There are some gospel songs Nigerians have sung so much that, at this point, we have practically adopted them.
You hear them in churches. Worship leaders sing them. They find their way into gospel playlists and before long, nobody is really asking where the song came from.
In our minds, they have collected Nigerian citizenship.
But some of these songs didn’t actually start here.
1. Kumama Papa — Grace Lokwa
Originally sung in Lingala. Went viral in Nigeria after Prinx Emmanuel’s TikTok refix in 2022. Hit number one on TikTok trends and Twitter Nigeria trends. Moses Bliss also collaborated with Grace Lokwa on the song.
2. Be Lifted — MOGmusic
“Be Lifted” was recorded live at Royal House Chapel International in Ghana. It became one of the most widely sung worship songs across Nigerian churches. MOGmusic is a two-time VGMA Male Vocalist of the Year winner and the first Ghanaian gospel artist admitted into the Grammy Academy.
3. Tambira Jehovah — Mkhululi
“Tambira Jehovah” is a Shona folk song from Zimbabwe meaning “Come and dance for the Lord.” Popularized internationally by Zimbabwean vocalist Mkhululi Bhebhe performing with South Africa’s Joyous Celebration on their 15th album recorded live in Durban in 2011.
Obrigado — Solly Mahlangu
“Obrigado” Portuguese for “thank you” — is sung in multiple African languages including Tsonga, Xhosa, Zulu and Portuguese. Released in 2008, the album achieved gold status in South Africa and became widely sung in Nigerian churches. Solly Mahlangu is also the founder of Word Praise Christian Centre International.
Siyabonga Jesu — Solly Mahlangu
Also by Solly Mahlangu, sung in multiple African languages including Zulu, Swahili, Venda, Shona, and Sotho. The title means “We Thank You Jesus.”
From Kinshasa to Accra, from Harare to Johannesburg, Africa is singing to the same God. The beats may change. The languages may change. The dance moves definitely change. But the message remains the same. Nigerian gospel music has given a lot to the continent, and it has received a lot in return. That’s the beauty of African gospel music. It doesn’t stop at borders. It doesn’t need a translator. It doesn’t need a passport. Good worship has a way of finding home wherever God’s people are.
