Kunle Ajayi, Frank Edwards, others shine at NIGMA 2026

The Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards, NIGMA 2026, brought together gospel music stars and industry professionals for a celebration of the genre's impact. Timothy Ogboruche, Kunle Ajayi, and Frank Edwards were among the notable honourees at the event organized by the Academy of Gospel Music Nigeria. Moses Bliss took home the award for Artiste of the Year, while Gaise Baba and Lawrence Oyor's No Turning Back II won Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, and Afro-Gospel Song of the Year.

Frank Edwards was named Album of the Year for Heart of Worship, and Sunmisola Agbebi was awarded Female Vocalist of the Year. Tim Godfrey and Fearless Community received Group/Choir of the Year, and Chinyere Udoma was recognized for Indigenous Gospel Song of the Year for Eze Abata. Tkeyz was honored as Sammie Okposo's Next Rated Artiste.

The ceremony also celebrated Nigerian gospel artists with international impact, awarding Nkiruka "Enkay" Ogboruche as Diaspora Female Artiste and Limoblaze as Diaspora Male Artiste. The event honored veterans and pioneers, presenting Lifetime Achievement Awards to Bola Are and Kunle Ajayi, and the Gospel Icon Awards to Sinach and Kingsley Ike.

Paul Adefarasin, Jerry Eze, Emmanuel Iren, and Biodun Fatoyinbo were recognized with the Kingdom Impact Award. The Legacy Award went to Buchi, Lara George, and Segun Obe, while posthumous recognitions included Sammie Okposo. Other honourees included Adeyinka Alaseyori, Pelumi Deborah, Blessing Lopez, G-EFFECT, and Akpororo, all receiving Special Recognition Awards.