In Nigeria, Gospel
music has mostly had to take the back seat especially as it concerns
constant airplay and financial success. In honour of these artistes,
NAIJ’s Michael Abimboye takes a look at ten artistes that stand out in
present times.
In spite of the fact
that Nigerians are faithful adherents of two of the largest religions in
the world. Occasionally, some Gospel artistes have had to add some
flavour of secular music to their works to give it a broad appeal.
But beyond the fact that the artistes on the Gospel scene are largely
overlooked for major concerts and endorsement deals by corporate firms,
it is imperative to point out that they contribute in no small measure
to upholding societal values and morals, while reinforcing the need to
live a life that is praiseworthy to God and to humanity.
Frank Edwards\
Nicknamed Rich boy, Frank Ugochukwu Edwards, a member of Christ Embassy
Church in Nigeria is signed to the church’s LoveWorld Records. Frank, a
talented instrumentalist, broke into the scene with his debut album, The
Definition, which was released in 2008.
Frank returned to the studio and in 2010 and produced his second album,
Angels on the Runway; he hit the market with another, ‘Unlimited’, in
2011. Frank began singing at the age of ten years as he learnt how to
play the piano from his father. Currently, he has four albums to his
credit, with the latest one ‘Tag Jam’ released in November 2011 which
took frank to the A-class of Gospel artistes.
He also made a cameo appearance in label mate Sinach’s video ‘I know who
I am’. In May 2011 he was nominated as the Gospel Artiste of the Year
at the 6th Annual Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEA). He won the award
for the Best Gospel Rock Artiste in the 1st edition of the awards. He
also won West Africa Best Male Vocalist in 2012 and Best Hit Single at
the Love World Awards 2012. Frank also bagged three awards at the
Nigeria Gospel Music Awards (Male Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year
and Best Male Vocal).
Sinach
Frank Edwards\
Nicknamed Rich boy, Frank Ugochukwu Edwards, a member of Christ Embassy
Church in Nigeria is signed to the church’s LoveWorld Records. Frank, a
talented instrumentalist, broke into the scene with his debut album, The
Definition, which was released in 2008.
Frank returned to the studio and in 2010 and produced his second album,
Angels on the Runway; he hit the market with another, ‘Unlimited’, in
2011. Frank began singing at the age of ten years as he learnt how to
play the piano from his father. Currently, he has four albums to his
credit, with the latest one ‘Tag Jam’ released in November 2011 which
took frank to the A-class of Gospel artistes.
He also made a cameo appearance in label mate Sinach’s video ‘I know who
I am’. In May 2011 he was nominated as the Gospel Artiste of the Year
at the 6th Annual Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEA). He won the award
for the Best Gospel Rock Artiste in the 1st edition of the awards. He
also won West Africa Best Male Vocalist in 2012 and Best Hit Single at
the Love World Awards 2012. Frank also bagged three awards at the
Nigeria Gospel Music Awards (Male Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year
and Best Male Vocal).Sinach
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Sinach
Also signed to LoveWorld Records and a key member of the music team at
Christ Embassy, Sinach has become a household name in Nigeria. She has
over 200 songs to her credit, including ‘Awesome God’, ‘Simply
Devoted’, ‘I am Ready for Your Spirit’, ‘Shout of the King’, ‘All Things
are possible’, ‘Born to Win’, ‘Fire in Me’, ‘More of You’, ‘No Failure
with God’, ‘This is Your Season’; also winning the Song of the Year,
Song Writer and Vocalist of the Year’ at the Love World Awards.
Inspired by the ministry of the word by her Pastor, Sinachi also
ministers as a vocalist and worship leader of Christ Embassy, alongside
LoveWorld Music team.
Through her Godly
talent, she has ministered to millions of people all over the world in
mega programs such as Night of Bliss with Pastor Chris, Word at Work
conventions with Pastor Chris, Youth Conferences with Pastor Chris, The
Higher Life Conference, The Christ Embassy Healing School and many other
programs by Pastor Chris with record attendances reaching millions.
Lara George
Regarded as one of the
classiest Nigerian Gospel artistes, this multi-talented singer, producer
and music director has a spell-binding and captivating voice, she was a
member of the former KUSH group which was one of the contemporary
Gospel music groups in Nigeria in the early 2000s. Lara released her
first solo album in 2007 titled Ijoba Orun.
