News
GMA Dove Awards 2021: And The Nominees Are…
The Gospel Music Association is pleased to announce nominees for the 52nd Annual GMA Dove Awards. Top nominations include Steven Furtick with ten (10) nominations, Chris Brown with nine (9), Wayne Haun with eight (8), seven (7) nominations each for Elevation Worship and Brandon Lake, six (6) to for KING & COUNTRY and five (5) nods to CeCe Winans, Ed Cash, Tiffany Hammer (Hudson) and Zach Williams. Voted on by the GMA Professional Membership, this year’s nominees were chosen from over 4,600 submitted entries and include a wide range of creativity and artistic integrity in both artist and non-artist categories.
Nominees were announced in a star-studded livestream event featuring Alex Campos, John Cooper, Bill & Gloria Gaither, Kari Jobe, Brian & Jenn Johnson, Jonathan McReynolds, Wande and Tauren Wells. The announcement premiered on the GMA Dove Awards YouTube and Facebook pages with clips on the Dove Awards Instagram and TikTok.
“We are thrilled to welcome back an in-person Dove Awards this year and equally excited about our impressive list of nominees,” says GMA President Jackie Patillo. “As we continue to celebrate the immense creativity and diversity within our community, we’re looking forward to an awards program this year’s nominees deserve.”
Voting for the final winners will run August 19th through August 26th. The GMA Dove Awards are happening live and in person in Nashville, TN, October 19th, 2021. A limited number of tickets and Fan Experiences are still available. The broadcast will air exclusively on TBN, Friday, October 22nd, 2021 8:00p.m. ET and then again at 10:00p.m. ET. For more information, visit doveawards.com.
Song of the Year
“Another In The Fire” – (Writers) Chris Davenport, Joel Houston
“Famous For (I Believe)” – (Writers) Alexis Slifer, Chuck Butler, Jordan Sapp, Krissy Nordhoff, Tauren Wells
“Graves Into Gardens” – (Writers) Steven Furtick, Chris Brown, Tiffany Hudson, Brandon Lake
“Speak To Me” – (Writers) Donnie McClurkin, Jeremy Hicks, Johnta Austin, Troy Taylor
“Thank You For It All” – (Writers) Aaron Lindsey, Christopher Thomas Leach, Jamone Davis, Marvin Sapp
“The Blessing” – (Writers) Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe, Steven Furtick
“The Father’s House” – (Writers) Benjamin Hastings, Cory Asbury, Ethan Hulse
“There Was Jesus” – (Writers) Jonathan Smith, Casey Beathard, Zach Williams
“TOGETHER” – (Writers) Joel Smallbone, Josh Kerr, Kirk Franklin, Luke Smallbone, Ran Jackson, Ricky Jackson
“Truth Be Told” – (Writers) AJ Pruis, Matthew West
Songwriter of the Year (Artist)
Brandon Lake
Chris Brown
Ed Cash
Kirk Franklin
Matthew West
Songwriter of the Year (Non-Artist)
Ethan Hulse
Jason Ingram
Jordan Sapp
Steven Furtick
Tiffany Hammer
Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year
for KING & COUNTRY
Hillsong UNITED
Tauren Wells
We The Kingdom
Zach Williams
Southern Gospel Artist of the Year
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Gaither Vocal Band
Jason Crabb
Joseph Habedank
Triumphant Quartet
Gospel Artist of the Year
CeCe Winans
Jonathan McReynolds
Kirk Franklin
Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Travis Greene
Artist of the Year
Elevation Worship
for KING & COUNTRY
Lauren Daigle
Phil Wickham
Zach Williams
New Artist of the Year
Brandon Lake
CAIN
Dante Bowe
Hope Darst
Maverick City Music
Producer of the Year
AyRon Lewis
The Creak Music (David Leonard, Brad King, Seth Talley)
Jordan Mohilowski
Jordan Sapp
Wayne Haun
Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year
“10K” – KB
“Deep End” – Lecrae
“Glory On Me” – Steven Malcolm, ft. Childish Major & Taylor Hill
“Is That Okay?” – Social Club Misfits
“Reasons” – Hulvey, ft. Lecrae, SVRCINA
Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
“I Need A Ghost” – Brandon Lake
“Place Called Earth” – Jon Foreman, ft. Lauren Daigle
“Stand My Ground” – Zach Williams
“This Is The Kingdom” – Skillet
“Who Am I” – NEEDTOBREATHE
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
“Famous For (I Believe)” – Tauren Wells
“Good God Almighty” – Crowder
“Hold On To Me” – Lauren Daigle
“There Was Jesus” – Zach Williams, ft. Dolly Parton
“TOGETHER” – for KING & COUNTRY, ft. Kirk Franklin & Tori Kelly
Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year
“A Woman” – FAITHFUL, Ellie Holcomb & Amy Grant
“Alone With My Faith” – Harry Connick, Jr.
