Nigerian female gospel singers and their stories
Gospel music is an inevitable part of Nigerian culture. This industry has survived quite challenging times, but today it is a fast-growing and promising part of the Nigerian music industry.
Most famous female Gospel singers in Nigeria
Gospel artists in Nigeria are as appreciated as the top Nollywood actors. Below is a list of the most famous and talented female gospel singers in Nigeria who inspire their listeners with captivating voices and deep lyrics.
1. Onos
Onos is a gifted Nigerian Gospel singer and songwriter. She was born into a family of eight. She comes from the Niger Delta Region. The future singer earned a diploma as French translator. Presently, she is married to Mr. Kunmi Ariyo.
This year Onos’s name was included in all the possible charts in Nigeria. She entered the music ministry at the young age of eight. The singer can be described as a seeker of God, worshiper with an angel voice.
At the early stage of her career, she sang in several choirs. Today, Onos is a lead vocalist at the House on the Rock Church in Lagos. Being regarded as one of the best Nigerian Gospel artists, Onos had the honor to share the stage with such Gospel top singers as Fred Hammond, Israel Houghton, Chevelle Franklyn, Don Moen, Ron Kenoly, Phil Driscoll and Micah Stampley at The Experience 2010 music platform and with Jessica Reedy at the Corporate Elite Event at the Eko Hotel and Suites 2012.
Onos is an inspiring worshiper. Her songs create an incredible atmosphere of God’s presence. Her debut album ‘Keep Moving’ was released on February 28th, 2010. Recently, Onos released a sophomore album NO LIMITS and a few singles which have topped the gospel charts. Also, she released an animated video clip for her hit single “Alagbara”. Here are some of her latest songs:
- Alagbara
- Have Your Way
- Everything has changed
- Keep On Moving
- Ebenezer
- Oghene Me
Onos has been nominated for numerous awards including:
- City people Awards 2013 and 2014
- Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEA) 2013
- African Gospel Music Awards under the Best female artist category 2013, Artist of the year West Africa category 2014
- Nigeria Gospel Music Awards 2012 (BEST FEMALE VOCALIST)
- Crystal Awards 2013 (BEST FEMALE VOCALIST)
- Wise Women Award
Onos is considered one of the most successful Nigerian female singers in 2018.
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Source: Depositphotos
2. Sinach
Born Osinachi Joseph, Sinach is a Nigerian Gospel award-winning singer, songwriter, and senior worship leader at Believers' Loveworld International. Sinach has become a famous gospel artist whose songs are popular in Nigeria and beyond its borders, namely, in Kenya, Uganda, Barbados, South Africa, the UK, the USA, and other countries.
This talented vocalist is one of the most blessed Nigerian female Gospel singers of our time. As a songwriter, Sinach believes that writing from her heart can bring healing, hope, encouragement and strengthen the faith of the listeners. That’s why her songs are internationally known, they cut across nations and borders. Sinach wrote over 300 inspiring songs. She has recorded four audio and two DVDs: Chapter One, I’m Blessed, From Glory to Glory and Shout It Loud. Recently, she released a new album and a new video clip “Nothing is Impossible”. Presently, Sinach is signed to LoveWorld Records. She is also a key member of the music team at Christ Embassy. Here are several Gospel hits Sinach is widely-known for:
- Way Maker
- I Know Who I Am
- Great Are you Lord
- Rejoice
- He did it Again
- Precious Jesus
- The Name of Jesus
- This Is my Season
- Awesome God
- For This
- I stand Amazed
- Simply Devoted
- Jesus is Alive and many more
As an international Gospel singer, Sinach had an opportunity to be present at the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the Healing school, crusades and other events with her Pastor, Chris Oyakhilome. Sinach’s inspiring music helped her to lead millions of people in praise and worship. These events took place in Africa, the USA, the UK, and many other countries. Recently, Sinach has organized the “SINACH LIVE IN CONCERT”, a series of her own concerts in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and other countries. Sinach has been very active in working on her music and ministering at events. She is greatly motivated by the desire to write inspiring songs which could help people to worship God and be lifted and healed.
Sinach got married to Pastor Joseph in 2014 at Christ Embassy Church, Ikeja (Lagos).
Source: Depositphotos
3. Ada
Since Gospel alternative-rock singer ADA hit the Nigerian music industry, her name was always on the top of the charts. Ada; music style is unique and light. Ada’s first step on the path to fame was her single BOBO ME.
Ada is simply incredible. Her Gospel music is an eclectic mix of Afro-pop, hip-hop and alternative rock. A brand-new Gospel music helped Ada Ehi to carve a niche for herself. Her music can be sweet, pure, fresh, original, lifting and powerful at the same time which opened to her a door into the world of the professional Gospel music industry in Nigeria and brought acknowledgment and recognition.