The single was a hit and it still enjoys a huge support and airplay on
radio stations, churches and homes. The Lagos born singer and fourth
child of five children developed passion for music while she was a
member of the choir at her alma mater Queens College, Yaba Lagos, and
kicked off her music career as a professional in 1997.
She released her first hit single, ‘Ijoba Orun’ in 2007 and has since
released hits like, ‘Orin’ ‘I will write a song’, ‘Season’, ‘Fig Tree’,
‘Forever in my Heart’, ‘I can’, ‘Ko ma si’ {Nobody like you}, ‘More than
anything’, ‘Higher’, ‘Rise’, and ‘Higher’. In 2008, the graduate of Law
from the University of Lagos released her second album, ‘Forever in my
heart’, which won her several awards, including the 2008 Voice of the
Year Award at the Nigerian Music Awards, Female Artiste of the Year at
the 2009 Nigerian Gospel Music Awards.
Lara returned with a 14 track album in July 2009, which features Lord of
Ajasa, and Midnight Crew’s Pat Uwaje. The album contains hit songs like
‘Run with You’ and ‘Ko le baje’. Lara is married to Gbenga George and
blessed with a son – Adeoba Alexander George. Her last album which was
released in 2012 was titled ‘Higher’.
Her husband, a legal practitioner also doubles as her manager.
Buchi
Buchi
Born in Kaduna, Nigeria to parents of Abia State origin, Buchi’s early
education began in Enugu and took him through Methodist College,
Uzuakoli and Federal Government College, Enugu. In 1983, he came to
Lagos to study English Language and Literary Studies at the University
of Lagos, where he obtained a BA in 1986 and a MA in 1988.
Later in the same year, he took up an appointment to lecture at the same
institution while studying for his doctorate degree. Buchi remained at
the Department of English until 1994 when he yielded to the higher
calling to propagate the Gospel of Jesus through writing and singing in
the reggae genre. While in the university, his casual involvement in
black activism through reggae club grew more intense after listening to
Oliver Thambo and the officials of ANC (African National Congress) from
South Africa during the club’s exhibition on “Apartheid in South
Africa”.
Again, having studied the black activism literature of Dennis Bruts,
Wole Soyinka, Muta Baruka and the likes, Buchi’s preoccupation with
reggae music as an “outcry against oppression” became deeper. Little
wonder he also became involved in one of the campus’ confraternities
which at the time prided itself as an anti oppression movement.
This preoccupation with reggae music took a new turn when his friend Ras
Kimono invited him to join the team of deejays on the Floating Bukka – a
reggae nightclub situated on a docked vessel in Marina, Lagos Island.
Foremost on the list of Buchi’s strong musical influences are Eric
Donaldson, Joseph Hills, Burning Spear and Frankie Paul. In 1992, Buchi
gave his life to Jesus Christ at the Christ Embassy Church and
transferred himself from the nightclub to the choir of that ministry
where he has remained till date.
His first album released in 1999 (These Days) second album released in
2002 (So Beautiful) third album released in 2005 (What a Life).
Buchi is married to Jane and they have four children. He has ministered
in church concerts including Reinhard Bonnke’s stadium-packed
outreaches. Multiple award winner including prestigious AMEN for Best in
Gospel Category, 1999 Faith, POMP and TOMA Awards for Best Artiste,
Reggae Artiste and Gospel Album of the Year variously.
Lara George
Regarded as one of the
classiest Nigerian Gospel artistes, this multi-talented singer, producer
and music director has a spell-binding and captivating voice, she was a
member of the former KUSH group which was one of the contemporary
Gospel music groups in Nigeria in the early 2000s. Lara released her
first solo album in 2007 titled Ijoba Orun.
The single was a hit and it still enjoys a huge support and airplay on
radio stations, churches and homes. The Lagos born singer and fourth
child of five children developed passion for music while she was a
member of the choir at her alma mater Queens College, Yaba Lagos, and
kicked off her music career as a professional in 1997.
She released her first hit single, ‘Ijoba Orun’ in 2007 and has since
released hits like, ‘Orin’ ‘I will write a song’, ‘Season’, ‘Fig Tree’,
‘Forever in my Heart’, ‘I can’, ‘Ko ma si’ {Nobody like you}, ‘More than
anything’, ‘Higher’, ‘Rise’, and ‘Higher’. In 2008, the graduate of Law
from the University of Lagos released her second album, ‘Forever in my
heart’, which won her several awards, including the 2008 Voice of the
Year Award at the Nigerian Music Awards, Female Artiste of the Year at
the 2009 Nigerian Gospel Music Awards.
