Nigerians have taken to the Spotify platform to immerse themselves in gospel chants to find solace in challenging times.
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Nigerian gospel music has continued to grow, captivating audiences of all ages and steadily increasing in popularity.
Its appeal stems from more than just its captivating sound; it offers solace during challenging times and inspires hope for a better future.
As the genre evolves, chants have emerged as a notable trend. Chants, which are essentially acapella hymns, offer a more mystical, mantra-like experience compared to traditional praise songs. These stripped-down, intimate worship experiences are characterised by soul-stirring phrases, creating a unique and powerful form of spiritual expression. This new style represents a departure from conventional gospel music, offering listeners a fresh and deeply moving way to connect with their faith through music.
Recent data from Spotify shows that the growth of gospel music featuring chants is undeniable both globally and locally.
Listeners on the platform streamed 160% more gospel music with chants in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2023 globally. In Nigeria, the trend is even stronger, with more than a 282% increase in streams during the same period.
In 2024, the top five Nigerian gospel artists renowned for worship chants are Sunmisola Agbebi, Dunsin Oyekan, Ebuka Songs, 1Spirit and Theophilus Sunday, and Nathaniel Bassey. The top five Nigerian gospel songs featuring chants in 2024 are: B’Ola – Honour – Sunmisola Agbebi; I Will Pray – Ebuka Songs; Calling My Name (I’m A Soldier) – Live – Ebuka Songs; Koseunti – Sunmisola Agbebi; and Fragrance (feat. GGTQ All Stars) – Esther Oji, GGTQ All Stars.
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These artists and songs represent the forefront of chant-based worship music in Nigeria’s vibrant gospel scene.
Chants in this new gospel style are distinctively minimalist. They typically lack traditional lyrics, backup singers, or other hallmarks of conventional gospel songs. Instead, chanters often perform in a freestyle manner, accompanied only by simple string instruments. The result is a pure, unfiltered expression of faith that resonates deeply with listeners.
Gen Z and younger adults are a core part of the streaming audience. Forty-five percent of the listeners are between 18-24 years old, 26% fall into the 25-29 age group, and 13% are between 30-34 years old.
Whether you’re part of the core Gen Z and young adult audience driving this trend or simply seeking a more intimate worship experience, Spotify has launched a dedicated playlist for chant lovers. Worship Chants is designed to provide a curated selection of soul-stirring gospel chants, offering a space for spiritual connection and reflection.
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