The Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards (NIGMA) 2026 once again brought the gospel music community together for a night of worship, excellence, and global recognition.
Organized by the Academy of Gospel Music Nigeria (AGMN), the awards continue to stand as Africa’s premier platform for celebrating ministers, creatives, and institutions using music to inspire faith and transformation.
It was a night of big wins and heartfelt tributes, held August 9 at MUSON Center, where worship leader Moses Bliss was crowned Artist of the Year, while Gaise Baba featuring Lawrence Oyor dominated with their anthem ‘No Turning Back II’, taking home Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, and Afro-Gospel Song of the Year. Veteran worshipper Frank Edwards won Album of the Year for ‘Heart of Worship’, and Sunmisola Agbebi emerged Female Vocalist of the Year.
Tim Godfrey and Fearless Community were honored as Group/Choir of the Year, while gospel legend Chinyere Udoma won Indigenous Gospel Song of the Year for ‘Eze Abata.’ Rising star Tkeyz was also recognized as the Sammie Okposo Next Rated Artiste.
NIGMA 2026 also celebrated gospel excellence beyond Nigeria’s borders. Nigerian minstrel Nkiruka ‘Enkay’ Ogboruche was named Diaspora Female Artiste of the Year, and Limoblaze won Diaspora Male Artiste of the Year.
Beyond competitive categories, the night was dedicated to honoring legacies. The Experience received the Gospel Concert of the Year. The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award went to Evang. Dr. Bola Are and Pastor Kunle Ajayi, while Gospel Icon Awards were presented to global worship leader Sinach and veteran singer Kingsley Ike.
The Kingdom Impact Award recognized Pastors Paul Adefarasin, Jerry Eze, Emmanuel Iren, and Biodun Fatoyinbo for their influence through media and ministry. The Legacy Award celebrated pioneers Buchi, Lara George, Segun Obe, and a posthumous honor for Sammie Okposo.
Special Recognition Awards were awarded to Adeyinka Alaseyori, Pelumi Deborah, Blessing Lopez, G-EFFECT, and Akpororo. The Distinguished Service Award honored Peter Armand Boyo, Victor Igibinigie, and Dr. Timothy Ogboruche for their outstanding contributions to the gospel music industry.
The Organisers expressed appreciation to all nominees, winners, partners, and guests, reaffirming NIGMA’s commitment to ‘celebrating excellence, honoring impact, and advancing the sound of the Gospel across Nigeria and the world.’