Lara returned with a 14 track album in July 2009, which features Lord of
Ajasa, and Midnight Crew’s Pat Uwaje. The album contains hit songs like
‘Run with You’ and ‘Ko le baje’. Lara is married to Gbenga George and
blessed with a son – Adeoba Alexander George. Her last album which was
released in 2012 was titled ‘Higher’.
Her husband, a legal practitioner also doubles as her manager.Buchi
Buchi
Born in Kaduna, Nigeria to parents of Abia State origin, Buchi’s early
education began in Enugu and took him through Methodist College,
Uzuakoli and Federal Government College, Enugu. In 1983, he came to
Lagos to study English Language and Literary Studies at the University
of Lagos, where he obtained a BA in 1986 and a MA in 1988.
Later in the same year, he took up an appointment to lecture at the same
institution while studying for his doctorate degree. Buchi remained at
the Department of English until 1994 when he yielded to the higher
calling to propagate the Gospel of Jesus through writing and singing in
the reggae genre. While in the university, his casual involvement in
black activism through reggae club grew more intense after listening to
Oliver Thambo and the officials of ANC (African National Congress) from
South Africa during the club’s exhibition on “Apartheid in South
Africa”.
Again, having studied the black activism literature of Dennis Bruts,
Wole Soyinka, Muta Baruka and the likes, Buchi’s preoccupation with
reggae music as an “outcry against oppression” became deeper. Little
wonder he also became involved in one of the campus’ confraternities
which at the time prided itself as an anti oppression movement.
This preoccupation with reggae music took a new turn when his friend Ras
Kimono invited him to join the team of deejays on the Floating Bukka – a
reggae nightclub situated on a docked vessel in Marina, Lagos Island.
Foremost on the list of Buchi’s strong musical influences are Eric
Donaldson, Joseph Hills, Burning Spear and Frankie Paul. In 1992, Buchi
gave his life to Jesus Christ at the Christ Embassy Church and
transferred himself from the nightclub to the choir of that ministry
where he has remained till date.
His first album released in 1999 (These Days) second album released in
2002 (So Beautiful) third album released in 2005 (What a Life).
Buchi is married to Jane and they have four children. He has ministered
in church concerts including Reinhard Bonnke’s stadium-packed
outreaches. Multiple award winner including prestigious AMEN for Best in
Gospel Category, 1999 Faith, POMP and TOMA Awards for Best Artiste,
Reggae Artiste and Gospel Album of the Year variously.
Chris Morgan
The name Chris Morgan Abah Ochogwu might not sound familiar, but this
talented Gospel singer, songwriter, composer, and performer is the brain
behind “WORSHIP ON THE HILLS OF AFRICA”, a vision that is dedicated to
raising people to worship God in spirit and in truth.
The Orokam-born Benue State singer is no doubt an accomplished music
minister, whose songs are filled with the divine presence of God, with
great lyrical depth and inspiration and a great message of hope for our
generation.
Morgan has also ministered on the same platform with great international
Gospel singers. Since stepping into the Gospel podium, the Ifeoma
crooner has continued to carve a niche for himself by marking the
beginning of a new worship trend in Africa. The Abuja-based gospel
artiste is happily married to Queen Eunice.
Nathaniel Bassey
Nathaniel Bassey, born
in Lagos, Nigeria makes the list of Connect Nigeria’s top 10 Gospel was a
minister in The Apostolic Church Bashua Assembly before taking up the
position of director of music at the Redeemd Christian Church of God,
developed a love for both music and the Gospel at a very young age.
According to the young music minister, he was inspired when he saw Dr
Panam Percy Paul, a prominent Nigerian Gospel music icon in concert over
twenty years ago and since then, his passion for music has grown and
translated into various musical experiences.
Nathaniel’s debut album ‘Elohim’ was recorded and mixed in Cape Town,
South Africa in the year 2008. It has been described as a spiritual and
artistic masterpiece with the hit track ‘Someone’s knocking at the door’
a soft-rock tune currently generating so much interest locally and
internationally.
