CNN’s African Voices Changemakers meets Nigeria’s Gospel Stars, Nathaniel Bassey and Mercy Chinwo
Airs on CNN International from Saturday, 5 April 2025
The new episode of African Voices Changemakers, hosted by CNN’s Larry Madowo, puts the spotlight on two of Nigeria’s most celebrated gospel voices: Nathaniel Bassey and Mercy Chinwo.
Gospel music, a genre rooted in the African spiritual tradition and the rhythms of early jazz and blues in 19th-century America, has long been a powerful force within the global music scene. Today, it resonates in churches worldwide and continues to rise in popularity across mainstream charts. In this episode, Madowo explores the personal stories, spiritual journeys, and creative callings that have shaped the careers of these two artists.
First, he meets Nathaniel Bassey, a pastor, singer, and accomplished trumpet player whose career spans two decades. Known globally for his worship livestreams and the viral “Hallelujah Challenge,” Bassey shares how his music is both a ministry and a mission.
“I see music as a platform to give God glory,” he tells Madowo. “I judge success not by numbers or charts, but by the lives touched and transformed.”
Bassey, 43, recalls growing up in Nigeria’s South-South region, where his love for highlife and horn instruments began at home. He describes an early connection with music, sparked the moment his father brought home a trumpet. “From the first day, I made a sound. And that was it,” he says.
Despite receiving a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, Bassey eventually turned away from mainstream aspirations in pursuit of a deeper spiritual calling. His midnight praise sessions on Instagram Live became a global phenomenon, drawing thousands of participants from across the world. “It was simply an idea to praise God at midnight,” he explains. “And people started joining.”
His influence has extended beyond social media. Earlier this year, Bassey was invited to perform at the US Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC, an honour he describes as a continuation of his role as an intercessor for the nations.
Looking to the future, Bassey says there is no concept of retirement in his path. “Praise and worship is eternal. What are you retiring from? This is a rehearsal for heaven.”
Next, Madowo speaks with Mercy Chinwo, a singer whose powerful voice and unwavering faith have made her one of Nigeria’s most recognisable gospel artists.
Chinwo’s journey began with a win on Nigerian Idol in 2012, but even before the spotlight, gospel music had always been her passion. “I wanted to make music that blessed people. Even when others called it ‘noise,’ I knew what I was called to do,” she says.
Her breakthrough single, Testimony, debuted in 2015, followed by Igwe in 2016. Chinwo’s background in church choirs laid the foundation for her growth as an artist and worship leader. “I come from humble beginnings,” she shares. “I was made choir leader as a child, and I embraced that responsibility.”
Now decorated with several awards, including Gospel Artist of the Year at AFRIMMA 2020, Chinwo remains committed to using her platform for impact. She and her husband, Pastor Blessed Uzochikwa, launched the MercyBlessed Foundation in 2023 to support underprivileged communities across Nigeria.
“I want my legacy to reflect a woman who never gave up, who stayed true to her purpose,” she says. “I want people to see someone who served Jesus with all her heart.”
African Voices Changemakers airs on CNN International at the following times:
- Saturday 5 April 2025, at 0730 WAT and 1100 WAT
- Sunday 6 April 2025, at 0330 WAT and 1800 WAT
- Monday 7 April 2025, at 0300 WAT
- Saturday 12 April 2025, at 0730 WAT and 1100 WAT
- Sunday 13 April 2025, at 0330 WAT and 1800 WAT
- Monday 14 April 2025, at 0300 WAT
To learn more, visit CNN’s African Voices Changemakers
About CNN Worldwide
CNN Worldwide is the most honoured brand in cable news, reaching more individuals on television and online than any other cable news organisation in the United States. Globally, people across the world can watch CNN International, which is widely distributed in over 200 countries and territories. CNN Digital is the number one online news destination, with more unique visitors than any other news source. CNN’s award-winning portfolio includes non-scripted programming from CNN Original Series and CNN Films for broadcast, streaming, and distribution across multiple platforms. CNN programming can be found on CNN, CNN International, and CNN en Español channels; on the CNN Originals hub on discovery+; on Max; and for pay TV subscriptions via CNN.com, CNN apps, and cable operator platforms. Additionally, CNN Newsource is the world’s most extensively utilised news service, partnering with over 1,000 local and international news organisations around the world. CNN is a division of Warner Bros. Discovery.
