ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) AND THE FUTURE OF NIGERIAN GOSPEL MUSIC

Abstract

The growing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into music and worship contexts presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly in Nigeria, where gospel music serves a dual role as both a liturgical practice and a cultural expression. A pressing concern emerges regarding how AI technologies may affect the spiritual, theological, and cultural authenticity of gospel music, especially as some churches remain sceptical of non-human agents in sacred spaces. This study aims to investigate the impact of AI on Nigerian gospel music, focusing on its influence on composition, performance, and worship practices. Utilising a qualitative, multi-dimensional methodology grounded in convergent theory, the research engages interviews with clergy, musicians, and focus groups in Jos, Nigeria. The study examines the use of AI tools such as Amper, AIVA, LANDR, and Boomy, which enable real-time performance support, multilingual worship delivery, and accessible music production platforms. These innovations reveal AI’s potential to democratise gospel music creation and dissemination. Findings indicate that while AI offers enhanced technical precision, genre innovation, and wider audience engagement, concerns persist over the ‘soullessness’ of AI, financial limitations, and fears of redundancy among music professionals. Spiritual leaders question AI's capacity to convey theological depth and emotional resonance in worship. The study recommends a hybrid model where AI enhances but does not replace humanled worship and artistic expression. By maintaining theological and spiritual grounding, Nigerian gospel musicians and church leaders can leverage AI to amplify gospel messages while preserving the sacred essence of Christian music.