The Gospel Reggae Team Initiative — popularly known as The Kristofarians — has unveiled the theme for the 9th Rydeem of Light International Gospel Reggae Festival, set for Easter Monday, April 6, 2026, in Kaduna.
In a statement jointly signed by Kaduna Festival Director Ponzing Niya (Respek PZ) and Executive Director Lucy Awe Peters (Mama Lucee), the organisers announced the 2026 theme: “Reggae Sound, Gospel Found.” Released on Monday, February 23, 2026, the theme reflects the organisation’s mission to use reggae music as a tool for evangelism and Christian fellowship.
Why Kaduna?
Respek PZ described Kaduna as a historic hub for reggae in Northern Nigeria.
“Kaduna is a place where reggae has been alive for as long as a music genre for the conscious mind,” he said. “We are bringing it for those who are Christians but have not found a place for their kind of music within the circle of Christianity.”
The festival aims to provide a welcoming platform for believers who connect with reggae’s rhythm and message while seeking faith-centred expression.
Reframing Reggae’s Image: Mama Lucee acknowledged longstanding stereotypes linking reggae to substance abuse and said the Kristofarians have worked intentionally to redefine that narrative since registering in 2021.
“Since the Gospel Reggae Team Initiative was registered in 2021 and we began organising the Rydeem of Light International Gospel Reggae Festival, a lot has changed positively for the image of reggae in Nigeria,” she said.
She highlighted the group’s diverse membership, which now includes clergy, entrepreneurs and academics. “We even have two professors who are gospel reggae singers. They join us in prayer and participate actively in all we do with gladness,” Mama Lucee added.
Ongoing Projects and Releases
Beyond the annual festival, the Kristofarians have launched other creative and outreach projects.
They released what Mama Lucee described as Nigeria’s first strictly gospel excursion album, The Christ in Reggae, which is available on major streaming platforms. The group is currently recording a new excursion album, Rebuilding the Reggae Temple, slated for release later this year.
Festival Plans
With preparations underway for Easter Monday, the 9th Rydeem of Light International Gospel Reggae Festival will feature live performances, worship sessions and community engagement activities designed to reinforce reggae as a vehicle for Christian faith, unity and social transformation.
The Kristofarians expressed optimism that the year’s theme, “Reggae Sound, Gospel Found,” will resonate with long-time reggae fans and new audiences seeking spiritually grounded musical experiences.