Born Ada Ehi, the singer studied chemical and polymer engineering at the Lagos State University where she met members of the Believers’ Loveworld Campus Ministry and Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. Since she met Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, the gospel of Christ seemed to jump out of the pages and became a living everyday reality. She has never looked back ever since. Ada signed on FreeNation Inc. and became a member of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s music team. Ada actively ministered with the Pastor performing her inspiring songs for millions of people around the world.
Recently, Ada has released a few singles and a new video “Only You” which made the Nigerian Gospel rock star one of the most popular Nigerian female Gospel singers. Ada has signed the Brand Ambassador/Face Of Brand for ACTV and is preparing a new album. Her relationship with Jesus has inspired the following songs:
- Bobo Me
- Cheta
- Our God Reigns
- Jesus the same
- Raboni
- Yes
- Glory
- Victory Song
- Not Alone
- Thanksgiving
- My Dream
- Only You Jesus and other
She once said about herself, “Ada is a Christian woman who traded an ordinary life for the supernatural life-giving LIFE, the first daughter of the king of glory, a songwriter of Zion and, a winning woman”.
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Source: UGC
4. Pat Uwaje King
Pat Uwaje (also known as Mama Africa) is a famous Nigerian Gospel singer and songwriter. Pat Uwaje emerged from the gospel group Midnight Crew, an award-winning gospel music group best known for their hit song “Igwe”.
Pat Uwaje was born in Ibadan, Oyo, into a family of seven children. Pat studied Creative Arts at the University of Lagos. In 2009, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Theatre Arts. In 200, Patricia also obtained a diploma in Secretarial Administration from Yaba College of Technology.
Patricia’s singing career started at Christ Winners Church (Lagos) in 1999 at the young age of thirteen. At the Yaba College of Technology, she was a music director of the school’s mass choir – Original Love Choir (OLC) which served a basis for establishing Midnight Crew, a gospel music quartet in 2001. During studies at the Yaba College of Technology, she did a series of jingles and commercials for African Independent Television (AIT). In 2013, Midnight Crew’s story of success ended and members of the group had to start their own solo projects. Alongside other singers, Pat Uwaje-King took part in various music projects and released solo albums and singles. Pat has released 3 singles including:
- Eze
- He’s done me well
- All power
Pat Uwaje released video clips for Eze and He’s Done Me Well. Pat Uwaje is best known for her solo album “He’s Done Me Well” which was released shortly after the 3rd single, “All Power” in 2015. While this is a debut album, it brought her a huge fame and nationwide acceptance.
Source: Depositphotos
5. Ayo Vincent
Ayo Vincent is a gifted Nigerian Gospel singer and songwriter. She has a charming and captivating voice. During her rising career, Ayo Vincent has received many awards and recognition for her music. She became one of the most remarkable Gospel singers whose talent is known in Nigeria and other countries. Ayo singing career started at the age of seven when she was singing in the church choir.
In 1998, Ayo Vincent joined the Christ Embassy Church where she was established as a key worship leader of the choir. During this period, the singer ministered at many crusades and conventions with the Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. She has done a lot of touring and continues to do so, blessing people everywhere with her soothing and inspiring music.
She also had a chance to share the stage with a lot of famous Nigerian music artists including Hope Davies, Lagbaja, Sinach, Samsong, Femi Jacobs and Modele. Her new single “Hallelujah” featuring Onos, another popular Christian music artist, became a song hit. Ayo’s debut album “I am Yours” was produced by the amazing producer Cobhams Asuquo. Ayo also worked with a well-known producer, singer, and songwriter Don Jazzy (on songs “Serve The Lord” and “It’s My Time”).
Ayo’s voice is pleasing to the ear, clear and very unforgettable. The singer’s goal is to reach out to believers all over the world and give them a meaning of the love of the Christ. Ayo Vincent’s most popular song include:
- I am Yours
- Serve the Lord
- Orobo portion
- You are great
Ayo Vincent has won multiple awards. Her song ‘You are great‘ has become a hit and won such awards as the BEST MUSIC VIDEO AWARD of the most prestigious CRYSTAL AWARDS 2014 and also the AFRICAN GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS 2014.
Ayo Vincent is married to Hilary Vincent and has 3 children.
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Source: Depositphotos
6. Yetunde Joyce
Yetunde Joyce is one of the most talented and creative Nigerian gospel artists. The Ireland based music star is an inspirational African Afro Folk singer, songwriter and music promoter. She is also a certified Project Manager and Event Consultant.
Yetunde Joyce way to becoming a successful songstress was not easy. As a singer with no music education, Yetunde Joyce has worked hard to become a respectable singer and built a great career. She cooperated with various international Gospel singers like Sonnie Badu, vocal tutors like Helen Walsh, Russell Smith, and music producers and directors like Wole Oni. Yetunde Joyce is a passionate singer whose songs reveal her strong personality and undeniable faith which she is using to reach the believers by her Afro Folk sounds.
