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Easter Gospel: These are the Songs Soundtracking Nigeria’s Easter Celebrations

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easter FG declares holidays

For Christians around the world, the 7th of April kicks off the celebration of Easter, the annual Christian celebration of the Resurrection. Global streaming platform Spotify hosts an Easter playlist featuring some of the most definitive gospel tracks to lift spirits and help listeners channel their beliefs and inspire their faith during one of Christianity’s most venerated holidays.

Typically, the celebration is marked by church services, festive family meals, Easter egg decoration and gift-giving. For Nigerians, it’s also a time to commemorate that great sacrifice that defines Christianity by bonding over local Gospel music. Spotify data shows that Nigerians listen to more gospel music during the Easter period.

“Nigerian Gospel is a very special offering that combines local sensibilities with the exalting message and belief of global faith. We’re excited to deliver those songs alongside Gospel essentials from the world over as part of this unique experience to inspire the faithful during this important celebration,” says Victor Okpala, Artist and Label Partnerships Manager, West Africa for Spotify.

According to data from Spotify, listenership trends around gospel music from Nigeria during Easter paint an interesting picture. Even more so, the music of Nigerian artists has travelled far and wide and as Easter comes nearer, becomes a source of upliftment to fans in multiple territories globally.

Gospel Exports

Nigerian music is one of the country’s most popular exports, even more so during the streaming era. In keeping with this trend, some of our favourite local Gospel songs have also found massive global audiences outside Nigeria, and become big music exports enjoyed by Christians around the world. Kumama Papa by Grace Lokwa, Moses Bliss and Prinx Emmanuel is the most exported of the bunch. According to Spotify data, more than half of its streams come from the UK, United States, Ghana, France, Canada and Kenya. Keeping up the spirit of collaboration, Nara by Tim Godfrey and Travis Greene follows at No. 2 with God Turned It Around by Nathaniel Bassey, Tim Bowman Jr. and Tim Godfrey at No. 3.  His Words by Grace Tena is the only solo track in the top 5.

Easter Favourites

For Nigerian listeners, there’s no shortage of Gospel classics to soundtrack the Easter season.  However, data from Spotify suggests that certain songs strike a chord among listeners uniquely during the Easter period, leading to massive spikes in listenership during the holiday. Of the Easter favorites among Nigerians, Chandler Moore’s Worthy of My Song (Worthy of It All) saw a 43% increase in streams during the Easter season in past years. It’s followed by Diana Hamilton’s Adom Grace which inspired a 30% spike during Easter.

Local gospel is represented by Onaga, the collaboration between Tim Godfrey, Youthful Praise and JJ Hairsto, which has seen a spike of 24% during the season. Further down the line are Travis Greene’s You Waited and Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s For Your Glory – Live, both of which have seen spikes of 23% during the Easter season.

See the full lists of Nigeria’s top gospel exports and Easter favourites below:

 

TOP NIGERIAN GOSPEL EXPORTS

NIGERIA’S EASTER FAVOURITES

  1. Kumama Papa – Grace Lokwa, Moses Bliss, Prinx Emmanuel

  2. Nara – Tim Godfrey, Travis Greene

  3. God Turned It Around – Nathaniel Bassey, Tim Bowman Jr, Tim Godfrey

  4. His Words – Grace Tena

  5. Mighty God (Remix) – Joe Praize, Soweto Gospel Choir

  6. Dansaki – Lara George

  7. I’m Good – Sal Ly

  8. Most Beautiful – Grace Tena

  9. My God – Grace Lokwa, Moses Bliss

  10. Evidence – Tim Godfrey

  1. Worthy of My Soul (Worthy of It All) – Chandler Moore, Maverick City Gospel Choir, Maverick City Music, Phil Wickman

  2. Adom Grace – Diana Hamilton

  3. Onaga (It’s Working) – JJ Hairston, Tim Godfrey, Youthful Praise

  4. You Waited – Travis Greene

  5. For Your Glory (Live) – Tasha Cobbs Leonard

  6. King of Kings – Chandler Moore

  7. Be Lifted (Live) – MOGMusic

  8. You Know My Name – Jimi Cravity, Tasha Cobbs Leonard

  9. Your Spirit – Kierra Sheard, Tasha Cobbs Leonard

  10. Won’t Let Go – Travis Greene

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Meet the Characters You’ll Love, Hate, or Side-Eye on Africa Magic Shows

