The Nigerian gospel music industry has mourned the deaths of several singers and music ministers in 2026, including established gospel artistes and emerging performers whose songs touched the lives of worshippers and fans. Among those reported dead this year are Bunmi Akinnaanu-Adeoye, popularly known as Omije Ojumi; Taiwo Adegbodu of the Adegbodu Twins; veteran gospel singer Toun Soetan; gospel vocalist Onos Brisibi; and gospel hip-hop artiste Joshua Acheme Edache, known as Nutty Josh.
Key Highlights
- Eight Nigerian gospel music figures reported dead in 2026 are featured in this roundup.
- Omije Ojumi was known for her emotional Yoruba gospel song and evangelistic ministry.
- Taiwo Adegbodu was one half of the popular Adegbodu Twins gospel music duo.
- Veteran singer Toun Soetan spent decades using music to communicate Christian teachings.
- Onos Brisibi contributed to gospel music and Nigerian film soundtracks.
- Nutty Josh blended hip-hop with Christian messages to reach contemporary gospel audiences.
- Toluwanisings, who was reported to have died at 41, was known for energetic praise performances.
- Their music spans traditional Yoruba gospel, choir music, contemporary worship and gospel hip-hop.
1. Bunmi Akinnaanu-Adeoye (Omije Ojumi)
Bunmi Akinnaanu-Adeoye, popularly known as Omije Ojumi, was a Nigerian gospel singer and evangelist recognised for her emotional delivery of Yoruba gospel music.
She gained widespread recognition through her song Omije Ojumi, which became popular among gospel music lovers and worshippers.
Her music frequently centred on prayer, faith, personal struggles and dependence on God. Her distinctive style attracted listeners who connected with the deeply spiritual messages in her songs.
Her death was reported on January 12, 2026, at the age of 46, prompting tributes from fans and members of the gospel music community.
Her passing marked the loss of a singer whose music had become familiar to many listeners within Nigeria’s Yoruba-speaking Christian community. Read more on what Omije Ojumi’s children learnt at her funeral.
2. Taiwo Adegbodu
Taiwo Adegbodu was one half of the Adegbodu Twins, a gospel music duo he formed with his twin brother, Kehinde Adegbodu.
The duo became known for their Yoruba gospel songs, energetic performances and messages centred on faith, praise and worship.
Some of their popular songs include Faratimi, Shower Your Blessing and Emi Mimo.
Taiwo’s death was reported on March 1, 2026, leaving fans mourning one half of the gospel duo and reflecting on the musical partnership the twins had built over the years. In a message reported by Leadership, the family expressed grief over the loss. (See our report on Taiwo Adegbodu’s death.)
His passing also highlighted the contribution of gospel duos to Nigeria’s Christian music scene, where harmonies, traditional rhythms and faith-based storytelling have remained important features.
3. Toun Soetan
Veteran gospel singer Racheal Olatoun Soetan, popularly known as Toun Soetan, was another prominent gospel music figure reported dead in 2026.
The singer was reported to have died at the age of 73 in March after spending decades using music to communicate Christian teachings and encourage families and worshippers.
Songs associated with her career include Train Up Your Child and Darling Jesus.
Her work reflected a tradition of gospel music that combines biblical teachings with everyday experiences, particularly within Nigeria’s Yoruba-speaking Christian community.
Her death represented another loss for a generation of gospel music enthusiasts who followed traditional Nigerian gospel music and its emphasis on spiritual instruction.
4. Onos Brisibi
Onos Brisibi was a Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter who also contributed vocals to Nigerian film soundtracks.
She was associated with soundtrack productions for films including Domitilla and Blood Money, demonstrating the connection between gospel music and Nigeria’s wider entertainment industry.
Reports published in March 2026 said she died on March 23 at the age of 55, following a prolonged illness.
Her work across gospel music and film soundtracks reflected the different ways singers contribute to Nigeria’s entertainment industry beyond recording worship songs.
Her passing added to the losses reported within the Nigerian music community in 2026.
5. G.A. Idowu Aworinde
G.A. Idowu Aworinde was a gospel singer and evangelist known for inspirational music and his association with Victory Voices Spiritual Singers.
His work was rooted in Christian worship and the use of music to communicate messages of faith, encouragement and spiritual reflection.
Reports published in August 2026 included him among Nigerian gospel music figures who had died during the year.
His passing was mourned by gospel music enthusiasts and worshippers who follow traditional Nigerian gospel music.
Although detailed information about his age, career milestones and the circumstances surrounding his death was not provided in the reports available for this article, his inclusion in the year’s list highlights the losses experienced across different generations of gospel performers.
6. Joshua Acheme Edache (Nutty Josh)
Joshua Acheme Edache, popularly known as Nutty Josh, was a Nigerian gospel hip-hop artiste who combined rap, storytelling and Christian messages in his music.
Unlike performers who primarily use choir arrangements and conventional worship melodies, Nutty Josh explored contemporary sounds to reach younger audiences.
Reports said he died on September 20, 2026, following injuries sustained in an accident in Abuja.
His death was a significant loss to followers of contemporary gospel music, where artistes increasingly use hip-hop and other modern genres to communicate Christian beliefs.
Nutty Josh’s career reflected the growing diversity of Nigeria’s gospel music industry and the use of different musical styles to connect with audiences beyond traditional church settings.
Read also:
- Toluwanisings: 10 Things to Know About Nigerian Gospel Singer Who Dies
- Nollywood mourns as Gospel Singer Onos Brisibi dies at 55 after prolonged illness
- Gospel Singer Toun Soetan dies, Nigerian Christian Community mourns
7. Kolawole Okanlawon
Kolawole Okanlawon was a gospel singer and choir master associated with CCC Winners Parish in Lagos.
His death was reported in October 2026, placing him among the gospel music figures whose passing was announced during the year.
As a choir master, Okanlawon’s work involved the musical and worship activities of the church. Choir masters play an important role in coordinating singers, preparing musical arrangements and supporting congregational worship.
Further details about his age, career milestones and the circumstances surrounding his death were not provided in the reports available for this article.
His inclusion in the list also draws attention to the contributions of church-based musicians whose influence is often felt within congregations and local Christian communities.
8. Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji (Toluwanisings)
Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, was a Nigerian gospel singer recognised for his energetic praise performances and contemporary worship songs.
He was associated with songs including Eleda, A Very Big God, Unreserved Praise and I’m Not Alone.
His family confirmed his death on October 15, 2026, according to reports, with the singer said to have been 41 years old. Here are 10 things to know about Toluwanisings.
The announcement prompted tributes from fans and colleagues, including Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson Okojie, who expressed sadness over his passing.
Toluwanisings was known for combining lively praise with messages of gratitude, faith and confidence in God. His style appealed to listeners who enjoy contemporary gospel music and energetic praise sessions.
His death added to the losses recorded in Nigeria’s gospel music community in 2026.
Nigerian Gospel Music Industry Mourns Losses in 2026
The deaths of these eight artistes have drawn attention to the contributions of gospel musicians who use their voices and creative talents to shape worship experiences and communicate Christian messages.
From traditional Yoruba gospel music to contemporary gospel hip-hop, their different styles reflect the diversity of Nigeria’s Christian music scene.
While their careers differed in musical style, generation and audience, their songs formed part of the body of work through which many listeners connected with faith, worship and personal experiences.
Their legacies also highlight the role gospel musicians play in churches, homes and communities, where music often serves as a source of encouragement, reflection and spiritual inspiration.
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