The Nigerian Christian community has been deeply affected by the passing of several renowned gospel singers over the years. These losses have left significant voids and sparked widespread grief. Here is a list of five notable gospel musicians whose deaths profoundly impacted Nigeria:
1. Osinachi Nwachukwu (“Ekwueme”)
Evangelist Osinachi Nwachukwu’s death on April 8, 2022, was a profound shock. Initially reported to be due to throat cancer, it was later revealed that she had suffered repeated assaults from her husband. Known for her hit song “Ekwueme,” Osinachi’s passing at age 42 left a significant mark on the Christian community.
2. Sammie Okposo (“Hallelujah”)
Celebrated gospel artist Sammie Okposo died on November 25, 2022. The Warri-born singer, who had been a prominent figure in gospel music for over two decades, collapsed after a heart attack. Despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead. Okposo’s influential works include “Most Wanted,” “Amazing Grace,” “Welu Welu,” and “Naija Praise.”
3. Kefee (The Kokoroko Queen)
Evelyn Irikefe Don Momoh, known as Kefee, passed away in 2014 following a lung collapse in the United States. Kefee, renowned for her vibrant performances and hit songs like “Kokoroko” and “Brahnama,” was a leading figure in early 2000s gospel music.
4. Chinedu Nwadike
Chinedu Nwadike, an Igbo gospel musician famous for songs like “Oku Gbajie Aka Ji Ngozim,” died in 2022 after a prolonged battle with cancer. His music was celebrated for its spiritual depth, and his passing was deeply felt within the Christian community.
5. Aduke Gold
Aduke Ajayi, known as Aduke Gold, recently joined this somber list. She passed away on August 12, 2024, under circumstances that initially caused confusion. While reports suggested she died after surgery for fibroids, her family later clarified that she was actually undergoing treatment for cervical cancer. Aduke Gold was known for songs such as “Adura,” “Anu Ni Mo Fe,” “Praises,” and “Nitori Ogo.”
These artists’ contributions to gospel music and their untimely deaths have left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s Christian community.