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If you’ve spent any time glued to Africa Magic, you already know the characters aren’t just actors, they’re living rent-free in your head. Whether you’re rooting for the underdog, side-eyeing the shady bestie, or yelling “this man again?” every time a villain walks on screen, one thing’s for sure: Africa Magic knows how to build unforgettable characters.

Here’s a rundown of the personalities lighting up your screens, and why you can’t stop talking about them.

The Ones You Can’t Help But Love

Nnanna from Cheta’ M

Nnanna from Cheta’ M

Nnanna is deep in love, like “my whole world begins and ends with Adanna” kind of deep. He’s loyal, supportive, and always ready to stand up for their relationship, even when it’s clearly getting messier by the day. His heart’s in the right place… even if his judgment sometimes isn’t.

Odafe Jr from The Yard

Odafe wants real change. Passionate, principled, and gutsy, he’s taking on corruption at Ajagoro bus park, even when it puts him at odds with his own father. He believes in doing things the right way, and that kind of moral compass? Easy to love.

The Ones You Love to Hate

Tiny from Our Husband

Tiny from Our Husband

At first, you feel for Tiny. Her heartbreak feels raw and real. But the more her story unfolds, the more you start asking: How didn’t she know? Was she blind to the signs, or just willfully ignoring them? You want to root for her, but sometimes… It’s complicated.

The Ones You’ll Definitely Side-Eye

Dayo from Hustle

Dayo from Hustle

Dayo is the definition of good intentions, questionable execution. He’s just trying to survive Lagos, and he stays upbeat even while making the kind of decisions that’ll have you shouting at your screen. He’s messy, chaotic, and lowkey lovable… but your eyebrow is definitely raised.

Deino from Wings

Deino from Wings

As a journalist, Deino is fearless, smart, and principled. But behind the scenes, her personal life is anything but clear-cut. Her lines get blurry fast, and sometimes you’re not sure whether she’s upholding the truth or being pulled under by it. She’s sharp, but her moral compass? TBD.

Africa Magic has mastered the art of building layered, human characters who reflect real struggles, triumphs, and messy in-betweens. Whether they’re navigating love triangles, power struggles, or moral dilemmas, these characters feel real, which is why you’re still thinking about them long after the credits roll.

So next time you sit down to watch, prepare for the full emotional rollercoaster: the love, the rage, the eye-rolls, and the group chat debates. Because with Africa Magic, it’s never just a show,  it’s personal.

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Smart Viewing Starts Here: How to Set Up Your Favourite Channels on GOtv

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GOtv Smart Viewing

In today’s fast-paced world, no one wants to waste time flipping endlessly through channels to find what they love. Whether you’re tuning in for an Africa Magic drama, a live football match on SuperSport, the kids’ favourite cartoons, or the latest reality show, your viewing experience should be seamless and personal.

GOtv understands the value of your time, which is why we’ve made it easier for you to customise your viewing with the “Favourites” feature. Whether you’re watching on your home decoder or via the GOtv Stream app, you now have full control to organise your entertainment around what matters most to you.

No more guesswork. No more channel-hopping. Just instant access to your top shows and go-to channels.

How to Set Your Favourite Channels:

Using the Decoder:

  • Access the Channel Guide: Press the “Guide” button on your remote to browse available channels.

  • Find Your Favourites: Scroll through and identify the channels you watch regularly.

  • Add to Favourites: If supported by your decoder model, you’ll see the option to add these channels to a dedicated “Favourites” list for faster access.

Using the GOtv Stream App:

  • Download the App: Visit your device’s app store and install the GOtv Stream app.

  • Login: Sign in using your SmartCard number, registered phone number, and surname.

  • Browse Channels: Once logged in, navigate to the channel guide within the app.