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness” – Carrie Underwood, ft. Cece Winans
“Promise Keeper” – Hope Darst
“There Is A God” – Phillips, Craig & Dean
Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
“First Church of Mercy” – The Sound
“I Just Feel Like Something Good Is About to Happen” – Gaither Vocal Band
“My King is Known By Love” – Crabb Family
“Religion Isn’t Working” – Joseph Habedank
“Wake Up” – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year
“Because He Lives” – Harry Connick, Jr.
“Better Off There” – Browns
“Go Rest High on That Mountain” – Fortune/Walker/Rogers/Isaacs
“Great God Almighty” – The Sound
“If God Pulled Back the Curtain” – Nelons
Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
“I Got It” – Pastor Mike Jr.
“Joyful” – Dante Bowe
“Never Lost” – CeCe Winans
“Speak To Me” – Koryn Hawthorne
“Touch From You” – Tamela Mann
Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
“Changing Your Story” – Jekalyn Carr
“Help” – Anthony Brown & group therAPy
“I Made It” – Maranda Curtis
“Repay You” – PJ Morton, ft. J Moss
“Wonderful Is Your Name” – Melvin Crispel III
Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year
“Believe For It” – CeCe Winans
“Good & Loved” – Travis Greene, ft. Steffany Gretzinger
“Never Be Defeated” – Rich Tolbert Jr.
“Voice Of God” – Dante Bowe, ft. Steffany Gretzinger, Chandler Moore
“You Get The Glory” – Jonathan Traylor
Spanish Language Recorded Song of the Year
“Amén” – Ricardo Montaner, Evaluna Montaner, Mau y Ricky, y Camilo
“Donde Está El Espíritu De Dios” – Christine D’Clario
“Llévame A La Cruz” – Majo y Dan
“Mi Libertador” – Miel San Marcos, Christine D’Clario
“Tumbas A Jardines” – Elevation Worship, ft. Brandon Lake
Worship Recorded Song of the Year
“Battle Belongs” – Phil Wickham
“God So Loved” – We The Kingdom
“Graves Into Gardens” – Elevation Worship, ft. Brandon Lake
“Jireh” – Elevation Worship / Maverick City Music, ft. Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine
“Peace Be Still” – Hope Darst
Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year
1970-01-01 03:34:00 – Zauntee
Feared By Hell – Social Club Misfits
His Glory Alone – KB
Restoration – Lecrae
The Divine Storm – Ty Brasel
Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year
Departures – Jon Foreman
Out Of Body – NEEDTOBREATHE
Songs Of Death And Resurrection – Demon Hunter
The Joy Of Being – Citizens
The Path – Fit For A King
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year
Chris Tomlin & Friends – Chris Tomlin
Holy Water – We The Kingdom
inhale (exhale) – MercyMe
No Stranger – Natalie Grant
To Love A Fool – Cory Asbury
Inspirational Album of the Year
All Things – Jamie Jamgochian
Evensong: Hymns and Lullabies at the Close of Day – Keith & Kristyn Getty, Sandra McCracken, Skye Peterson, Vince Gill, Ellie Holcomb, Sierra Hull, Deborah Klemme, The Getty Girls, Heather Headley
Step Into My Story – Selah
You Are More – Tiffany Coburn
You’re Still God – Phillips, Craig & Dean
Southern Gospel Album of the Year
Bigger Than Sunday – Triumphant Quartet
Change Is Coming – Joseph Habedank
It’s Still Good News – Guardians
That’s Gospel, Brother – Gaither Vocal Band
The Journey – Greater Vision
Bluegrass/Country/Roots Album of the Year
Alone With My Faith – Harry Connick, Jr.
Little More Love – Jordan Family Band
My Savior – Carrie Underwood
Peace At Last – Nelons
Songs for the Times – Isaacs
Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year
DOE : EP – DOE
Gospel According to PJ – PJ Morton
I AM – Koryn Hawthorne
Still – Brian Courtney Wilson
The Book Of Mali – Mali Music
Traditional Gospel Album of the Year
Celebrating Fisk! (The 150th Anniversary Album) – Fisk Jubilee Singers
Changing Your Story – Jekalyn Carr
Choirmaster – Ricky Dillard
Chosen Vessel – Marvin Sapp
The Reunion – Jonathan Nelson
Gospel Worship Album of the Year
Believe For It – CeCe Winans
Come Alive (Deluxe) – All Nations Music
Never Be Defeated – Rich Tolbert Jr.
