In recent years, gospel music in Africa has seen immense growth and has gained popularity around the world. The emergence of new gospel artists in Africa has played a significant role in promoting talent, creativity, and diversity in the genre. With this in mind, we have compiled a list of top 10 African gospel artists in 2023 to discover.
1. Sinach (Nigeria)
Sinach is a Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter, and senior worship leader at Loveworld Ministries. She is the first African gospel artist to win a Dove Award and has garnered international recognition for her hit singles “Way Maker” and “I Know Who I Am.”
2. Prosper Germoh ( Cameroon)
Prosper Germoh is a Douala base Cameroonian Gospel Artist, gospel singer, songwriter, Web designer, and worship leader. He is best known for his hit singles “King Of Kings,” "Ton Amour est Grand", “Kadosh,” "Nothing Is Impossible", and “Sacred Song.” Germoh has been nominated to multiple awards including the African Entertainment Awards USA AEAUSA as Best Africa Gospel Artist, and many others. He's the CEO of great visions and music Schools like Gospel Register, Rhema Music School
3. Mercy Chinwo (Nigeria)
Mercy Chinwo is a Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter, and actress. She rose to fame after winning the Nigerian Idol Season 2 competition in 2012. Her debut album, “The Cross My Gaze,” released in 2018, features hit tracks such as “Excess Love” and “On A Regular.”
4. Benjamin Dube (South Africa)
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Benjamin Dube is among the most popular South African Christian singers. He has gone from the cradle to become one of the most celebrated artists in South Africa and worldwide. His ministry through music has briskly grown locally and internationally. Benjamin Dube is famous for being a chart-dropping and award-winning artist, songwriter, producer, minister and instrumentalist. Some of his best hits include; Bow Down And Worship, Ngangingazi, He Keeps on Doing, Mananjalo, Yebo Linamandla, Elshadai medley, and Ngiyakuthanda.
5. Joe Mettle (Ghana)
Joe Mettle is an award-winning Ghanaian gospel singer, songwriter, and worship leader. He is the first gospel musician in Ghana to win the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards Artiste of the Year award. His hit singles include “Spirit Move” and “My Everything.”
6. Sonnie Badu (Ghana)
Sonnie Badu is a Ghanaian gospel singer, songwriter, worship leader, and pastor. He is the founder of the Rockhill Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and has won multiple awards including the Gospel Music Awards of the United Kingdom, Africa Gospel Music Awards, and the Ghana Music Awards.
7. Tim Godfrey (Nigeria)
Tim Godfrey is a Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter, music director, and voice coach. He is the CEO of Rox Nation, a music production company, and has won numerous awards including The Africa Gospel Awards and the Crystal Awards. His hit single “Nara” featuring Travis Greene has over 35 million views on YouTube.
8. Nathaniel Bassey (Nigeria)
Nathaniel Bassey is a Nigerian gospel singer, trumpeter, songwriter, music producer, and worship leader. He is best known for his hit singles “Imela,” “Onise Iyanu,” and “Olowogbogboro.” Bassey has won multiple awards including the African Gospel Music Awards and the African Muzik Magazine Award for Best Gospel Act.
9. Kambua (Kenya)
Kambua is a Kenyan gospel singer, songwriter, and TV host. She rose to fame after releasing her debut album “Nishikilie” in 2012. She has won several awards including the Groove Awards and the Kisima Awards.
10. Ntokozo Mbambo (South Africa)
Ntokozo Mbambo is a South African gospel singer, songwriter, and worship leader. She rose to fame after her debut album “Bambelela” garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards including the South African Music Award for Best Female Artist. Her hit singles include “In the Shadow,” “Jehovah Is Your Name,” and “Medley: Overture/We Worship You.”
In conclusion, African gospel music has experienced tremendous growth and this growth is reflected in the success and popularity of the artists on this list. These top 10 African gospel artists in 2023 showcase the diversity, talent, and creativity that can be found within the genre and are worth discovering.