Tag: Afro-Gospel Music news

How Worship Collectives and Gospel Playlists Are Soundtracking Easter in Africa

Posted on by Baba Ghafla

Globally, over 800,000 gospel playlists were created on Spotify during the past three Easter weekends. This reveals how listeners around the world turn to gospel music as both a spiritual anchor and a celebratory soundtrack. Among these, audiences across Sub-Saharan Africa contributed more than 70,000 playlists, highlighting the region’s deep connection to worship music and its evolving role in digital listening culture during this sacred season.

Global Worship Collectives Still Reign Supreme in SSA Gospel Streaming

As African gospel steadily expands its global footprint, Spotify data shows that ensemble-based worship collectives dominated Easter streaming across Sub-Saharan Africa. US and Australian groups like Maverick City Music, Elevation Worship, and Hillsong Worship continued to top charts, reflecting the powerful influence of global worship movements on local audiences. Songs like Jireh and Firm Foundation (He Won’t) have performed well for the third consecutive Easter, showing a strong appetite for emotionally charged, live-recorded tracks that capture the intimacy and energy of a Sunday service.

While international groups held a strong presence, homegrown ensembles also made significant waves across the continent. South African powerhouses Joyous Celebration and Spirit of Praise, both known for their unique blend of traditional and contemporary gospel, remain firm favourites. They are the only African collectives in the top 10 most-streamed gospel tracks during Easter and have become pillars of the African gospel music scene. Their performances, marked by exceptional vocals and innovative arrangements, continue to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries. They are captivating audiences far beyond South Africa’s borders.

Tracks like Ndenzel’ Uncedo Hymn 377 (Live) and Wenzile (Live) by Joyous Celebration, along with Thath’Indawo (Live) by Spirit of Praise, reflect the enduring appeal of anthemic, live-session recordings that mirror the communal spirit of church gatherings across the continent.

Curated Worship: The Rise of Gospel Playlists

Beyond just individual songs, many listeners across the region are turning to curated gospel playlists. Spotify data reveals that more than 70,000 gospel-themed playlists were created across Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa over the past three years. This playlist culture is transforming gospel engagement, making the genre more accessible and reflective of personal and communal moments.

A Steady Soundtrack of Faith

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, gospel music remains a powerful soundtrack to Easter. It is a season of reflection, celebration, and community. Whether through the soaring harmonies of worship collectives or the ease of curated playlists, gospel continues to unite listeners in faith and joy.

See the list of top 10 below

Top 10 most streamed gospel songs

Averly Morillo – Mesias (Live)

Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore, Cody Carnes, Naomi Raine – Firm Foundation (He Won’t)

Spirit Of Praise, Mpumi Mtsweni – Thath’Indawo (Live)

Hillsong Worship, Brooke Ligertwood – What A Beautiful Name

Elevation Worship, Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine – Jireh

Victor Thompson, Ehis ‘D’ Greatest – THIS YEAR (Blessings)

Ebuka Songs – I Will Pray

Hillsong UNITED, TAYA – Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)

Moses Bliss, Festizie, Chizie, Neeja, S.O.N Music, Ajay Asika  – You Are Great

Joyous Celebration – Ndenzel’ Uncedo Hymn 377 (Live)

Msanii Foreman Triumphs over Depression with a New Afro-Gospel Anthem ‘Baba Unanibamba’

Posted on by Kibaki Muthamia

When artists go silent, we often assume it’s the usual industry slump. But sometimes, silence is survival.

For US-based Kenyan artist Msanii Foreman, the year-long hiatus wasn’t just a break from music – it was a fight for his life.

A regular name in East African gospel circles under his record label W@zito Classic Entertainment, Foreman briefly stepped away from the limelight to wrestle with something far more personal: depression.

US-based Kenyan gospel artist Msanii Foreman during a past event in Arizona, US (Image: Facebook)

Triggered by a painful breakup and made heavier by the pressure of juggling med school and a quietly crumbling emotional life – Foreman disappeared – not from failure, but the need to focus on his mental health.

Now, with ‘Baba Unanibamba’ there’s an almost tangible feel of growth and musical maturity with this artist.

There’s an overbearing vibe of honesty – like, hey, I’ve been through the wringer but thanks to powers of the Most High, I’m back!

Produced by Sean OnTheBeat, the song is a rhythmic Afro-gospel jam built for both personal reflection and public celebration. Foreman’s vocals carry maturity – smooth, controlled and brimming with sincerity.

The hook, “Baba, unanibamba,” – loosely translates to ‘Father, you amaze me …’ – is a loop of praise and awe. While easy to sing along, it’s still weighty with meaning and gratitude for anyone who’s crawled out of the dark.

The dance crew on the set during the ‘Baba Unanibamba’ gospel hit shoot. (Image: Facebook)

The production feels grounded – no frills, unnecessary gimmicks. Just a tight blend of Afrobeat drums, melodic synths and an arrangement that does not cloud the message.

The video producer – Ona Tena- has gifted us with aesthetic therapy. It’s set on the street which brings a feel of youth, rebellion and self-expression.

Foreman and his crew’s choice of matching military fatigues is a creative nod to the spiritual warfare he’s been through.

The video choreography is sharp, bold, and purposefully unpolished – like real-life praise breaking through struggle. The energy, electric.

Msanii Foreman also brings a bigger message, for men: It is OK to talk about it – when things go wrong, expectations tank and lights seem to be deem. Do not be depressed, you ain’t alone.

In this regard, Foreman is launching an initiative aimed at sparking conversations around male mental health.

His own story becomes the platform – a testimony that it’s okay for men to feel, to struggle, to ask for help, and to heal out loud. This is artistry with intention. Music with ministry.

‘Baba Unanibamba‘ isn’t just a gospel comeback – it’s a defiant celebration of resilience, healing, and faith.

With powerful visuals, rich vocals, and a deeper mission to unearth the silent battles men fight daily, Msanii Foreman offers more than a song.

Here’s the link to the Afro-gospel hit, ‘Baba Unanibamba’!