  • Add to “My List“: Tap to add your top shows or channels to your list. Perfect for busy schedules or planned binge-watching sessions.

Once set up, your GOtv experience becomes simpler and smarter. Whether you’re into football, family-friendly shows, or telenovelas, your screen reflects your preferences. You won’t need to rely on memory or flipping through dozens of channels; everything you need is at your fingertips.

It’s not just about saving time, it’s about taking control of your viewing experience. Want sports front and centre? Done. Need quick access to kids’ shows? Easy. Prefer to keep your reality shows and drama lined up? You’ve got it.

And with the GOtv Stream app, your favourites go wherever you go. Whether you’re commuting, relaxing in bed, or waiting for a meeting, you can stay connected to your entertainment on your own terms.

If you haven’t tried this feature yet, now’s the perfect time to get started. It’s quick to set up, easy to manage, and once it’s done, watching TV just feels better.

Renew or upgrade your GOtv package today via the MyGOtv App or dial *288#.

Stream on the go with the GOtv Stream App and take control of your viewing experience, anytime, anywhere.

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Bosslady Bows Out, Top 6 Shine in an Emotional Nigerian Idol Episode

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Boss Lady Nigerian Idol

Another Sunday, another unforgettable night on Nigerian Idol Season 10, but this time, the emotions ran even deeper. With Father’s Day in the air and a nostalgic theme to match, contestants took us on personal journeys through childhood memories, heartfelt dedications, and powerful vocals. And yes, there were tears from both the stage and the seats.

The show opened with a soul-stirring group performance of “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers, as all seven contestants harmonized their way into the audience’s hearts. It was a tender reminder of what this show stands for: unity, resilience, and voice.

Host IK, channeling African royalty in a regal white shirt, wine cape, and beaded necklace, announced the episode’s theme, a throwback special sponsored by DARAVIT, spotlighting the roots and stories behind each performer.

The judges made an entrance worthy of the moment. Omawunmi returned in queenly fashion, belting a playful version of “Lean on Me” in Urhobo. Ric Hassani paid homage to his roots with his father’s 1989 academic sash and cap, a subtle yet powerful nod to legacy. Iyanya rounded out the panel with his trademark cool.

But the night wasn’t all celebration; it was time to say goodbye to Bosslady. Her exit was softened by an emotional surprise as her father walked onstage to embrace her. The moment was raw and beautiful, a reminder that even in departure, love takes center stage.

Then came the solo performances, each one a story, each one a standout.

  • Purp opened with “He Wasn’t Man Enough” by Toni Braxton. Her power and poise lit up the room, but it was her mom’s surprise appearance that sealed the moment with hugs and happy tears.

  • Brammy followed with a soulful “You’ll Be in My Heart” (Phil Collins), a tribute to his mum, who has filled both parenting roles. She stole hearts with her cheeky “vote for my son” appeal to the crowd.

  • Khristopher brought infectious energy with “Be Happy” (Mary J. Blige). Just as the judges began their feedback, his cousin crashed the moment, overwhelmed with joy, making for one of the night’s most joyous interruptions.

  • Lawrence performed like a headliner, owning the stage with charisma and control. Omawunmi praised his smart vocal choices, and his mother’s surprise appearance added even more warmth to his high-energy set.

  • Mikki delivered a gut-wrenching “All I Am” (Joe), dedicating it to his late mother. His performance was already emotional, but the arrival of his godfather, who was supposed to call in virtually, took it to another level. The shock, the love, the moment: unforgettable.

  • Raymu closed the night with “My Heart Will Go On” (Celine Dion), dedicating it to his late father. The performance, drenched in emotion, moved the judges and left him, and much of the audience, in tears.

Despite the sadness of Bosslady’s exit, the night ended on a triumphant note. The Top 6 now stand strong, each with stories that stretch beyond music; stories of family, faith, resilience, and love. With the finals drawing near, the stakes are higher than ever.

Catch Nigerian Idol every Sunday at 7 PM on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Ch. 151, GOtv Ch. 8), Africa Magic Family (DStv Ch. 154, GOtv Ch. 7), or stream on GOtv & DStv Stream apps and Showmax.

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