Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards Unveils 2026 Nominees
The Academy of Gospel Music in Nigeria (AGMN) has unveiled the nominees for the highly anticipated 2026 Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards (NIGMA). The awards ceremony is set to take place on Sunday, 9th August 2026, at the prestigious MUSON Centre in Onikan, Lagos.
Celebrating the vibrant growth and diversity of Nigeria’s gospel music industry, the 2026 nominations highlight the exceptional talents shaping the landscape. From inspiring ministers and prolific songwriters to powerful vocalists, dynamic choirs, visionary producers, and industry trailblazers, these nominees exemplify excellence and innovation in gospel music that continues to uplift millions and propel the Gospel message forward.
The nominations encompass a wide array of categories, including Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, NIGMA Next Rated Artiste, Male and Female Vocalist of the Year, Group/Choir of the Year, Best Collaboration, Afro-Gospel Song of the Year, and Indigenous Gospel Song of the Year. Additionally, the event will honor distinguished figures with awards such as the NIGMA Lifetime Achievement Award, Gospel Icon Award, Kingdom Impact Award, Legacy Award, and other Special Recognition honors.
Victor Igbinigie, Project Director of this year’s awards, shared his thoughts on the significance of the event:
*”NIGMA is more than an awards ceremony; 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.”*
As the countdown to the event begins, the Academy extends its congratulations to all nominees. Gospel music enthusiasts, media outlets, corporate partners, and the general public are invited to join in celebrating the extraordinary achievements of this year’s contenders, promising an unforgettable night of worship, music, and excellence.
OFFICIAL NIGMA Award Categories 2026:
1. Artiste of the Year :
• Moses Bliss
• Lawrence Oyor
• Mercy Chinwo
• Gaise Baba
2. Song of the Year:
• “No Turning Back II” – Gaise Baba feat. Lawrence Oyor
• “We Will Be Many” – Sounds of Salem feat. Lawrence Oyor & Moses Akoh
• “E Ti Tobi To” – EmmaOMG feat. Pelumi Deborah, BBO & The OhEmGee Choir • “Favour” – Lawrence Oyor
3. Album of the Year:
• The Expression – Moses Bliss
• In His Will – Mercy Chinwo
• “Heart of Worship” – Frank Edwards
• “Glory” – Sunmisola Agbebi
4. NIGMA Next Rated Artiste:
• TKeyz
• Khael
• Mera Owili
• Uchenna Okereke
• BBO
5. Male Vocalist of the Year:
• Peterson Okopi
• Neon Adejo
• Moses Bliss
• Kaestrings
6. Female Vocalist of the Year:
• Mercy Chinwo
• Onos Ariyo
• Judikay
• Sunmisola Agbebi
7. Group/Choir of the Year:
• Mr. M & Revelation
• Tim Godfrey & Fearless Community
• The City Choir
• 121 Selah
8. Best Collaboration:
• “No Turning Back II” – Gaise Baba feat. Lawrence Oyor
• “We Will Be Many” – Sounds of Salem feat. Lawrence Oyor & Moses Akoh
• “Oluwatosin” – Tkeyz feat. SteveHills
• “E Ti Tobi To” – EmmaOMG feat. Pelumi Deborah, BBO & The OhEmGee Choir • “Yahweh (Godiya Gareka)” – Limoblaze
9. Afro-Gospel Song of the Year:
• “Unending Joy” – Moses Bliss feat. Greatman Takit
• “No Turning Back II” – Gaise Baba feat. Lawrence Oyor
• “Do It Now (Agbanilagbatan)” feat. Joe L Barnes – Limoblaze
• “Everyday” – Moses Bliss feat. Victor Thompson
10. Indigenous Gospel Song of the Year:
• “Eze Abata” – Chinyere Udoma
• “E Ti Tobi To” – EmmaOMG ft. BBO & The OhEmGee Choir
• ” Operempe (Odogwu Ka Odogwu)” – Mr M & Revelation
• ” Nasara (Live)” – Kaestrings
11. International Awards
Diaspora Artiste of the Year – Female
• Enkay
• Purist Ogboi
• Tosin Oyelakin
• Ada Ehi
Diaspora Artiste of the Year – Male
• Limoblaze
• Gabriel Eziashi
• Evans Ogboi
• Lawrence DeCovenant
12. NIGMA HONOURS (SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS)
Outstanding Contribution to Gospel Music Ministry.
GOSPEL CONCERT OF THE YEAR • The Experience.
NIGMA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Awarded to individuals whose lifelong dedication, outstanding achievements, and enduring contributions have transformed gospel music and inspired generations.
– Evang. Dr. Bola Are
– Pastor Kunle Ajayi
NIGMA GOSPEL ICON AWARD
Presented to an individual whose music and ministry have become a defining voice of gospel music. 1. Sinach
2. Kingsley Ike
NIGMA KINGDOM IMPACT AWARD
Presented to pastors, ministries, church leaders, Christian institutions, and visionary partners whose leadership, unwavering support, and strategic investments have significantly advanced gospel music ministry, nurtured talent, created platforms for excellence, and strengthened the growth of the gospel music industry in Nigeria and beyond.
1. Pastor Paul Adefarasin
2. Pastor Jerry Eze
3. Pastor Emmanuel Iren
4. Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo
NIGMA LEGACY AWARD
Presented in recognition of an enduring legacy whose influence continues to inspire future generations of gospel musicians and ministers.
1. Buchi Atuonwu. (Buchi)
2. Lara George
3. Segun Obe
4. Sammie Okposo (Posthumous)
NIGMA SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
A discretionary award presented by the NIGMA Academy to honour exceptional contributions that may or not fall within any established award category.
1. Adeyinka Alaseyori
2. Pelumi Deborah
3. Blessing lopez
NIGMA DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
To honour individuals or organizations whose exceptional service has advanced gospel music ministry, industry development, or artiste welfare.
