Sammie Okposo

Sammie Okposo (1971–2022) was a Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter, and music producer who blended highlife, reggae, and urban gospel into a sound that reached audiences across Africa, Europe, and North America. His musical journey began at age ten when he served as a church pianist, and he professionally launched his career in 1992 as a soundtrack producer in the Nigerian movie industry. He later founded and served as CEO of Zamar Entertainment (also known as Zamar Records).

Okposo released his debut solo album, Unconditional Love, in 2000. The record featured the hit single “Welu Welu” and marked his arrival as a solo gospel artist. He followed with several albums, including Addicted (2004), No More Drama (2006), The Statement (2012), and S.W.A.G (Saved with Amazing Grace) (2017). Other well-known songs in his catalog include “Oghene Doh” and “Naija Praise.” He also curated a series of concerts called the Sammie Okposo Praise Party (SOPP), which became a signature platform for his ministry and music.

His contributions to gospel music earned him several awards. He won Most Promising Male Artiste at the 1994 Fame Music Awards, Best Gospel Artiste in Africa at the 2006 Kora All Africa Music Awards, and Best of Africa Gospel at the 2014 SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards. In 2022, he received International Artist of the Year at the SOAR Awards USA.

Sammie Okposo died on November 25, 2022, in Lagos, Nigeria. His legacy remains in the cross-cultural rhythms he brought to contemporary African gospel music and the international reach of his ministry.