Think Africa, think afrobeats. A global representative music genre for Africa, yet gospel music is arguably the biggest genre. Gospel music is linked to the churches, praise and worship, yet to most Africans, it’s so much more; it’s a genre that wakens spirituality, euphoria and nostalgia at the same time and is an important part of the culture and sonic landscape of Africa. The African gospel music is as much a part of daily life in Africa as food and water. So here are the 10 African gospel music songs that you absolutely can’t leave off your playlist. Discover African gospel music through the decades – take a listen and see if you agree with Dream Africa’s choices!
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Ada Ehi – Only You Jesus
If you like gospel music with a powerful message and soothing sound then you should definitely listen to Only You Jesus by Ada Ehi.
Njideka Okeke – Akanchawa
Akanchawa (Testimonial Worship) by Princess Njideka Okeke and Prince Gozie Okeke, is pretty much the Nigeria’s alternative national anthem. It is one of the most referenced Nigerian songs of all time. Even if you don’t understand Igbo speaking bits of the song, it is almost impossible not to sing and dance along to this catchy earworm.
Joyous Celebration – My God Is Good
My God Is Good by South African gospel choir Joyous Celebration is played in every church and radio all over the African continent making everyone and their moms fall in love with South African music. Joyous Celebration is one of South Africa’s most successful gospel choirs, following acts like The Soweto Gospel Choir.
Sinach – Way Maker
If you’re putting together a gospel music playlist, African or otherwise, you can hardly ignore one of the biggest gospel tunes ever. Sinach’s ‘Way Maker’ has been played everywhere, and that irresistible uplifting yet soothing sound is a surefire way to praise the Lord.
Joe Mettle – My Everything
An absolute masterpiece of a song, My Everything by Ghanaian gospel musician Joe Mettle. The song features some of Joe’s most profound lyrics alongside one of the hookiest choruses of the past decades. To read more about gospel music from Ghana, click here.
Nathaniel Bassey – Imela
“Imela” simply means “thank you” in Igbo (the principal native language of the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria). Heck if listening to this doesn’t want to make you have a better relationship with God, we don’t know what will.
Adorons L’eternel & Alain Moloto – El Shaddai
One of the key things to understand about African gospel songs is that, regardless of the language being used to make the songs, they are just as well-received and iconic same as when it is in English. Adorons L’eternel & Alain Moloto, delivered a continental classic with their ‘El Shaddai’ collaboration.
Frank Edwards – Miracle Rain
‘Miracle Rain’ is a groovy tempo with powerful message delivered by Nigerian gospel singer Frank Edwards. This Enugu-born gospel superstar has a number of massive hits to his name, and in 2016, he released ‘Grace’ a collaborative gospel album with Don Moen.
Paul Mwai – Murangiri
The legendary Paul Mwai is pretty much guaranteed to feature on any East African gospel playlist, and his classic tune ‘Murangiri’ couldn’t be a better choice to get people in the mood for praise and worship.to dance and have a good time. Paul is well known for his uplifting yet soothing sounds.
Sinach – I Know Who I Am
“I know who God says I am, what He says I am, where He says am at, I know who I am!” This is the getaway song for you if you want to lift your voice and praise the Lord.
We also recommend our guide to the top Ghanaian gospel musicians you should be listening to.
