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In Nigeria’s dynamic gospel industry, artistes are continually innovating to engage audiences beyond traditional concert venues. One notable example is Nikki Laoye, whose venture into radio broadcasting complemented her music ministry and expanded the channels through which gospel messages reach listeners.

Gospel Artistry and Rise to Fame

Oyenike Laoye, professionally known as Nikki Laoye, emerged on the Nigerian gospel scene with her debut album Angel 4 Life in 2008, introducing her signature fusion of urban contemporary sound with gospel themes. She followed up with ‘The 123 Project’ in 2014, a collection that showcased her songwriting depth and cross-genre versatility. Laoye’s catalogue boasts several charting singles – “Never Felt This Way Before” (2006), “1-2-3” (2013), and the ballad “Only You” (2013) – each earning critical praise and industry recognition, including The Headies Award for Best Female Vocal Performance (2013) and the AFRIMA Award for Best Female Artiste in African Inspirational Music (2014). These honors cemented her status as one of Nigeria’s leading contemporary gospel voices by the mid-2010s.

Moonlighting as a Radio DJ and Industry Impact

In a strategic expansion of her ministry, Laoye launched “Girls Rock with Nikki Laoye” on Praiseworld Radio on February 9, 2013, taking on the role of radio DJ to curate gospel and inspirational music for a global audience. Praiseworld Radio, founded in June 2012 as Nigeria’s first online gospel station, provided her with creative control over a weekly two-hour slot, allowing her to blend musical curation with interviews and commentary on church music trends.

Through this platform, Laoye spotlighted emerging talents (offering airplay and mentorship) and fostered a sense of community among listeners and artists alike. Balancing studio sessions with on-air duties, she demonstrated the viability of a multimedia approach to gospel ministry, inspiring peers to diversify their outreach through radio and digital media. Furthermore, her success underscored the importance of personal branding and alternative revenue streams for gospel artists navigating Nigeria’s evolving music economy.

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Conclusion

Nikki Laoye’s dual role as an award-winning singer and radio DJ exemplifies the modern gospel artist’s embrace of cross-platform storytelling. By moonlighting on Praiseworld Radio, she not only amplified her own message but also laid a blueprint for integrating broadcasting into gospel ministry; a model that continues to shape Nigeria’s spiritual and cultural soundscape.

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This article was first published on 25th April 2025
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preciousgift-nwaeze

Preciousgift is an exceptionally gifted Nigerian writer with a robust theological background and an unwavering passion for gospel music. Alongside crafting uplifting gospel content, he demonstrates expertise in writing about education, communication, and technology, showcasing his remarkable versatility across various subjects.