• Headies Awards 2025: Gospel music stars shine in nomination list

The 17th edition of the prestigious Headies Awards has recognized the impact of gospel music, with several top gospel artists earning nominations in key categories.

The nomination list, released on Wednesday, February 12, features prominent gospel singers such as Mercy Chinwo, Dunsin Oyekan, Lawrence Oyor, and Tope Alabi, all vying for the Best Inspirational Single of the Year award.

Lawrence Oyor, who made headlines in January 2025 when his song ‘Favour‘ became the most-streamed track on Spotify with 2.9 million streams, received a nomination for his collaboration with Dunsin Oyekan on ‘Worthy of My Praise.’ Tope Alabi and Gaise Baba were nominated for their inspiring song ‘Particularly,’ while Mercy Chinwo secured a spot with her uplifting single ‘You Do This One.’

In addition to gospel music, the nomination list also highlighted some of Afrobeats’ biggest stars, including Davido, Burna Boy, Wizkid, and recent Grammy winner Tems. The selection process considered songs released between April 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024.

With this year’s nominations reflecting a diverse range of musical talents, fans eagerly await the award ceremony, which promises to be a celebration of excellence across multiple genres.

 

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A recent video of renowned Nigerian gospel artist Tope Alabi delivering a candid critique of fellow gospel musicians has sparked discussions across social media.

In an impassioned address, Tope voiced her concerns over divisions within the gospel music community, calling out behaviours she feels are undermining the industry’s unity.

This moment unfolded at the “Celebrating Jesus 7.0″ concert in Ibadan, organized by Zamar Ministries. While the event was meant to showcase performances from top gospel talents, Tope took the stage with a message she felt needed to be heard.

Speaking with visible frustration, she highlighted issues such as jealousy, insincere camaraderie, and rivalries she has observed among gospel artists.

Her words reverberated through the venue, shedding light on what she sees as a disturbing shift from a foundation of faith and unity to one marked by competition and self-promotion.

Tope openly criticized prominent gospel figures, accusing them of isolating themselves from up-and-coming artists rather than nurturing new talent.

Her comments resonated with the audience as she highlighted how this trend of rivalry is now being mirrored by emerging artists in the gospel scene.

Watch her speak below:

 

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Tope Alabi, a well-known gospel artist, has been told to take an ancestry Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid (DNA) test to confirm her origin.

The warning comes after Alabi was heard in one of her latest songs integrating a Yoruba traditionalists’ common greeting phrase, ‘Aboru aboye,’ into the supposed worship song.

During an earlier conversation with journalists, an Ifa-priest, Oluwo Jogbodo Orunmila, stated that it became crucial for the award-winning singer to take the DNA test to determine her origins.

In the popular music video, Alabi and her backing singers were cited as calling themselves “ebo.” ‘Ebo’ literally means “sacrifice.”

Tope Alabi and her vocalists, on the other hand, underlined in the song that they are ‘Aboru Aboye,’ which means that God has accepted them as sacrifices.

Orunmila, the chief priest of Iledi Imule Agba in Oyan, Odo Otin North Local Council Development Authority in Osun State, responded at a media talk on Monday, saying that Alabi has always been interwoven in the usage of traditionalists’ lexicons.

He recalled Alabi’s use of ‘Eledumare,’ as well as various other assessments for Orunmila (god of wisdom) other Yoruba deities.

The Ibadan-based priest said, “All these phrases showed that Tope Alabi needs ancestry DNA to confirm that she belongs to the Ifa tradition. Those words are forcing their way out, she only needs the right teachers to get fully on track.

“Ifa is ancestry. When a lineage known to be Ifa practitioners stop its practice, there will be a day when one of the family members will illustrate the doctrines of Ifa, knowingly or unknowingly.”

He stated that whoever has come out to label Alabi as an idol worshipper is simply fueling public opinion and is especially unaware that Ifa only identifies people who want to be identified because it values secrecy.

“Identifying with Ifa is discretionary. One can either let the public know or not. Ifa does not stop you from identifying with other religions even when you are under its supervision,” Orunmila reportedly said.