In 2011, Yetunde Joyce has released an album titled “Amazing God”. In 2014, another album titled G.O.D (Granting Our Desire) was released. Her latest single “Unchangeable” has been released in collaboration with an award-winning music producer Wole Oni. Nigerian Gospel singer Yetunde Joyce also released an elite-oriented video for the hit “Find God” that includes art elements of the Italian/France Renaissance period. Here are a few of the most popular Yetunde Joyce’s songs:
- Find God
- High Praise
- Lift Him High
- Worship Medley
- Unchangeable
- Worthy
- I Choose to Be Free and other
Yetunde Joyce songs are available for download on iTunes, Amazon, ReverbNation, SoundCloud and Hulkshare to her fans in Nigeria, Ireland and worldwide. Yetunde Joyce helped Seed of Life Gospel Choir to organize a yearly concert to support charities such as Barnardos Ireland and Keep a Child Alive.
In the recent interview on Lagos AIT TV, while she was on a short visit to Nigeria, Yetunde said: ‘Find God’ is a music of hope, no matter what it is you are going through, Find God and you will never be disappointed”.
Source: Depositphotos
7. Lara George
Lara George was born in Lagos into a family of five children. Lara became passionate about music when she was a member of the choir in school.
It is interesting that Lara George, one of the classiest Gospel artists in the world, didn’t plan to build a singing career. Lara George planned to pursue her career in architecture but, in the end, her passion for music won.
In 1997, she joined the “Rock solid” group which belonged to a campus fellowship called Rock Foundation Mission, and together with such talented singers as Ty, Emem and Dapo she formed KUSH (Kinetically Ushering Salvation into Hearts and Homes), one of the earliest modern Gospel music groups in Nigeria, which received numerous international awards. The group was very popular in the early 2000s, especially, for the single “Let’s Live Together”.
After KUSH broke up, Lara started her solo career. “Your dreams come true” was the first studio album to be released by Lara in 2007
Lara George turned out to be a multi-talented singer with a captivating voice, producer and music director. Her music professional career began in 1997, but she released her first hit single “Ijoba orun” in 2007. This single was a hit, and it still enjoys a huge popularity on radio stations.
In 2008, Lara George released a new album “Forever in my heart” that won the following awards:
- 2008 Voice of the year award at the Nigerian Music award
- 2009 Nigerian Gospel music awards nomination for “Female artiste of the year”
In July 2009, Lara George released a self-titled album Lara George (2009) that came with 14 tracks and featured Lord of Ajasa, Pat Uwaje. In 2012, Lara George released one more studio album titled “Higher”. recently, the Nigerian Gospel singer released her fourth album titled "A Slice Of Heaven”.
For Lara, it is important that her personal experiences influenced her songs. Lara George is best known for songs like:
- Orin
- I will write a song
- Season
- Fig tree
- Forever in my heart
- I can
- Ko ma si {Nobody like you}
- More than anything
- Higher and Rise
Lara George got married to Gbenga George, a legal practitioner, and is blessed with a son Adeoba Alexander George.
Source: Depositphotos
8. T.Y. Bello
T.Y. Bello (born Toyin Sokefun-Bello) is a famous Nigerian Gospel singer, songwriter, and photographer.
T.Y. Bello is a member of the Nigerian photography collective, Depth of Field. T.Y. Bello is known to be an official photographer to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In past, T.Y. Bello worked for Thisday fashion magazine. She is also known as a philanthropist.
Before she started pursuing her solo career, she was one of the members of the KUSH, the Gospel band group mentioned above.
In the year 2008, T.Y. Bello released her debut studio album titled Greenland. This album took the star two years to develop, it was produced by Mosa Adegboye. This album won the Nigeria Music Award as well as the Sound City Award.
In 2011, T.Y. Bello released her second album “The Future”. The lead song from the album that has the same name inspires the Nigerian youth to be the change they are seeking. The Nigerian Ministry of Youth Development compiled an 8-minutes video, and T.Y. Bello featured in this video. In 2014, TY Bello released her third studio album titled “The Morning Songbook” that is available on SoundCloud. The album features collaboration with M Sugh and Fela Durotoye.
T.Y. Bello’s the most popular songs include:
- Jesu Jesu
- Thirsty
- Yahweh
In July 2011, T.Y. Bello was honored by a non-profit organization Communication For Change organization in a five-part documentary film titled RedHot.
T.Y. Bello is married to Kashetu Bello, and they gave birth to twin boys named Christian and Christopher.
Source: Depositphotos
The gospel singers listed above made a significant contribution to the Nigerian music industry. Each of these female artists has built a successful singing career in Nigeria. Names of some of them even became internationally popular. Nigerian gospel artists are known for their inspiring songs and captivating voices.
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Source: Legit.ng
