The Academy of Gospel Music in Nigeria (AGMN) has officially announced the nominees for the 2026 Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards (NIGMA), with this year’s ceremony scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the prestigious MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
The 2026 nominations celebrate the remarkable growth, creativity, and excellence within Nigeria’s gospel music industry, recognizing outstanding ministers, songwriters, vocalists, choirs, producers, and other industry professionals whose work has impacted lives and advanced the Gospel through music.
Leading this year’s nominations are some of gospel music’s biggest names, with Moses Bliss, Lawrence Oyor, Mercy Chinwo, and Gaise Baba competing for the coveted Artiste of the Year award.
The Song of the Year category features some of the year’s most impactful releases, including “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, alongside “Favour” by Lawrence Oyor.
Competition is equally strong in the Album of the Year category, where The Expression by Moses Bliss, In His Will by Mercy Chinwo, Heart of Worship by Frank Edwards, and Glory by Sunmisola Agbebi are nominated. Meanwhile, the NIGMA Next Rated Artiste category shines the spotlight on emerging talents TKeyz, Khael, Mera Owili, Uchenna Okereke, and BBO.
Other notable categories include Male Vocalist of the Year, 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, reflecting the diversity and continued growth of gospel music across the nation.
The international categories recognize the impact of Nigerian gospel ministers in the diaspora, with Enkay, Purist Ogboi, Tosin Oyelakin, and Ada Ehi nominated for Diaspora Female Artiste of the Year, while Limoblaze, Gabriel Eziashi, Evans Ogboi, and Lawrence DeCovenant contend for the male category.
Beyond the competitive awards, NIGMA will also honour individuals and organizations whose contributions have shaped the gospel music landscape.
Legendary gospel ministers Evang. Dr. Bola Are and Pastor Kunle Ajayi will receive the NIGMA Lifetime Achievement Award, while Sinach and Kingsley Ike will be honoured with the NIGMA Gospel Icon Award.
The Kingdom Impact Award will recognize Pastor Paul Adefarasin, Pastor Jerry Eze, Pastor Emmanuel Iren, and Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo for their significant contributions to advancing gospel music ministry and supporting the industry.
In addition, Buchi Atuonwu (Buchi), Lara George, Segun Obe, and the late Sammie Okposo will receive the NIGMA Legacy Award, while Adeyinka Alaseyori, Pelumi Deborah, and Blessing Lopez have been selected for the NIGMA Special Recognition Award.
Speaking on the announcement, Victor Igbinigie, Project Director of the 2026 Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards, described NIGMA as more than an awards ceremony.
“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 also called on gospel music lovers, media organizations, corporate partners, and stakeholders across the industry to join in celebrating this year’s nominees as preparations continue for what promises to be an unforgettable evening of worship, music, and excellence.