Speaking on whether the phrase is a usual lexicon that anybody could use, Orunmila said, “It is not. It is certainly used by the Ifa initiates.

“The Ifa worshippers (Babalawo and Iyanifa) are the ones that use that to greet one another because it was a legacy passed by Orunmila. In fact, ‘Aboru Aboye’ is often accompanied by ‘ni Ile Ifa’, meaning ‘May everything including sacrifices, be accepted in this Ifa household.’”

He went on to explain how the phrase became a customary greeting among Ifa initiates, claiming that Odu Ifa Ogunda’ meji’ in the Ifa corpus grew the stories of three women, Aboru, Aboye, and Abosise, who provided special assistance to Orunmila.

“It was said that in a bid for Orunmila to consult Olodumare, these three women were like guardians that must be appeased to help Ile-Ife be peaceful.

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Tope Alabi, a well-known gospel performer, is currently the subject of debate when a traditionalist called her out for using a holy slang term connected to idol worship at one of her services.

The traditionalist asserts that only people who worship idols, especially Ogboni confraternity members, use the greeting “Aboru Aboye.”

A recent performance by Tope Alabi drew the attention of the traditionalist community when she added the term “Aboru Aboye” into her song.

The episode left the traditionalists disappointed, and they charged Tope Alabi with stealing their sacred greeting. He emphasized that people outside the orthodox group do not use “Aboru Aboye” informally and that it is only used in certain settings.

According to the traditionalist, when greeted with “Aboru Aboye,” the appropriate response is “Aboye Bosise.”

“You are part of us” – Traditionalist calls out Gospel singer, Tope Alabi for using their idol worshiping slang “Aboru Aboye” during ministration, apparently The greeting is limited to only idol worshippers, most especially the Ogboni confraternity. Aboru Aboye; then the recipient would answer “Aboye Bosise”

 

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Meanwhile, Tope Alabi has given an explanation of how she responds to public criticism.

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Nigerian singer, BNXN has opened up on his desired collaboration with Gospel singer, Tope Alabi and about Black Sherif being featured on his forthcoming album.

Recall that in 2022, BNXN tweeted that he wanted the gospel singer to appear on his album. He added a crying emoji and stated:

“I need Tope Alabi on my album”

While the singer didn’t directly respond to his request, a Twitter user who seem close to her promised to link Buju with the Gospel singer.

In a recent interview in Ghana, the “Trasboki” crooner was asked if he has been able to secure Tope Alabi’s verse just like he desired.

BNXN however stated that he is yet to get the verse but revealed that he is working a collaboration with Ghanaian rapper, Black Sherif.

When asked if Sherif will be appearing on his anticipated debut album, Buju replied in the affirmative.

In his words;

“The album, cause that’s all I have been spending time on.

I’ve not gotten Tope Alabi yet, um, I still have to finish my song with, the record I want to do with Black Sherif. As soon I could finish that, I definitely put it on the album.”

 

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Nigerian music producer, gospel singer, and Chairman of Fresh media group, Yinka Ayefele, has stepped forward to refute rumours that he has passed away by declaring that “I Am Alive And Well.”

In response to a supposed Tik Tok video that went viral on Tuesday and claimed that he was dead, Ayefele reacted.

It was gathered that the widely watched video, which was said to have been made by one David had his pictures and that of his triplet with a dirge from gospel singer Tope Alabi as the soundtrack.

Ayefele responded to the rumour by stating that he had several calls from friends and loved ones yesterday asking how he was doing.

The artist verified his existence and good health in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday night. He also questioned why someone would make a video to propagate false information about his death.

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According to him, he will not die but live to declare the glory of God.

He said: “I will not die but live to declare the works of God. God knows the people behind this very dastardly act and will punish them. What will they gain from spreading rumours of my death?

“On Fresh FM, Ibadan this evening, I did my programme called Let’s Talk about It jointly with Enitan Olusegun Bamidele (EOB). My phone kept ringing while on the show and Whatsapp messages have jammed by my phone as well.

“A lot of my fans and admirers from all over the world kept calling to find out what really happened. On realising it was fake news, they started cursing those behind it.

