The Academy of Gospel Music in Nigeria (AGMN) has announced the nominees for the 2026 Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards (NIGMA), with Moses Bliss, Mercy Chinwo, Lawrence Oyor and Gaise Baba emerging as the leading contenders ahead of the ceremony.
The awards will be held on August 9 at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, celebrating outstanding achievements across Nigeria’s gospel music industry.
In a statement unveiling the nominees, the Academy said this year’s shortlist reflects the industry’s continued growth, creativity and excellence, recognizing gospel ministers, songwriters, vocalists, choirs, producers and other creatives whose work has impacted audiences through music and ministry.
The highly anticipated Artiste of the Year category features Moses Bliss, Lawrence Oyor, Mercy Chinwo and Gaise Baba, all of whom enjoyed significant commercial success and ministry impact over the past year.
Competition is also expected to be fierce in the Song of the Year category, with nominees 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, and Favour by Lawrence Oyor.
For Album of the Year, Moses Bliss earned a nomination for The Expression, while Mercy Chinwo was recognized for In His Will. Veteran gospel singer Frank Edwards received a nod for Heart of Worship, with Sunmisola Agbebi completing the category with Glory.
The vocal performance categories also feature some of the industry’s biggest names. Peterson Okopi, Neon Adejo, Moses Bliss and Kaestrings will compete for Male Vocalist of the Year, while Mercy Chinwo, Onos Ariyo, Judikay and Sunmisola Agbebi are nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year.
In the Group/Choir of the Year category, Mr. M and Revelation, Tim Godfrey and Fearless Community, The City Choir and 121 Selah will battle for the award.
The Best Collaboration category recognizes several of the year’s major joint projects, including No Turning Back II, We Will Be Many, Oluwatosin by TKeyz featuring SteveHills, E Ti Tobi To, and Limoblaze’s Yahweh (Godiya Gareka).
Afro-Gospel also received strong representation, with Moses Bliss securing two nominations through Unending Joy featuring Greatman Takit and Everyday featuring Victor Thompson. The songs will compete alongside No Turning Back II and Limoblaze’s Do It Now (Agbanilagbatan).
For Indigenous Gospel Song of the Year, nominees include Eze Abata by Chinyere Udoma, E Ti Tobi To by EmmaOMG, Operempe (Odogwu Ka Odogwu) by Mr. M and Revelation, and Nasara (Live) by Kaestrings.
The Academy also highlighted emerging talent through the Next Rated Artiste category, which features TKeyz, Khael, Mera Owili, Uchenna Okereke and BBO.
In the diaspora categories, Limoblaze, Gabriel Eziashi, Evans Ogboi and Lawrence DeCovenant were nominated for Diaspora Artiste of the Year (Male), while Enkay, Purist Ogboi, Tosin Oyelakin and Ada Ehi will compete in the female category.
Beyond the competitive awards, AGMN announced several honorary recognitions. Evangelist Dr. Bola Are and Pastor Kunle Ajayi will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Sinach and Kingsley Ike have been named recipients of the Gospel Icon Award.
The Kingdom Impact Award will honour Pastor Paul Adefarasin, Pastor Jerry Eze, Pastor Emmanuel Iren and Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo for their contributions to gospel music ministry. The Legacy Award will be presented to Buchi Atuonwu, Lara George, Segun Obe and the late Sammie Okposo.
AGMN also named The Experience as Gospel Concert of the Year, while Adeyinka Alaseyori, Pelumi Deborah and Blessing Lopez will receive Special Recognition Awards for their contributions to gospel music.
NIGMA 2026 Project Director Victor Igbinigie said the awards remain focused on celebrating the purpose and influence of gospel music beyond entertainment.
He congratulated all nominees and described the event as a platform that recognizes excellence while highlighting the positive impact of gospel music on lives and communities.
The Academy added that preparations are underway to deliver a memorable awards ceremony and encouraged gospel music lovers, media organizations and corporate partners to support the continued growth of the industry.
