The Nigerian gospel industry has never been short of talent. Both male and female artists have shown their talents through songwriting, singing, and live performances. Nigerian gospel artists fuse different elements in their music to bring out the best in the art. Household names like Joe Praize, Dunsin Oyekan, TY Bello, and Prospa Ochimana have kept the industry strong through their excellent albums and tracks.
Your support matters. Sustain independent journalism in Nigeria – contribute to Legit.ng.
The top gospel singers in Nigeria constitute a mix of the old and the young, male and female. This diversity not only enriches the genre but also attracts a wider audience, helping to spread the messages of hope and faith through music. The vibrant styles and unique approaches of these artists make the Nigerian gospel scene a dynamic and ever-evolving space.
Top Nigerian gospel artists you should know
Here are the names of 20 Nigerian gospel artists whom every fan of the genre should know.
1. Sinach
| Full Name | Birthday | Age (as of 2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu | 30 March 1973 | 48 years |
Sinach is undoubtedly among the most popular Nigerian female gospel singers today. The I Know Who I Am hitmaker made her a sensation in Africa when the song was released. The song was massively played in churches, homes, on radio, and even in clubs. The song boosted her popularity in the continent as much as she was doing okay in Nigeria.
Osinachi Kalu is a singer, songwriter, and senior worship leader in Loveworld, a megachurch in Nigeria. Other popular songs by the worship leader include The Name of Jesus, Great Are You Lord, Way Maker, Precious Jesus, and Simply Devoted. The 47-year-old started singing for her family in 1989 and has never stopped.
2. Frank Edwards
| Full Name | Birthday | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Frank Ugochukwu Edwards | 22 July 1989 | 32 years |
Frank Edwards has established himself as one of the most sought-after Nigerian gospel artists and also one of the best in the entire West African region. The gospel musician also produces and plays several musical instruments. He has been playing the piano since he was 7 years old. His high-pitched voice sets him apart from other contemporary gospel singers.
Frank Edwards is known for songs like Eze Ndi Eze, I Lift My Voice, Mighty Warrior, and You Are Good. He owns the record label Rocktown Records and has signed artists like Micah Heavens, Dudu, Nkya, King BAS, and Divine.
3. Nathaniel Bassey
| Full Name | Birthday | Age (as of 2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Nathaniel Bassey | 27 August 1978 | 43 years |
Nathaniel Bassey is one of the most respected voices in the Nigerian gospel industry. His career has seen him grow from a young and little-known artist to a celebrated musician across Africa. His love for worship has seen him get involved in various ministry projects at home and online.
Three of his most popular songs are Imela, Onise Iyanu, and Olowogbogboro. Nathaniel Bassey is credited with starting the HallelujahChallenge on Instagram, where the singer worships God for an hour, 12:00 am to 1:00 am. The challenge has gained traction and garnered over 600,000 views.
4. Mercy Chinwo
| Full Name | Birthday | Age (as of 2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Mercy Nnenda Chinwo | 5 September 1990 | 31 years |
Mercy first came into the limelight in 2012 when she won season 2 of Nigerian Idol. The victory at the contest opened a few doors for her in the entertainment industry. Since she was a kid, Mercy Chinwo has been singing, but she officially released her first single in 2015 titled Testimony.
She later released Igwe in 2016 and got signed to gospel music label EeZee Conceptz a year later. Mercy has two studio albums and continues to inspire many through her music.
5. Tope Alabi
| Full Name | Birthday | Age (as of 2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Patricia Temitope Alabi | 27 October 1970 | 51 years |
Tope Alabi is a singer, film music composer, and actress. Before she was a gospel artist, Tope was massively into acting. She is a former member of the Jesters International comedy group and has worked with various travelling and stage theatre groups in different parts of Nigeria.
Even with a background in mass communication, Tope Alabi's love for music and drama was evident. Since becoming a musician professionally, Tope has worked with many young gospel groups and released singles that are widely enjoyed.
6. Tim Godfrey
| Full Name | Birthday | Age (as of 2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Timothy Chukwudi Godfrey | 26 August 1979 | 42 years |
Many people who listen to Tim Godfrey compare him to Kirk Franklin. His voice and performance style is so similar to that of the American gospel star that he is often referred to as the Nigerian Kirk Franklin. Tim Godfrey also works as a music teacher, producer, music director, songwriter, and vocal instructor.
He has been professionally singing since 2003. One of his most famous songs is Nara, in which he features singer Travis Greene. Other known songs by the gospel artist include Na You Be God, Victory, Miracles Everywhere, Iyo, and Hallelujah.
7. Ada Ehi
| Full Name | Birthday | Age (as of 2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Ada Ogochukwu Ehi | 18 September 1987 | 34 years |
Ada is among the best female singers in Nigeria. She started singing when she was ten as a backup singer for child star Tosin Jegede. The 36-year-old began her professional career in 2009, and her music has been getting massive airplay since then.
Ada has two albums under her name, Undenied, which was released in 2009, and Lifted & So Fly, released in 2013. Popular singles by Ada Ehi include Our God Reigns, Only You Jesus, I Overcame, Jesus (You Are Able), and Fix My Eyes on You, where she featured Sinach.
8. Nikki Laoye
| Full Name | Birthday | Age (as of 2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Oyenike Laoye | 19 December 1980 | 41 years |
Nikki Laoye's energy on stage is one of the incredible things about the Nigerian singer, dancer, humanitarian, songwriter,
