Nigeria’s gospel music industry has experienced some painful moments in 2026, with news surrounding familiar voices drawing reactions from fans, church communities and fellow entertainers. These singers built their names through worship songs, live ministrations and recordings that reached audiences across different parts of the country, leaving behind music that many listeners still hold close to their hearts.
While some had spent years building their careers, others continued to connect with audiences through their unique styles and messages of faith. The recent news surrounding Toluwanisings has brought fresh attention to the losses recorded in the gospel music community this year, prompting many to reflect on the singers whose contributions have remained part of Nigeria’s gospel music story.
Toluwanisings Died at 41
Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, died on October 14, 2026, at the age of 41. His family announced his death on October 15 through a statement shared on his social media account, describing him as a beloved husband, family member and gospel minister. The announcement did not disclose his cause of death, while funeral arrangements were to be communicated later.
Toluwanisings was recognised for energetic praise performances that blended contemporary gospel sounds with Yoruba influences. His songs included Eleda, I’m Not Alone, A Very Big God and Unreserved Praise. He also built connections with other gospel artistes, including Tosin Bee and Adeyinka Alaseyori, through his musical activities and performances.
His death prompted tributes from entertainers, gospel musicians and fans. Comedian Woli Agba and filmmaker Funke Akindele were among those who publicly mourned him, reflecting the attention his passing received across Nigeria’s entertainment community.
Further details about his final hours emerged after his personal assistant, Babadunni Gbolabo, described efforts to obtain medical attention for the singer. According to the account, Toluwanisings suddenly slumped after returning from a programme, prompting attempts to take him to hospitals in Ibadan. His aide said they visited between 7 and 8 hospitals but were unable to secure the treatment they sought. Some facilities reportedly cited difficulties involving the availability of doctors, while others allegedly declined to admit him. These details were attributed to his aide, while the family did not announce an official medical cause of death.
Toluwanisings and members of his music crew had also survived a road accident involving their vehicle and a fully loaded trailer in July 2026. The singer shared information about the incident at the time, but his family did not link the accident to his death in October. No confirmed information established a connection between the 2 events.
Omije Ojumi Died in January
Bunmi Akinnaanu Adeoye, popularly known as Omije Ojumi, died on January 12, 2026, at a hospital in Lagos. She was 46. Her family confirmed her death in a statement shared by fellow gospel musician Akinola Ayoola, popularly known as Alayo Melody Singer. The statement did not disclose the illness that led to her death.
Omije Ojumi became widely known for her song Omije Ojumi, which established her identity among Yoruba gospel music listeners. Her music focused on prayer, faith, endurance and dependence on God. Other songs associated with her include Testimony, O Ti Sure, Samiye, Ipè, Kò Tó, Omo, WA Se Rere and Morning Lord. Her recordings were used during worship sessions, prayer meetings and church programmes.
Born Olubunmi Akinnaanu Adeoye, she studied Industrial Relations and Personnel Management at Lagos State University before pursuing a career in music. She reportedly worked in the banking industry for more than 10 years before leaving to concentrate on gospel music and evangelism. She subsequently ministered at church programmes, crusades and religious gatherings.
Her health became a subject of public concern in October 2025, when a video showed her seeking prayers during a church service while experiencing a serious leg ailment. The video showed her seated with her leg stretched out as a pastor prayed for her, with an intravenous cannula attached to her hand. The precise medical condition responsible for her death was not publicly established.
Her death in January was one of the earliest major losses recorded among Nigeria’s gospel music community in 2026.
Taiwo Adegbodu of the Adegbodu Twins
Taiwo Adegbodu, one half of the gospel music duo Adegbodu Twins, died on March 1, 2026. He performed alongside his twin brother, Kehinde Adegbodu, and the pair became familiar names in Yoruba gospel music following the release of their debut album, Faratimi, in 1999.
The duo recorded songs including Shower Your Blessing, Emi Mimo and Igbagbo Dun. Their music combined Christian messages with Yoruba musical traditions, helping them build a following among gospel music audiences over several years.
Gospel singer Esther Igbekele and the duo’s official social media page confirmed Taiwo’s death. His passing attracted attention because of the longstanding musical partnership he shared with Kehinde, with whom he had performed and recorded music throughout their career.
Reports surrounding his final hours stated that he experienced chest pain and was taken to a hospital, where he reportedly collapsed while waiting to be examined. The cause of death was not disclosed in the initial reports.
Taiwo’s death marked the loss of one member of a duo whose musical identity had been built around the brothers performing together. Their recordings from the late 1990s onward had established them among the recognised names in Yoruba gospel music.
Toun Soetan Died at 73
Veteran gospel singer Racheal Olatoun Soetan, popularly known as Toun Soetan, died in March 2026 at the age of 73. Her death was confirmed on March 13 through tributes from gospel musicians, including Woli Agba and Peter Olaniyi. She was regarded as one of the older generation of Nigerian gospel performers, with a career spanning more than 4 decades.
Her songs included Train Up Your Child and Darling Jesus, which reflected her focus on Christian teachings and worship. Her career developed during a period when gospel musicians reached audiences through church services, religious gatherings, recordings and live performances.
