Amidst the several challenges 2020 has thrown at us, the Nigerian Gospel Music Industry, through super-talented gospel rising stars, continues to serve as a source of hope.
It’s already the second quarter of the year. While there’s not much to celebrate economically, we’ve been blessed and inspired by some spirit-lifting songs from emerging gospel artistes across the country.
With singers like Sinach, Mercy Chinwo and Ada Ehi topping the waves globally, a new school of worshipers are warming up to take up the mantle in the near future.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 5 fast-rising and upcoming gospel musicians in Nigeria in 2020.
This list is prepared in no particular order. However, we’ve based the list on our careful observation of artists hitting the airwaves and earning surprise appearances at reputable gospel concerts.
Aghogho
Aghogho is a certified HR professional and a committed vocalist at the House on the Rock Abuja. She recently released a 10-tracker album titled “You Are” that featured re-known Nigerian gospel artistes.
Her songs have been hitting the airwaves, and she is definitely set to make a mark in the gospel industry.
Testimony Jaga
The fast-rising Gospel artist Saliu Aliyu Olaiwola, popularly known as Testimony Jaga, is another voice that is growing strong. Though he has been in the industry for a while, he began gospel music after receiving Christ in Christ Embassy in 2012.
His ministration at LIMA 2019 Awards shot him to instant fame with the song titled “Jesus” that got terrific reviews and trended worldwide.
Menim
Menim is a Port-Harcourt-based gospel music artist, songwriter, and worship leader at Ambassadors Word Church.
After emerging the pioneer winner and ambassador for two top-notch gospel singing competitions, Divine Icon and Avivar Voice Challenge in 2013 and 2018 respectively, Menim garnered momentum and industry-cutting experience to enter the Gospel music scene.
Her inaugural and power-filled album, ‘The Genesis’ was released in March and has received fantastic reviews from gospel music lovers. With downloads sporadically increasing, Menim is becoming a household name around the country, especially in her region, the South-South of Nigeria.
The Genesis contains seven Spirit-filled declarative songs, revealing God’s plan to make new things happen in our lives. Tracks stem from God’s work of salvation to His precious promises in Christ Jesus concerning us. Wilson Okafor (Wilson Muzic) produced the album and its now available on all online stores such as Amazon, iTunes, Spotify, Deezer, as well as social media platforms.
You can consider Menim is a step above her class. Her ability to make worshippers feel the presence of God during ministration is exceptional. Her vocal command is superb. And above all, she’s the only one on this list with a very intuitive online portal where fans can stream her music for free.
Dappy T’Keys
T’Keyz is a talented recording artist, instrumentalist, singer/songwriter, producer, and a well-seasoned musician. He has released life-changing singles such as “Egole” and “Jesus Did It” and has been in great collaborations such as “Ike Di” by Pastor Nonso.
This great minister has made our list with his remarkable impart in gospel ministry.
Kuro Jeremiah
Kuro Jeremiah is a bassist and leader of gospel band Trimus in Port Harcourt. His cover of Nara drew so much attention online and offline.
Kuro was one of the winners at the Mino Music Rewards “Song of Glory” 2019 Contest.
His single ‘God of Heaven’ also featured the Trimus Band and got over a thousand views and downloads online.
Nigerian gospel singers are blazing the trails at the international stage. Singer and song writer Sinach of the Believers World Church becomes first African to top billboard ‘Christian Songwriters’ chart. Her song ‘Waymaker,’ originally released in 2016, recently gained massive popularity following performances by The Elevation Worship and other Christian rock bands.
