St John’s Anglican Church choir and was a part of the Deacon Kids Band. These helped to build his musical background.

His song, ‘You Are Great’, brought him to the limelight, and since then, he has sung alongside numerous world-renowned gospel artists, including Don Moen. His popular songs include You Are Yahweh and We Wait on You.

18. Prospa Ochimana

Prospa Ochimana is from Kogi State in Nigeria. He is a music director, music coach, songwriter, worship leader, and gospel singer.

He is the convener of the annual Festival of Grace worship concert. Prospa became famous in 2018 when he released the hit song ‘Ekwueme’. He was nominated for the Best Gospel Artiste of The Year award because of the song.

19. Shola Allyson

Olushola Allyson-Obaniyi was born on the 24th of September 1970, in Ikorodu, Lagos State. She attended Anglican Primary School and Government Technical College, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

Shola became known in the Nigerian music industry when she released her album, Eji Ewuro, in 2003.

20. Yinka Ayefele

Olayinka Ayefele was born on the 11th of February 1968, in Ondo state, Nigeria. He is an accomplished music producer, radio presenter, songwriter, and gospel singer.

His brand of gospel music is unique because it gives you a mix of different beats with an amazing African feel.

Who’s Your Favourite?

Having seen our list, do you have a favourite gospel singer? Or did we leave out your favourite gospel artiste? We would like to know.