Top gospel music acts, Moses Bliss and Mercy Chinwo are leading contenders for the 2026 Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards.
The nominees list released by the orgaisers on Sunday, has Moses Bliss nominated in four categories including ‘Artiste of the year’ and ‘Album of the year’ respectively. He will also contend for the ‘Best male vocal’ as well as ‘Afro-Gospel Song of the year’.
Mercy Chinwo will contest in three categories including, ‘Best Female Vocals,’ ‘Artiste of the year’ and ‘Song of the year’.
The awards will also see honours confered on top pastors, ministries, church leaders, Christian institutions, and visionary partners whose leadership, unwavering support, and strategic investments have significantly advanced gospel music. Listed for the category this year are: Pastor Paul Adefarasin, Pastor Jerry Eze, Pastor Emmanuel Iren, Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo.
According to Founder and Team Lead of NIGMA and Chief Responsibility Officer of Golden Heritage Limited, Kingsley Omoefe, NIGMA is billed to hold on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the prestigious Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
See full list of nominees and Award Categories 2026…
1. ARTISTE OF THE YEAR :
- Moses Bliss
- Lawrence Oyor
- Mercy Chinwo
- Gaise Baba
2. SONG OF THE YEAR:
“No Turning Back II” – Gaise Baba feat. Lawrence Oyor
“We Will Be Many” – Sounds of Salem feat. Lawrence Oyor & Moses Akoh
“E Ti Tobi To” – EmmaOMG feat. Pelumi Deborah, BBO & The OhEmGee Choir
“Favour” – Lawrence Oyor
3. ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
The Expression – Moses Bliss
In His Will – Mercy Chinwo
“Heart of Worship” – Frank Edwards
“Glory” – Sunmisola Agbebi
4. NIGMA NEXT RATED ARTISTE:
TKeyz
Khael
Mera Owili
Uchenna Okereke
BBO
5. MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Peterson Okopi
Neon Adejo
Moses Bliss
Kaestrings
6. FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Mercy Chinwo
Onos Ariyo
Judikay
Sunmisola Agbebi
7. GROUP/CHOIR OF THE YEAR:
Mr. M & Revelation
Tim Godfrey & Fearless Community
The City Choir
121 Selah
8. BEST COLLABORATION:
“No Turning Back II” – Gaise Baba feat. Lawrence Oyor
“We Will Be Many” – Sounds of Salem feat. Lawrence Oyor & Moses Akoh
“Oluwatosin” – Tkeyz feat. SteveHills
“E Ti Tobi To” – EmmaOMG feat. Pelumi Deborah, BBO & The OhEmGee Choir
“Yahweh (Godiya Gareka)” – Limoblaze
9. AFRO-GOSPEL SONG OF THE YEAR:
“Unending Joy” – Moses Bliss feat. Greatman Takit
“No Turning Back II” – Gaise Baba feat. Lawrence Oyor
“Do It Now (Agbanilagbatan)” feat. Joe L Barnes – Limoblaze
“Everyday” – Moses Bliss feat. Victor Thompson
10. INDIGENOUS GOSPEL SONG OF THE YEAR:
“Eze Abata” – Chinyere Udoma
“E Ti Tobi To” – EmmaOMG ft. BBO & The OhEmGee Choir
” Operempe (Odogwu Ka Odogwu)” – Mr M & Revelation
” Nasara (Live)” – Kaestrings
11. INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
Diaspora Artiste of the Year – Female
Enkay
Purist Ogboi
Tosin Oyelakin
Ada Ehi
Diaspora Artiste of the Year – Male
Limoblaze
Gabriel Eziashi
Evans Ogboi
Lawrence DeCovenant
12. NIGMA HONOURS (SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS)
Outstanding Contribution to Gospel Music Ministry.
GOSPEL CONCERT OF THE YEAR
The Experience.
NIGMA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Awarded to individuals whose lifelong dedication, outstanding achievements, and
enduring contributions have transformed gospel music and inspired generations.
– Evang. Dr. Bola Are
– Pastor Kunle Ajayi
NIGMA GOSPEL ICON AWARD
Presented to an individual whose music and ministry have become a defining voice
of gospel music.
1. Sinach
2. Kingsley Ike
NIGMA KINGDOM IMPACT AWARD
Presented to pastors, ministries, church leaders, Christian institutions, and visionary partners whose leadership, unwavering support, and strategic investments have significantly advanced gospel music ministry, nurtured talent, created platforms for excellence, and strengthened the growth of the gospel music industry in Nigeria and
beyond.
1. Pastor Paul Adefarasin
2. Pastor Jerry Eze
3. Pastor Emmanuel Iren
4. Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo
NIGMA LEGACY AWARD
Presented in recognition of an enduring legacy whose influence continues to inspire future generations of gospel musicians and ministers.
1. Buchi Atuonwu. (Buchi)
2. Lara George
3. Segun Obe
4. Sammie Okposo (Posthumous)
NIGMA SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
A discretionary award presented by the NIGMA Academy to honour exceptional
contributions that may or not fall within any established award category.
1. Adeyinka Alaseyori
2. Pelumi Deborah
3. Blessing lopez
NIGMA DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
To honour individuals or organizations whose exceptional service has advanced gospel music ministry, industry development, or artiste welfare