Nathaniel Bassey
Nathaniel Bassey, born
in Lagos, Nigeria makes the list of Connect Nigeria’s top 10 Gospel was a
minister in The Apostolic Church Bashua Assembly before taking up the
position of director of music at the Redeemd Christian Church of God,
developed a love for both music and the Gospel at a very young age.
According to the young music minister, he was inspired when he saw Dr
Panam Percy Paul, a prominent Nigerian Gospel music icon in concert over
twenty years ago and since then, his passion for music has grown and
translated into various musical experiences.
Nathaniel’s debut album ‘Elohim’ was recorded and mixed in Cape Town,
South Africa in the year 2008. It has been described as a spiritual and
artistic masterpiece with the hit track ‘Someone’s knocking at the door’
a soft-rock tune currently generating so much interest locally and
internationally.
Joe Praise
Joe Praize
Joe Praize, singer and song writer, also belongs to the Christ Embassy
Love World. Born Joseph Omo Ebhodaghe, the acclaimed Gospel music
minister who hails from Edo State released his debut album, ‘My Praise’.
Joe Praize has performed around the world including cities like
Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, KZN – all in South Africa, and
countries like Canada, United Kingdom, United States, Nigeria, Ghana.
The award-winning singer bagged the 2010 song of the year award at the
prestigious Love World Awards for the song ‘Mighty God’ which is the
fifth track on his album ‘My Praise’. He was also nominated for Best
African Gospel by SABC Crown Gospel Award in 2011.
Joe Praize
Joe Praize, singer and song writer, also belongs to the Christ Embassy
Love World. Born Joseph Omo Ebhodaghe, the acclaimed Gospel music
minister who hails from Edo State released his debut album, ‘My Praise’.
Joe Praize has performed around the world including cities like
Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, KZN – all in South Africa, and
countries like Canada, United Kingdom, United States, Nigeria, Ghana.
The award-winning singer bagged the 2010 song of the year award at the
prestigious Love World Awards for the song ‘Mighty God’ which is the
fifth track on his album ‘My Praise’. He was also nominated for Best
African Gospel by SABC Crown Gospel Award in 2011.
Tope Alabi
She holds sway when it comes to singing Gospel in Yoruba language with
over five albums to her credit and over 800 movie sound tracks.
The beautiful music minister who hails from Yewa, Imeko of Ogun State
joined the then Jesters International, a theatre group with acts such as
Jacob, Papilolo and Aderupoko at Ibadan and since then, she has
distinguished herself as both a talented actress and singer. Tope Alabi
is a pacesetter of soundtrack makers in the Yoruba Home Video Industry.
SamSong
Samsong is a dynamic Nigerian Gospel artiste based in Abuja, Nigeria. He
has had a successful recording career with radio hits like ‘Bianule’,
and a handful of accolades such as The Psalmist Award in 2000, and
recently being nominated for the Best Gospel Artiste by the Nigerian
Entertainment Awards (NEA) in New York in 2008.
He has graced the stage with Gospel greats like Marvin Winans, Donnie
McClurkin and Panam Percy Paul, as well as successful mainstream
artistes like Donnell Jones, Kenny Lattimore, 112, TuFace, D’Banj, Faze,
and Styl Plus. Born Samson Uche Mogekwu in Delta State, Nigeria.
He discovered his talent for singing while in high school. It was also
in high school he was adobted the stage name Samsong. In 1991, he formed
a quartet known as Praise Creation and got signed to Ivory Music Label
with a debut album in 1996 titled ‘Best of Life’.
The group however broke up and Samsong became a solo artist, releasing
his debut album in 2002, which was titled ‘Count Your Blessings’. His
album was a success, garnering airplay, and resulting in winning The
Psalmist Award that same year. His sophomore album was released in 2004,
‘titled Still Counting’.
He continued his award winning streak, snagging The Best Male Vocalist
of the Year Award at Today’s Music Award in 2004, and Best Male Vocalist
of The Year Award in 2005 at The Amen Awards.
Samsong had become a bona fide celebrity and Gospel star at this point,
having songs and videos in rotation on radio and TV, while receiving top
billing at concerts. At The Vigoma Awards in 2005, he received The Best
Video of The Year Award. His third release which was titled ‘The World
of My Dreams’ was issued in 2007 and was his most ambitious release yet.
It featured a remake of the mega hit ‘One Love’ by music icon Onyeka
Onwenu, in which he performed a duet with her.