The N.O.W. Experience – Kelontae Gavin
VaShawn Mitchell Presents Africa Worship – Various Artists
Spanish Language Album of the Year
Desesperado (Spanish) – Evan Craft
Mil Generaciones – Miel San Marcos, Essential Worship
Renovada : EP – Blanca
Todos Mis Mejores Amigos – Hillsong Young & Free
Uno – Alex Zurdo – Redimi2 – Funky
Worship Album of the Year
Graves Into Gardens – Elevation Worship
Old Church Basement – Elevation Worship / Maverick City Music
Revival’s In The Air – Bethel Music
The Blessing (Live) – Kari Jobe
The People Tour: Live from Madison Square Garden – Hillsong UNITED
Children’s Album of the Year
Living Color – Elevation Church Kids
No Reason To Wait – Worship Together Kids
Ready Set Go – Yancy & Little Praise Party
Sing The Bible, Vol. 4 – Slugs And Bugs
Todos Mis Días – Gateway Kids Worship
Christmas/Special Event Album of the Year
A Drummer Boy Christmas – for KING & COUNTRY
A Tori Kelly Christmas – Tori Kelly
Christmas: Acoustic Sessions – Phil Wickham
Miracle Of Love: Christmas Songs Of Worship – Chris Tomlin
Reunited LIVE – Gaither Vocal Band
Musical/Choral Collection
Behold The Lamb Of God – (Creator) Andrew Peterson, (Arrangers/ Orchestrators) Carson Wagner, Russell Mauldin
Christmas Comes Alive – (Creators/Arrangers/Orchestrators) Devin McGlamery, Cliff Duren, Phillip Keveren, Phil Nitz
I Choose Christ: The Songs of Sue C. Smith – (Creator/Arranger) Cliff Duren, (Creator) Sue C. Smith
Love Lifted Up: An Easter Musical – (Creators/Arrangers/Orchestrators) Jason Cox, Joseph Habedank, Cliff Duren, Jay Rouse, Marty Hamby, Phil Nitz
Love Was Born A King – (Creators/Arrangers/Orchestrators) Joel Lindsey, Jeff Bumgardner
Recorded Music Packaging of the Year
A Drummer Boy Christmas – for KING & COUNTRY
Graves Into Gardens – Elevation Worship
Revival’s In The Air – Bethel Music
Songs Of Death And Resurrection : Deluxe Box – Demon Hunter
The Blessing (Live) – Kari Jobe
Inspirational Film of the Year
A Week Away
Fatima
Mahalia
My Brother’s Keeper
QUEEN ESTHER
Apostle Ohis Ojeikere recently during a service at The Votage Church captivated the congregation by introducing a grown man who, as a five-year-old child, was reportedly raised from the dead by the late, legendary pioneer of African Pentecostalism, Archbishop Benson Idahosa.
A video of the powerful and extraordinary testimony shows the young man tell the extraordinary story of how he had died decades earlier at age 5, only to be brought back to life through the fierce faith and prayers of the Archbishop.
View this post on Instagram
Archbishop Benson Idahosa, the founder of the Church of God Mission International, was widely known throughout his life for his radical approach to faith. While this specific man was raised at age 5, Idahosa’s very first recorded resurrection miracle occurred when he was just a 24-year-old evangelist in Benin City.
According to archival audio and written testimonies from The Dictionary of African Christian Biography: A young Idahosa heard his pastor preach about Jesus’ command to “heal the sick and raise the dead”. Taking it literally, he rode his bicycle through town looking for a dead person to pray for.
The First Miracle: He found a home where a 3-year-old girl (named Inuaghata) had passed away. After clearing the room—following the pattern of Jesus—he prayed aggressively, and the child sneezed and returned to life.
The presentation by Apostle Ohis Ojeikere serves as a living continuation of that legacy, showcasing a grown witness to the miracle ministry that defined Idahosa’s lifetime.
View this post on Instagram
This comes days after the senior pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre caught his wife completely off guard by presenting her with a very large bouquet of fresh flowers alongside a handwritten love note reassuring her of his undying love.
View this post on Instagram
A video of the affectionate moment quickly circulated on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, showing Dr. Becky visibly shocked, blushing, and overjoyed by the spontaneous gesture. In the clip, she playfully reacts to the massive size of the arrangement—calling it “sweet cuteness”—before the couple shares an emotional embrace.
