The Nigeria gospel music industry has been growing and expanding over the years. We have several acts who has risen to fame both locally and internationally. Let’s learn about some of them.
1) SINACH
Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu, known professionally as Sinach, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and senior worship leader at Loveworld. Sinach rose to limelight when she released the hit song I know who I am. Since then, she has been topping charts all over the world.
As a child, Sinach stated she had dreams, where she saw herself singing to large crowds, but didn’t actively pursue anything musically as a career besides joining the choir, and also working as an administrative staff in the Church.
Her recent and biggest feat is when she won the Dove Award for Song of the Year at the 51st GMA Dove Awards in the United States. She is the first Nigerian gospel artiste to win the award. She is also the first gospel artist from Africa to tour India, headlining concerts with several thousands in attendance in September 2019.
2) TOPE ALABI
Tope Alabi was born on the 27th of October, 1970. She is a Nigerian gospel singer, film music composer and actress. She made theme music in the Yoruba film genre of Nigeria. She later metamorphosed into gospel music after she became a born-again Christian.
Tope Alabi has won many awards for singing and composing numerous songs. Her songs show us that there is always hope for the better. She used envision herself singing in stadiums with crowds listening to her as a child. She said she discovered her gift through messages sent by His in her dreams.
She is known for her unique and relaxing voice and is considered as one of the Nigerian gospel music genius. In Nollywood, she is considered to be a trendsetter for soundtracks.
She has albums to her name such as : Hymal Vol 1 (2020), The Spirit of Light (2019), Yes And Amen (2018), Oruko Tuntun (2014), Alagbara (2012), Angeli Mi (2007), Ore tio common (2001)
3) NATHANIEL BASSEY
Nathaniel Bassey was born in Lagos in 1978. He is a pastor at The Redeemed Christian Church Of God and is known for playing his trumpet in every song he releases. He is happily married with two kids.
Nathaniel started his journey in the church where he joined the Rhodes Orchestra and he played the Trumpet for two years. He rose into lime light when he composed a song at the visit to Stella Obasanjo, the late wife of former president Olusegun Obasanjo. He is popularly known for his song “Imela” “Onise Iyanu” and “Olowogbogboro.”
He is the brain behind “HALLELUJAH CHALLENGE” which he streams live on his Instagram page for 1 hour (12:00am to 1:00am) and invites others to join. In less than a month, the event had over 600,000 views.
4) MERCY CHINWO
Mercy Chinwo was born on the 5th of September, 1990 (30 years old) in Portharcourt, Rivers State. She is a singer, songwriter and actress. Mercy Chinwo released her first single, Testimony, in 2015, and Igwe a year later.
In 2017, Mercy Chinwo signed to Gospel Music Label EeZee Conceptz.
It is interesting to note that she was the winner of the Nigerian Idol Season 2 in 2012. She has several awards to her name and a lot of hit songs. Her song Excess Love was what made her an household name in Nigeria. She has recorded several songs prior to this.
In 2018, Mercy Chinwo was awarded the Best Gospel Artiste at the CLIMAX Awards 2018.
5) DUNSIN OYEKAN
Dunsin Oyekan is a Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter, producer, instrumentalist, and recording artist. He was born on the 5th of November 1984, in Ilorin, Nigeria. Although his wife is late, Dunsin Oyekan was married to Adedoyin Oyekan, and is blessed with two lovely children.
Dunsin was influenced by his music loving father to get involved in music and musical instruments at the tender age of 10. Dunsin Oyekan is a music producer who plays different musical instruments including the guitar, keyboard, and drums.
He has performed on the stage with several notable gospel artiste such as Tasha Cobbs, Kurt Carr, Don Moen, Tye Tribbett, Frank Edwards, Sinach amongst others. In 2016, Dunsin released his 14 track debut album – Code Red. Thus far, he has released over thirty songs, including the popular Na You, which featured Kim Burrell, an American gospel singer. He is the convener and founder of the Code Red Worship Concert and the Healing Room Worship Event.
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