NIGMA 2026: Moses Bliss, Mercy Chinwo, Lawrence Oyor Lead Nominees List

LAGOS – The Academy of Gospel Music in Nigeria (AGMN) has unveiled the nominees for the 2026 Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards (NIGMA), with Moses Bliss, Mercy Chinwo, Lawrence Oyor and Gaise Baba emerging among the top contenders.

The awards ceremony is scheduled to hold on August 9 at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

According to the organisers, this year’s nominations reflect the continued growth, diversity and excellence of Nigeria’s gospel music industry, recognising ministers, songwriters, vocalists, choirs, producers and other creatives making significant contributions to gospel music.

The Artiste of the Year category features Moses Bliss, Lawrence Oyor, Mercy Chinwo and Gaise Baba, whose songs have enjoyed widespread popularity and impact over the past year.

In the Song of the Year category, the nominees include 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 received a nomination for The Expression, while Mercy Chinwo was recognised for In His Will. Also nominated are Frank Edwards for Heart of Worship and Sunmisola Agbebi for Glory.

The Male Vocalist of the Year category features Peterson Okopi, Neon Adejo, Moses Bliss and Kaestrings, while Mercy Chinwo, Onos Ariyo, Judikay and Sunmisola Agbebi will compete for Female Vocalist of the Year.

In the Group/Choir of the Year category, nominees include Mr. M and Revelation, Tim Godfrey and Fearless Community, The City Choir and 121 Selah.

The Best Collaboration category recognises projects such as No Turning Back II, We Will Be Many, Oluwatosin by TKeyz featuring SteveHills, E Ti Tobi To, and Yahweh (Godiya Gareka) by Limoblaze.

The organisers also highlighted the growing influence of Afro-Gospel, with Moses Bliss, Gaise Baba, Lawrence Oyor and Limoblaze receiving nominations in the Afro-Gospel Song of the Year category.

Emerging artistes TKeyz, Khael, Mera Owili, Uchenna Okereke and BBO were nominated in the NIGMA Next Rated Artiste category.

For the Diaspora Artiste of the Year awards, Limoblaze, Gabriel Eziashi, Evans Ogboi and Lawrence DeCovenant were nominated in the male category, while Enkay, Purist Ogboi, Tosin Oyelakin and Ada Ehi received nominations in the female category.

The Academy also announced honorary awards for outstanding contributions to gospel music.

Evangelist Dr. Bola Are and Pastor Kunle Ajayi will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Sinach and Kingsley Ike will be honoured with the Gospel Icon Award.

The Kingdom Impact Award will recognise Pastor Paul Adefarasin, Pastor Jerry Eze, Pastor Emmanuel Iren and Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo for their contributions to gospel ministry, while the Legacy Award will honour Buchi Atuonwu, Lara George, Segun Obe and the late Sammie Okposo.

In addition, The Experience was named Gospel Concert of the Year, while Adeyinka Alaseyori, Pelumi Deborah and Blessing Lopez will receive Special Recognition Awards for their contributions to gospel music.

Project Director Victor Igbinigie said the awards are dedicated to celebrating excellence, purpose and the impact of gospel music in Nigeria and beyond.