Kunle Ajayi, Frank Edwards, others shine at NIGMA 2026
August 16, 2026 12:00 am
By Naomi Chima
Gospel music stars and industry stakeholders gathered for the 2026 edition of the Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards, NIGMA, with Timothy Ogboruche, Kunle Ajayi, Frank Edwards and others among the night’s notable honourees.
Organised by the Academy of Gospel Music Nigeria, the awards celebrated gospel ministers, artistes, creatives and institutions whose works have contributed to the growth and spread of gospel music and ministry.
Moses Bliss emerged Artiste of the Year, while Gaise Baba and Lawrence Oyor’s No Turning Back II was one of the biggest winners of the night, claiming Song of the Year, Best Collaboration and Afro-Gospel Song of the Year.
Frank Edwards won Album of the Year for Heart of Worship, while Sunmisola Agbebi was named Female Vocalist of the Year.
Tim Godfrey and Fearless Community won Group/Choir of the Year, while gospel veteran, Chinyere Udoma, won Indigenous Gospel Song of the Year for Eze Abata.
Tkeyz was recognised as the Sammie Okposo Next Rated Artiste.
The ceremony also celebrated Nigerian gospel artistes making an impact outside the country, with Nkiruka “Enkay” Ogboruche winning Diaspora Female Artiste of the Year and Limoblaze taking home the Diaspora Male Artiste of the Year award.
Beyond the competitive categories, the ceremony honoured several veterans and pioneers of gospel music.
The Experience was named Gospel Concert of the Year, while the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Bola Are and Kunle Ajayi.
Sinach and Kingsley Ike received Gospel Icon Awards for their contributions to the genre.
The Kingdom Impact Award was presented to Paul Adefarasin, Jerry Eze, Emmanuel Iren and Biodun Fatoyinbo in recognition of their influence through ministry and media.
Buchi, Lara George and Segun Obe were recipients of the Legacy Award, while the late Sammie Okposo was honoured posthumously.
Other honourees included Adeyinka Alaseyori, Pelumi Deborah, Blessing Lopez, G-EFFECT and Akpororo, who received Special Recognition Awards.
Ogboruche, Victor Igibinigie and Peter Armand Boyo were also honoured with Distinguished Service Awards for their contributions to the gospel music industry.
Naomi Chima is an entertainment and lifestyle correspondent at Punch Newspapers with over three years of experience. She covers Nigerian entertainment, culture, and social events, conducts personality interviews, and contributes to features across desks. Her work demonstrates hands-on newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a commitment to engaging, accurate, and audience-focused journalism.
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