The album also had a collaboration where Samson recorded the track ‘Live
Right’ with Styl-Plus. His ambitious output was recognized as he was
awarded with The Grace Honorary Award for Excellence in 2007.
In 2008, he was nominated for The Best Gospel Artiste at The Nigerian
Entertainment Awards (NEA) held in New York City. He embarked on an
international tour to promote his album, with stops at South Africa, the
United Kingdom and Germany. In Germany, he had recorded and performed
with Chris Lass, the famous German Gospel producer and artiste.
SamSong
Search Results
Samsong is a dynamic Nigerian Gospel artiste based in Abuja, Nigeria. He
has had a successful recording career with radio hits like ‘Bianule’,
and a handful of accolades such as The Psalmist Award in 2000, and
recently being nominated for the Best Gospel Artiste by the Nigerian
Entertainment Awards (NEA) in New York in 2008.
He has graced the stage with Gospel greats like Marvin Winans, Donnie
McClurkin and Panam Percy Paul, as well as successful mainstream
artistes like Donnell Jones, Kenny Lattimore, 112, TuFace, D’Banj, Faze,
and Styl Plus. Born Samson Uche Mogekwu in Delta State, Nigeria.
He discovered his talent for singing while in high school. It was also
in high school he was adobted the stage name Samsong. In 1991, he formed
a quartet known as Praise Creation and got signed to Ivory Music Label
with a debut album in 1996 titled ‘Best of Life’.
The group however broke up and Samsong became a solo artist, releasing
his debut album in 2002, which was titled ‘Count Your Blessings’. His
album was a success, garnering airplay, and resulting in winning The
Psalmist Award that same year. His sophomore album was released in 2004,
‘titled Still Counting’.
He continued his award winning streak, snagging The Best Male Vocalist
of the Year Award at Today’s Music Award in 2004, and Best Male Vocalist
of The Year Award in 2005 at The Amen Awards.
Samsong had become a bona fide celebrity and Gospel star at this point,
having songs and videos in rotation on radio and TV, while receiving top
billing at concerts. At The Vigoma Awards in 2005, he received The Best
Video of The Year Award. His third release which was titled ‘The World
of My Dreams’ was issued in 2007 and was his most ambitious release yet.
It featured a remake of the mega hit ‘One Love’ by music icon Onyeka
Onwenu, in which he performed a duet with her.
The album also had a collaboration where Samson recorded the track ‘Live
Right’ with Styl-Plus. His ambitious output was recognized as he was
awarded with The Grace Honorary Award for Excellence in 2007.
In 2008, he was nominated for The Best Gospel Artiste at The Nigerian
Entertainment Awards (NEA) held in New York City. He embarked on an
international tour to promote his album, with stops at South Africa, the
United Kingdom and Germany. In Germany, he had recorded and performed
with Chris Lass, the famous German Gospel producer and artiste.
Chris Morgan
Chris Morgan The name Chris Morgan Abah Ochogwu might not sound familiar, but this talented Gospel singer, songwriter, composer, and performer is the brain behind “WORSHIP ON THE HILLS OF AFRICA”, a vision that is dedicated to raising people to worship God in spirit and in truth. The Orokam-born Benue State singer is no doubt an accomplished music minister, whose songs are filled with the divine presence of God, with great lyrical depth and inspiration and a great message of hope for our generation. Morgan has also ministered on the same platform with great international Gospel singers. Since stepping into the Gospel podium, the Ifeoma crooner has continued to carve a niche for himself by marking the beginning of a new worship trend in Africa. The Abuja-based gospel artiste is happily married to Queen Eunice.
Search Results
Chris Morgan The name Chris Morgan Abah Ochogwu might not sound familiar, but this talented Gospel singer, songwriter, composer, and performer is the brain behind “WORSHIP ON THE HILLS OF AFRICA”, a vision that is dedicated to raising people to worship God in spirit and in truth. The Orokam-born Benue State singer is no doubt an accomplished music minister, whose songs are filled with the divine presence of God, with great lyrical depth and inspiration and a great message of hope for our generation. Morgan has also ministered on the same platform with great international Gospel singers. Since stepping into the Gospel podium, the Ifeoma crooner has continued to carve a niche for himself by marking the beginning of a new worship trend in Africa. The Abuja-based gospel artiste is happily married to Queen Eunice.
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