Loading...
THE GOSPEL COMMUNITY MOURNS AS SINGER RON KENOLY DIES AT 81
4 days ago
Ron Kenoly is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of contemporary praise and worship music, with a ministry that spanned nearly five decades and touched millions worldwide.
Singer Ron Kenoly Dies
Legendary American gospel singer and songwriter Ron Kenoly has died at the age of 81.
The influential worship leader passed away on Tuesday, February 3, according to a statement released by his music director, Bruno Miranda, on Kenoly’s official Instagram account.
“This morning, Feb. 3, 2026, we said goodbye to Dr. Ron Kenoly,” Miranda announced, confirming the news that has since sent shockwaves across the global Christian and gospel music community.
Just days before his death, Kenoly shared what would become his final Instagram post on Sunday, February 1, reflecting on his decades-long ministry. In the post, he expressed gratitude to those who supported his work over the years, noting the global reach of his calling.
“I am 81 and in my 48th year of ministry. These are some of those who helped me reach over 123 nations around the world over the past 20 years,” he wrote.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the world, with many describing Kenoly as a spiritual giant whose music shaped modern worship.
In an emotional tribute, Miranda said he worked alongside Kenoly for more than two decades, not just as a colleague but as family. “For over 20 years, I had the honour of walking alongside him in ministry around the world, not just as his music director, but as a son, a student, and a witness to a life marked by faithfulness,” he said.
Miranda also highlighted Kenoly’s firm conviction about worship, noting that the late singer was intentional about rejecting the label of entertainer. “He was not an artist, never an entertainer. He was a worship leader,” Miranda said. “A worship leader’s calling is not to perform songs, but to lead people into true worship in the presence of the King of Kings, Jesus Christ.”
“Today we grieve deeply, but not without hope. The worship he lived is now the worship he beholds,” he added.
“Though our hearts are heavy, we submit to the perfect will of God, taking comfort in the blessed assurance that a life spent in faithful devotion is never in vain,” the bishop said, adding that Kenoly’s spirit-filled songs and legacy would continue to speak across generations.
See Also
PayPal Back to Nigeria, From Blacklist to Fintech-Led Re-Entry
The re-entry comes amid Nigeria’s expanding gig economy, rising exports of digital services and increasing policy focus on non-oil foreign exchange inflows. Freelancers, software developers, creatives and small exporters have long cited PayPal restrictions as a structural disadvantage compared with peers in other emerging markets.
PayPal Returns to Nigeria With Paga Cooperation Launches Live Account Linking
Industry observers say the move could boost Nigeria’s freelance economy, support small exporters and digital entrepreneurs, and reduce reliance on informal or high-cost channels for receiving international payments, further integrating the country into the global digital payments landscape.
Popular Trends
Unharmed but Traumatized as the Welfare of the Returned Kidnapped Girls is Questioned
Twenty-four schoolgirls kidnapped from their boarding school in Kebbi State were reunited with authorities and families this week following a security operation.
The Niger school girls kidnap is prompting authorities to crank up security efforts. The girls appear largely unharmed but there is chance the trauma they experienced will go untreated with the record of Nigeria’s health system.
Dangote 1.4m BPD Upgrade Plans to Overtake India’s Jamnagar Refinery
At this point, only analysts are able to approximate the cost by comparing it with similar expansions globally, but the real number might be somewhere in between in reality.
Ibas Speaks on Completing Mandate, Return to Democratic Governance in Rivers State
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, worked under a federal mandate to restore order and prepare Rivers State for return to democratic governance.
US Updates Social Media Screening for Nigerian Visa Applications
US social media screening for Nigerian visa applicants now means full disclosure of account usernames for the last five years is mandatory.
Posts, images, contacts, and groups are scrutinized for signs of fraud, security risks, or inconsistencies.
ECOWAS Common Currency, ECO, Plan Could Relaunch if Accelerated
The “relaunch” is more of a renewed push and political commitment, especially led by President Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast and ECOWAS leadership, to achieve the Eco’s adoption by 2026 or 2027.
US Visa Restrictions for Nigeria Updated to Reduce Validity
Nigerians have gone from enjoying long-term, flexible access to the US to a regime of short, single-use visas with additional checks and higher costs. The main drivers are reciprocity and security concerns, marking a sharp policy shift in mid-2025 compared to the previous five years
About 79 Nigerians Face Deportation in Worst-of-the-Worst Drive From the U.S. DHS
U.S. officials stressed that cooperation with receiving countries, including Nigeria, is critical to executing removals. While Nigeria has historically accepted deportees from the U.S., large-scale deportations require extensive diplomatic coordination and travel documentation.
Still on the Topic
Education Loan Scheme Offers Lifeline to Students as NELFUND Begins South-West Engagement
Education stakeholders say sustained advocacy and collaboration will be crucial to ensuring that eligible students fully benefit from the programme. More so, financial constraints do not hinder academic aspirations.
X
Unlock News Faster ...Sign Up
More Trending Topics
Falana Proposes FCCPC Investigates Dangote’s Alleged Monopolistic Practices
Some stakeholders advocate for a clearly defined role for all industry players to ensure fair competition and efficient service delivery to Nigerians.