“I wish to tell Nigerians that I am hale and hearty and not dead. I am not even under the weather. For someone to conjure up this kind of wickedness is disheartening. I have handed over those behind it to God who will mete out appropriate punishment to them.

“My fans, please disregard the rumour. If Jesus tarries, we will be here for a long time.”

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On Thursday, when Sammie Okposo, a well-known gospel singer and the CEO of Zamar Entertainment, was laid to rest in Lagos, there were tears and weeping from relatives and friends.

On November 25, the singer passed away at the age of 51. His manager claims that despite rumours to the contrary that he slumped and passed away, he slept and did not wake up.

A video obtained by Mp3bullet.ng showed the moment Okposo was laid to rest, with relatives and friends paying their last respects.

The 51-year-old was laid to rest at a private cemetery in Ikoyi on December 15 following a church service.

Paul Adefarasin, senior pastor of House on the Rock, and Dr. Flourish Peters, lead pastor of The L.O.G.I.C (Love Of God In Christ) Church, presided over the event.

Sammie Okposo’s coworkers and friends, including Nollywood actor Segun Arinze and gospel singer Nikki Laoye, who was unable to contain her tears as Sammie was placed into the earth, attended the burial.

 

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A night of tributes had previously been held for the singer at La Madison Place, Oniru, Lagos, on Tuesday, with fellow singers Tope Alabi and Timi Dakolo performing.

The event also had in attendance top celebrities like AY Comedian, Ali Baba, Charles Inojie, Segun Arinze, and Desmond Elliot among others.

Okposo broke into the limelight with his first single ‘Welu Welu’, which was on his first album, ‘Unconditional Love’.

He followed the single with more successful songs like ‘Na only you’ which was part of the ‘No More Drama’ album.

While Tope sang a farewell and worship song, Mike led the choir in high praise.

Music artist Timi Dakolo and comedian Akpororo also performed at the event.

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Ozioma. the wife of the late Sammie Okposo has elicted pity in the hearts of Nigerians after being spotted in a trending video crying at the farewell party for her late husband.

Funeral rites of late Nigerian gospel singer, Sammie Okposo kick-started with the “Sammie Okposo (Farewell) Praise Party” (S.O.P.P.) which began at 5 pm, on Tuesday, December 13 at the La Madison Place in Oniru, Lagos.

Social media has started to see the appearance of video clips from the events, along with tributes to the late artist who went on to greatness at the age of 51.

Numerous celebrities attended the homage night, including actor Segun Arinze, Timi Dakolo, Tope Alabi, AY Comedian, Alibaba, Charles Inojie, and Chinedu ‘Aki’ Ikedieze, among others.

Worthy of note was a clip that showed Sammie Okposo’s wife, Ozioma in uncontrollable tears as she watched an old video of herself and her hubby played on the screen.

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Sammie Okposo’s daughter who could not take it at some point got up from her seat and moved away from where her mother was being consoled.

Gospel singers, Tope Alabi and Timi Dakolo delivered powerful performances that moved those present to tears as they paid their tribute to the late singer who revolutionised gospel music.

See videos:

 

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The farewell praise party which is the begging of Okposo’s funeral rite will be followed by a song service, as per the funeral plans.

On December 15, Sammie will be laid to rest in a private ceremony attended by invitation only.

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Tope Alabi has given an explanation of how she responds to public criticism.

This comes after she was recently criticised by some online users for what they claimed to be a song she wrote as a tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth.

Sharing how she handles criticism on a recent Instagram live with her fans, she said,

“For criticism, what I do is that if something happens, some people that really like and care about me usually call me I won’t mention their names so they don’t get enemies, some are gospel musicians and others are ministers of God. There are up to eight people that called me about what happened. Even people who are not Yoruba also will call me to know what’s happening, meanwhile it is their calls that weigh me down but they have to call me.”

Continuing she said’

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“The first thing I do, I will go and pray, like one just happened recently I went to ask God, you asked me to do something and I did that thing and this thing happened so what do you have me do, he said I should keep quiet, he said I should not say anything so what I do is go to the place where I and him talk and ask him what to do next even if I fuck up, I will still go and meet him and report myself even my conscience must have been telling me that I did something wrong so I would ask him and he would say that I am too nice to everybody and that he doesn’t like me for that so I stopped it so what I do is pray, talk to God.

