{
  "id": 1146328,
  "title": "Kunle Ajayi, Frank Edwards, others shine at NIGMA 2026",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/kunle-ajayi-frank-edwards-others-shine-at-nigma-2026",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-15T23:48:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/kunle-ajayi-frank-edwards-others-shine-at-nigma-2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Gospel music stars and industry leaders gathered for the 2026 Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards (NIGMA) in Lagos. Timothy Ogboruche, Kunle Ajayi, and Frank Edwards were among the notable award recipients. The event, organized by the Academy of Gospel Music Nigeria, celebrated artists and institutions who have contributed to the growth and spread of gospel music. Moses Bliss won Artist of the Year, while Gaise Baba and Lawrence Oyor's No Turning Back II took home Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, and Afro-Gospel Song of the Year awards. Frank Edwards was named Album of the Year for his work Heart of Worship, and Sunmisola Agbebi was awarded Female Vocalist of the Year. Tim Godfrey and Fearless Community won Group/Choir of the Year, and gospel veteran Chinyere Udoma received Indigenous Gospel Song of the Year for her song Eze Abata. Tkeyz was recognized as the Sammie Okposo Next Rated Artist. The ceremony also honored Nigerian gospel artistes making an impact abroad, with Nkiruka \"Enkay\" Ogboruche winning Diaspora Female Artist of the Year and Limoblaze winning Diaspora Male Artist of the Year. Veteran musicians Bola Are and Kunle Ajayi received the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Sinach and Kingsley Ike were honored with Gospel Icon Awards. The Kingdom Impact Award went to Paul Adefarasin, Jerry Eze, Emmanuel Iren, and Biodun Fatoyinbo for their influence through ministry and media. Posthumous awards were presented to Buchi, Lara George, and Segun Obe, while Legacy Award recipients included Buchi, Lara George, and Segun Obe. Other honorees received Special Recognition Awards, and Ogboruche, Victor Igibinigie, and Peter Armand Boyo were awarded Distinguished Service Awards for their contributions to the gospel music industry.",
  "summary": "Gospel music stars like Kunle Ajayi, Frank Edwards, and Moses Bliss were among the honourees at NIGMA 2026. See all the winners and highlights from the Nig Read More: https://punchng.com/kunle-ajayi-frank-edwards-others-shine-at-nigma-2026/",
  "key_points": [
    "Timothy Ogboruche, Kunle Ajayi, and Frank Edwards received notable awards at NIGMA 2026.",
    "Moses Bliss won Artist of the Year, while Frank Edwards was Album of the Year for Heart of Worship.",
    "Chinyere Udoma received Indigenous Gospel Song of the Year for Eze Abata."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The recognition of gospel music contributors at NIGMA 2026 solidifies the Academy of Gospel Music Nigeria's role in promoting and celebrating the growth of the genre in Nigeria and beyond.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Kunle Ajayi, Frank Edwards, others shine at NIGMA 2026",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/kunle-ajayi-frank-edwards-others-shine-at-nigma-2026-1146813",
        "published": "2026-08-15T23:51:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}