The romantic gesture has been widely praised by followers and media outlets as an inspiring example of maintaining passion, care, and a strong marital bond while managing large-scale ministry responsibilities.
In a powerful display of humanitarian action, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has successfully evacuated a second batch of 105 stranded Nigerians from South Africa. The group arrived safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos late on Friday night, October 1, 2026.
This latest airlift is part of a massive, church-funded intervention designed to rescue citizens facing intense anti-migrant pressure and growing xenophobic tensions in South Africa.
View this post on Instagram
- Who Returned: The second batch of 105 individuals included 55 adults, 45 children, and 5 infants.
- The Total So Far: This flight brings the cumulative number of rescued Nigerians to 205 people, following the first batch of 100 citizens who landed safely on September 24, 2026.
- The $265,000+ Commitment: Driven by an urgent appeal from the Nigerian High Commission, RCCG General Overseer Pastor Enoch Adeboye approved a $265,854 donation to purchase one-way tickets home.
- What’s Next: The church has committed to evacuating a total target of 500 distressed Nigerians, meaning approximately 295 citizens are still awaiting profiling and future flights home.
The timing of the flight was incredibly narrow. Just two days prior, on September 30, a deadline issued by South African anti-migrant groups demanded that undocumented foreigners leave the country.
Returning citizens shared harrowing stories upon landing in Lagos. Many detailed a reality of constant police harassment, fear of violence, and systemic barriers that made running local businesses impossible. According to several returnees, even legally documented foreign residents were being pressured to leave, creating an atmosphere of ambient fear.
Despite being funded entirely by a Christian organization, officials have emphasized that the intervention transcends religion. Pastor Belemina Obunge, Chairman of the RCCG Task Force, reinforced that the operation is strictly a humanitarian safety net meant to complement the Nigerian Federal Government’s ongoing repatriation efforts. The only prerequisite for receiving a ticket home is Nigerian nationality.
As the remaining 295 citizens await their paperwork and flights, the focus now shifts toward helping these 205 returnees pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives back home in Nigeria.
-
- Biggest Single-Day Preview Gross: Secured the largest single-day preview revenue ever recorded in West African cinema history.
- Highest First-Day Admissions: Welcomed 12,134 viewers on day one, marking the highest opening attendance for any title in 2026.
- Top Nollywood Opening of 2026: Claimed the crown for the biggest first-day gross for a domestic Nollywood film this year.
- The October Standard: Crowned as the highest single-day box office gross on record for an October movie release.
- A Faith-Based Benchmark: Set a monumental new industry standard as the largest opening performance ever for a faith-based production in the region.
View this post on Instagram
For decades, the original 1993 Mount Zion Christian classic Agbara Nla (internationally known as The Ultimate Power) held a sacred place in the hearts of millions. The groundbreaking series captivated audiences with its raw spiritual themes and unforgettable characters.
Decades later, the magic is back. The modern sequel is directed by the talented duo Damilola Mike-Bamiloye and Joshua Bamiloye, representing a powerful collaboration between Mount Zion Film Productions, Sozo Films, and Circuits.
In a nostalgic treat for lifelong fans, veteran creator Mike Bamiloye reprises his iconic role as the herbalist Isawuru, bridging the gap between old-school legacy and modern cinematic excellence.
What truly sets Agbara Nla: The Return apart is the unprecedented atmosphere it is creating in theaters. This isn’t just a standard movie-going experience; it has turned into a moving, spiritual event.
Reports across various screening halls indicate that the film’s powerful themes have sparked incredible, spontaneous communal reactions. Rather than just sitting silently, audience members have been breaking out into unified worship, singing, and prayer directly inside cinema halls. It is a testament to the film’s deep emotional and spiritual resonance with the public.
Agbara Nla: The Return has proven that faith-based cinema holds immense commercial power, cultural relevance, and artistic excellence in modern Nollywood. The film is currently drawing massive crowds, making it the must-see cinematic event of the year.
Dunamis International Christian Center is set to commission a pedestrian bridge in the Federal Capital Territory.
Under the leadership of Pastor (Dr.) Paul Enenche, the pedestrian bridge is of tremendous benefit to the society, not least the immediate community around the Glory Dome, Dunamis Headquarters.
View this post on Instagram
Tens of thousands of worshippers converged on the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, on Friday, October 2, 2026, for the 10th anniversary edition of the Luli Concert (LC10).
The landmark dusk-to-dawn interdenominational gospel event was centered around the theme “I Will Rejoice in the God of My Salvation” (Habakkuk 3:18). Attendees, many dressed in traditional white garments, filled the venue for a night of intense praise, worship, and spiritual revival.