“If it is very big, I don’t pray, I will just ask questions, this thing that is happening, what do you want me to do about it, what is going on, why did it happen and if I caused something to happen I will ask him how do I go about it and also there has been no time I have ever been criticized that I ever regret I am following God, I have never complained to God that because I have been criticised that is why I don’t want to serve or work for him.

My father in the lord too always says that and I searched my life and saw that it is the same thing. So I go to the place of prayer like normal and I do my fellowship and then ask questions, sometimes it might not question it might be Lord I thank you because this is happening,” said Alabi.

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Buju BNXN is eagerly awaiting Gospel artist Tope Alabi’s response to his request for a collaboration.

Recall that on Monday, Buju tweeted that he wanted the gospel singer to appear on his album. He added a crying emoji and stated:

“I need Tope Alabi on my album”

The tweet received a range of responses on social media. While some believed it was a good decision for him to work with the Yoruba gospel performer, others believed it was inappropriate for him to do so.

Buju, on the other hand, recently posted on Twitter about a conversation he had with a tweep who claimed to know Tope Alabi personally and offered to make Buju’s fantasy a reality.

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The fan went on to share his post with Tope Alabi, and while Buju awaits her response, he shared the conversation on Twitter with surprise emojis. See post and hilarious reactions below:

😳😳 pic.twitter.com/tRFtiRLLKy

— Benson (@BNXN) September 12, 2022

In another tweet, the “Outside” crooner wrote that he makes gospel music with a twist while sharing the link to his Modupe song which features Olamide.

I make Gospel music too , just with a twist. https://t.co/2mh6z2xlmX

— Benson (@BNXN) September 12, 2022

In other news, Buju was announced the winner of the Next Rated category at the 2022 Headies Award ceremony held last two Sundays in Atlanta, United States of America.

Speaking after the win, the singer formerly born Daniel Benson dedicated the award to his mum who died of cancer.

“I want to thank God he is the reason I’m here, he is the reason I’ve been able to come this far. I dedicate this to my mum, she died of breast cancer this is for you mummy, this is for my family, this is for my management.”

Buju also dedicated the award to fellow nominees Ayra Starr and Ruger.

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Daniel Benson, also known as BNXN (aka Buju), has made it known that he wants to include a particular Nigerian gospel musician on his album.

The amazing talent, who most recently took home the “next rated” award at the 15th Headies Awards, is already planning to release an album, and names are already flying around.

On Sunday, September 11, 2022, BNXN, whose most recent EP “Bad Since 97″ is still performing well, posted on his Twitter page that he would want to have legendary Nigerian gospel singer and clergyman Tope Alabi appear on his future album.

With a crying emoji, he tweeted:

I need Tope Alabi on my album

I need Tope Alabi on my album 😭

— Benson (@BNXN) September 11, 2022

In another tweet, the singer revealed that he owes his fans a cover but doesn’t knwo the song to choose.

“I still owe my fans a cover this year , I just don’t know the song yet .”

I still owe my fans a cover this year , I just don’t know the song yet .

— Benson (@BNXN) September 11, 2022

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In other news, Buju, has talked about the collaboration on his “Bad Since ’97” EP.

In an interview with Beat FM, the sensational singer disclosed how he persuaded the veteran rapper, Olamide to appear on his project and how he created records of his song on the project.

Speaking in the interview, The “Cold Outside” hitmaker stated that at starting his project he decided to work with Leandro Hidalgo, best known for his work with Wizkid. Affectionately referred to as “Dro,”.

The singer revealed that his last single, “Loose Emotions,” was recorded in four different cities: Lagos, Abuja, Los Angeles, and Amsterdam.

BNXN who had heavyweights like Wande Coal, Olamide, and Wizkid on the project, gave props to popular hypeman and dancer, Poco Lee, for being responsible for the song with Olamide, which is titled “Modupe,” happening.

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