Before dedicating herself fully to gospel music, Soetan worked as a teacher for 16 years. She continued her involvement in education alongside her musical activities before focusing more closely on her ministry.
Following news of her death, fellow gospel artistes paid tribute to her contribution to the industry. Her career represented a generation of Nigerian gospel singers who spent decades performing, teaching Christian values through music and serving church communities.
Onos Brisibi Died After a Prolonged Illness
Onos Brisibi, a gospel singer and songwriter whose voice featured on Nigerian film soundtracks, died on March 23, 2026, at the age of 55. Her death was announced by her cousin, veteran Nollywood actor Richard Mofe Damijo, who paid tribute to her following her prolonged illness.
Brisibi’s work extended beyond gospel recordings. She contributed vocals to soundtracks for Nigerian films including Domitilla and Blood Money, productions that became familiar to audiences during Nollywood’s growth. She also worked with musicians such as Lagbaja, Daniel Wilson and the late Sammie Okposo.
Her contribution to film music gave her a place in both the Nigerian gospel music scene and the wider entertainment industry. While she maintained a relatively low public profile compared with some contemporary performers, her vocals featured in productions that reached audiences across Nigeria.
Mofe Damijo’s tribute identified her as Onos Nancy Brisibi and described her as his sister and cousin. Her death marked the loss of a vocalist whose work connected gospel music with Nigerian film soundtracks.
G.A. Idowu Aworinde Died in August
G.A. Idowu Aworinde, a Yoruba gospel singer and evangelist, died on August 10, 2026, at the age of 76, according to reports published after his death. He was associated with Victory Voices Spiritual Singers and was known for using Yoruba gospel music to communicate Christian teachings.
Aworinde was visually impaired but built a career in gospel music and evangelism. His songs included Mo Ki Obi Mi, Jesu Nikan Lo Ku Mi Ku L’aiye, Ta Lo To Be and Adura Owuro. His recordings addressed themes of faith, prayer, devotion and Christian family life.
His involvement with Victory Voices Spiritual Singers formed part of his musical journey, connecting him with a group known for gospel performances and recordings. His music reached Yoruba speaking Christian audiences who followed traditional gospel songs and religious programmes.
News of his death prompted tributes from people familiar with his music and ministry. His passing added to the losses among veteran gospel performers in 2026, particularly those whose careers were built through years of singing and evangelism.
Nutty Josh Died After Accident Injuries
Joshua Acheme Edache, popularly known as Nutty Josh, was a Nigerian gospel hip hop artiste from Benue State. He died on September 20, 2026, after suffering injuries linked to an accident at a motorcycle training school in Abuja several weeks earlier. His death was reported in September.
Nutty Josh was known for combining rap, storytelling and Christian messages. His songs included N.U.T.T.Y Definition, Thankful featuring Onos, Way Maker, OMG and Too Much. He also released projects including Gospel Rap Affair, Yield and Grace & Ease.
Reports about the circumstances surrounding his death stated that he sustained injuries during the incident and later experienced persistent headaches and breathing difficulties. Further medical examinations reportedly revealed internal injuries, and he subsequently received treatment before being placed in a medically induced coma. He died on September 20, according to accounts published after his passing.
Nutty Josh represented the gospel hip hop genre, which uses rap delivery and contemporary music production to communicate Christian messages. His recordings formed part of Nigeria’s modern gospel music scene, where artistes experiment with different styles to reach audiences beyond traditional worship settings.
Kolawole Okanlawon Died in October
Kolawole Okanlawon, a gospel singer and choir master at Celestial Church of Christ Winners Parish in Lagos, died in October 2026. His death was announced on October 5 by fellow gospel singer Esther Igbekele, who shared a tribute expressing grief over his sudden passing.
Okanlawon’s work involved gospel singing and choir leadership. As a choir master, he helped coordinate church music and worship activities, a role that requires organising singers, preparing musical arrangements and guiding performances during services and special programmes.
Igbekele recalled spending time with him during her recent trip to the United Kingdom, making the news particularly painful for her. She also expressed the loss felt by the Esther Igbekele Music Organisation, which had a professional connection with him.
His death added another church music minister to the list of gospel music figures lost in 2026.
The 8 Gospel Music Figures Lost in 2026
The 8 names reported in connection with Nigerian gospel music deaths between January and October 2026 represent different musical styles and generations. Omije Ojumi became widely known through her emotional Yoruba gospel recordings, Taiwo Adegbodu built a career alongside his twin brother, and Toun Soetan spent decades in gospel ministry.
Onos Brisibi contributed vocals to Nigerian film soundtracks, while G.A. Idowu Aworinde was known for Yoruba gospel songs and evangelism. Nutty Josh represented gospel hip hop, Kolawole Okanlawon combined singing with choir leadership, and Toluwanisings became known for energetic contemporary praise music.
Their deaths have affected different parts of Nigeria’s gospel music community, from established recording artistes to church based music ministers. Their songs, performances and ministry work remain part of the musical contributions associated with their careers.
The list brings together 8 gospel music figures whose deaths were reported during 2026, with their individual stories reflecting the range of people who contribute to Nigerian gospel music.
