Before the rise of the sleek, contemporary worship music we hear today, Nigerian gospel music was rooted in highlife.
If you grew up attending church in Nigeria during the late ‘90s up to the 2000s, you probably have unforgettable memories tied to this genre. Gospel Highlife is a unique musical genre that carries the celebratory feel of social events but channels it into spiritual expression.
Origin of Highlife Music
Highlife itself didn’t start in Nigeria, it made its way from Ghana in the early 20th century combining indigenous rhythms with western instruments like guitars, trumpets, and saxophones. By the 1950s and ‘60s, highlife had spread to Nigeria, where it was embraced and localized by artists such as Bobby Benson, Victor Olaiya, and Cardinal Rex Lawson.
From Past to Present
By the late ’90s and into the 2000s, we saw artists like Yinka Ayefele and Tope Alabi come onto the scene. Ayefele’s music was pretty unique for the time; he called it Gospel Tungba. He mixed in the strong beats of Juju music with a party vibe, which was a fresh twist on the usual solemn gospel tunes. And not to forget the role of the hype man interjecting humorous snippets into the song and this style is still visible today in modern gospel highlife artists like Bidemi Olaoba and EmmaOMG. Over his career spanning more than 15 years, Ayefele has released numerous albums, with fan favorites like Next Level, New Dawn, and Fulfillment.
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Tope Alabi also came into the spotlight during the early 2000s with the release of her debut album Ore tí Ó Common (Uncommon Favour). She brought popularity to Yoruba gospel music and she is well known for her live performances that draws in large audiences both within the country and internationally.
Over the years we have had people like Evang Bukola Akinade also known as Senwele Jésù, Bukola Bekes who leads worship during the Holy Ghost services in the RCCG and many others.
While today’s gospel music has taken a more polished, contemporary turn, the highlife spirit hasn’t died. Artists like EmmaOMG, Adeyinka Alaseyori, Beejay Sax, Blessing Lopez and many others are modern artists within the genre. Beejay Sax, known for his energetic live band performances, holds annual concerts like Beejay Sax Live, bringing highlife praise to large audiences. EmmaOMG adds humor and culture to gospel highlife with medleys like Ijebu Praise and monthly celebrant specials like the April Celebrants Special 2025 that have gained popularity online.
Additionally, the rise of social media and streaming platforms has helped Gospel Highlife reach a global audience, making it a key export of Nigerian gospel music.
The evolution of Gospel Highlife in Nigeria highlights the creativity and adaptability of Nigerian gospel artists. From its roots in secular Highlife to its current status as a beloved gospel subgenre, it continues to inspire worship and cultural pride. As more artists continue to make use of this sound, gospel highlife is set to remain a vital part of Nigeria’s musical landscape. Its lively and celebratory nature makes it suitable for praise sessions, weddings, and other joyous occasions in the church.
