Gospel Music's Surprising Rise: How Faith-Based Tunes Are Taking Over Nigerian Playlists
Here’s a trend that’s turning heads: Nigerian gospel artistes are no longer just niche performers—they’re dominating the mainstream. As 2025 draws to a close, Spotify Wrapped and YouTube Music’s year-end reports reveal a fascinating shift: faith-driven music is making waves like never before. But here’s where it gets controversial—could gospel’s rise signal a broader cultural shift, or is it just a passing fad? Let’s dive in.
While Afrobeats giants like Wizkid and Davido still reign supreme on the general charts, gospel ministers such as Dunsin Oyekan, Moses Bliss, and Nathaniel Bassey are closing the gap. Their songs aren’t just charting—they’re becoming staples in listeners’ playlists, often appearing alongside secular hits. This crossover appeal was on full display as social media users shared their personalized listening reports, proudly showcasing gospel tracks nestled between their favorite secular tunes.
Take Dunsin Oyekan, for instance. His anthems Imole De and Na You Be God became unexpected cultural phenomena, popping up repeatedly in Spotify Wrapped posts. One X user, @Grantefizy, captured the sentiment perfectly: “Funny how Minister Dunsin is in everybody’s Spotify wrap. The gospel must move forward.” Oyekan himself chimed in with a playful comment about the eclectic mixes, joking, “Spotify wrap…These mixtures…,’’ after seeing his songs paired with artists like Olamide and Odumodublvck. And this is the part most people miss—gospel music is no longer confined to church walls; it’s becoming a soundtrack for everyday life.
Moses Bliss also had a breakout year, thanks in large part to the remix of Bigger Everyday, which skyrocketed on YouTube Music’s Nigeria Countdown with over 50 million views in the past quarter. Meanwhile, Nathaniel Bassey secured his spot as YouTube Music’s most-streamed Nigerian gospel act, driven by timeless hits like Tobechukwu, featuring Mercy Chinwo.
Female gospel artistes are making their mark too. Sunmisola Agbedi ranked among Spotify Nigeria’s most-streamed female artistes, thanks to the success of her single Mercy. Mercy Chinwo also held her ground with You Do This One, which topped Worship Chronicle’s most-played worship list. These women are proving that gospel music isn’t just a male-dominated space.
So, what’s driving this surge? Is it a growing desire for hope and inspiration in uncertain times, or simply the undeniable quality of the music itself? Industry watchers predict this trend will only grow stronger in 2026, positioning Nigerian gospel artistes for global recognition. But here’s a thought-provoking question: As gospel music goes mainstream, will it retain its spiritual essence, or will it risk becoming just another genre in the playlist? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this evolving phenomenon.
