The Academy of Gospel Music in Nigeria has announced the nominees for the 2026 Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards (NIGMA), setting the stage for one of the country’s biggest celebrations of gospel music excellence. The awards ceremony is scheduled for August 9, 2026, at the MUSON Centre in Onikan, Lagos, where artistes, music ministers, producers and other industry stakeholders will be honoured for their contributions to gospel music.
The 2026 nominations recognise outstanding achievements across multiple categories, including Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Male and Female Vocalist of the Year, Group or Choir of the Year, Best Collaboration, Afro-Gospel Song of the Year and Indigenous Gospel Song of the Year. The awards will also feature special honours celebrating individuals whose work has significantly shaped gospel music and ministry in Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking on the significance of this year’s event, the organisers said the awards continue to spotlight excellence, creativity and the growing influence of Nigerian gospel music on the global stage. Brandspur Brand News reports that the programme will bring together leading gospel artistes, church leaders, industry professionals and music lovers for a night dedicated to recognising outstanding ministry and musical achievements.
The Artiste of the Year category features Moses Bliss, Lawrence Oyor, Mercy Chinwo and Gaise Baba, while the Song of the Year nominees include No Turning Back II by Gaise Baba featuring Lawrence Oyor, We Will Be Many by Sounds of Salem featuring Lawrence Oyor and Moses Akoh, E Ti Tobi To by EmmaOMG featuring Pelumi Deborah, BBO and The OhEmGee Choir, as well as Lawrence Oyor’s Favour.
For Album of the Year, the nominees are The Expression by Moses Bliss, In His Will by Mercy Chinwo, Heart of Worship by Frank Edwards and Glory by Sunmisola Agbebi. The Next Rated Artiste category features TKeyz, Khael, Mera Owili, Uchenna Okereke and BBO.
The Male Vocalist of the Year category includes Peterson Okopi, Neon Adejo, Moses Bliss and Kaestrings, while Mercy Chinwo, Onos Ariyo, Judikay and Sunmisola Agbebi will compete for Female Vocalist of the Year. Group or Choir of the Year nominees are Mr. M & Revelation, Tim Godfrey & Fearless Community, The City Choir and 121 Selah.
The organisers also announced nominees for international categories recognising Nigerian gospel artistes in the diaspora, alongside several honorary awards. Evangelist Dr. Bola Are and Pastor Kunle Ajayi will receive the NIGMA Lifetime Achievement Award, while Sinach and Kingsley Ike have been named recipients of the Gospel Icon Award.
Other special honours include the Kingdom Impact Award for Pastor Paul Adefarasin, Pastor Jerry Eze, Pastor Emmanuel Iren and Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo. Buchi Atuonwu, Lara George, Segun Obe and the late Sammie Okposo will receive the Legacy Award, while Adeyinka Alaseyori, Pelumi Deborah and Blessing Lopez have been selected for the Special Recognition Award.
With nominations spanning established ministers, emerging talents and influential gospel leaders, the 2026 edition of NIGMA is expected to further highlight the growth, diversity and global impact of Nigeria’s gospel music industry while recognising individuals advancing faith-based music through excellence and innovation.