A massive central choir led the energetic crowd in non-stop, spirit-led gospel music and worship throughout the night. It also featured ministrations from renowned gospel ministers including Tope Alabi, Shola Allyson, Lillian Nneji, Paul Tomisin, and others.
View this post on Instagram
A pastor has sparked reactions online after refunding a N2 million donation from a 24-year-old church member who could not provide a clear explanation of the source of his income.
The incident was narrated by an X user, who detailed how the cleric declined the offering and returned the funds.
My pastor called out a guy today who donated ₦2 million to the church account.
“Who is Mr. P…? I want to pray for him.”
He came out excitedly with his guys.
He was just a small boy of about 24 years old.
Pastor asked, “You sent ₦2 million during the donation last Sunday?”
“Yes, sir.”
“God bless you, my bro. May I know what kind of business you are into?”
“Online business, sir… anything online.”
“Content creation? Freelancing?”
“No, sir. Just online stuff.”
Pastor called the church accountant.
“Please refund his ₦2 million.”
— Ebun (@kenkenlewu) October 4, 2026
@kenkenlewu Pastor said, We are building the church, not sponsoring EFCC investigations. 😂😁
— King Resilience (@kingwizzi_tweet) October 4, 2026
@kenkenlewu Some pastor still have the fear of God in them
It requires a lot to do that
In Nigeria of today— FE RAN MI (@Feranmiisrael9) October 4, 2026
@kenkenlewu Some pastor still have the fear of God in them
It requires a lot to do that
In Nigeria of today— FE RAN MI (@Feranmiisrael9) October 4, 2026
Waysteam — In a world where ministry is no longer limited by geography or walls, technology has opened up new ways to preach, teach, and reach hearts across the globe. Waystream, a Nigerian-founded spiritual content live-streaming platform, is designed specifically for churches, ministries, and Christian broadcasters.
Waystream provides a simple yet powerful platform to stream sermons online, host live prayer sessions, deliver Bible studies, and share faith-based audio messages to a local and global audience — all without the high costs or tech-heavy demands of video streaming.
With Waystream, any ministry can start audio broadcasting immediately with a laptop or mobile phone. Currently serving over 40,000 users broadcasting to millions of listeners across the globe, Waystream provides features that meet the needs of the modern church, offering the ability to:
Launch a custom audio channel for your church or fellowship
Receive donations directly through your stream page
Store sermons for midweek listening or small group sharing
Schedule future services and weekly teachings
Allow real-time listener interaction for prayer requests or encouragement
Most importantly, Waystream supports local payment audio platforms, so churches can subscribe using Nigerian Naira with no international card stress. The platform also offers embedded links for easy sharing on WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and email.
Waystream has flexible plans suitable for all ministry sizes:
Talk Free: Great for new or small fellowships
Talk Lite: Unlimited daily streaming for budget-conscious ministries
Talk Pro: Scheduling, donations, and archiving included
Talk 24/7: Best for ministries running daily radio or devotional broadcasts
More than a platform, Waystream is a religious broadcasting platform that puts the Gospel within earshot of those who need it. Whether you’re in Lagos or Lome, Aba or Atlanta, you can now reach souls with clarity, simplicity, and faith.
Visit www.waystream.io to start your 14-day free trial. Because ministry doesn’t need a building — just a willing voice and the right tools to send it forth.
Pastor Emmanuel Iren of Celebration Church International is set to release his debut movie “What About Us?”, out in cinemas on July 12, and we’re loving it!
Full episode of the show on #ThePraiseworldPodcast available everywhere you listen to your podcasts.
https://youtu.be/x5gRe6PI3vg
-
MUSIC13 years agoMUSIC: Baba Ni Baba – Eben
-
MUSIC11 years agoMUSIC: Eben – Victory (FREE Download)
-
Videos15 years ago
VIDEO: I SURRENDER – PROVABS ft EVE-L
-
MUSIC10 years agoMUSIC: Jimmy D psalmist – Mighty Man Of War (FREE Download) | @JimmyDPsalmist
-
News11 years ago@PRAISEWORLD_ Radio To Host #Jesus on Twitter From 8PM Tonight
-
MUSIC12 years agoPODCAST: 4LaH – The Declaration Of Trust | @4LaH
-
MUSIC11 years agoMUSIC: Eben – Jesus At The Center (FREE Download)
-
News14 years agoTHE 1ST ANNUAL GHANA GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS (GGMA) SCHEDULED FOR JULY 2012