NIGMA UNVEILS OFFICIAL NOMINEES
FOR THE 2026 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL
GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS
The Academy of Gospel Music in Nigeria (AGMN) is delighted to
announce the official nominees for the 2026 Nigeria International Gospel Music
Awards (NIGMA), scheduled to hold on Sunday, 9th August 2026, at the MUSON
Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
The 2026 nominees reflect the remarkable growth, diversity, and excellence of
gospel music in Nigeria, featuring outstanding ministers, songwriters, vocalists,
choirs, producers, and industry professionals whose works have inspired millions
and advanced the Gospel through music.
The nominee list spans competitive categories such as 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, alongside prestigious
honorary recognitions including the NIGMA Lifetime Achievement Award, Gospel
Icon Award, Kingdom Impact Award, Legacy Award, and Special Recognition
Awards.
Speaking on the announcement, Victor Igbinigie, Project Director of this year’s
awards stated:
“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.”
The Academy congratulates all nominees and encourages gospel music lovers,
media organisations, corporate partners, and the general public to join in
celebrating the outstanding achievements of this year’s nominees as preparations
continue for what promises to be an unforgettable evening of worship, music, and
excellence.
Below are the lists of Nominees:
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.
