Photo Credit: Ron Kenoly/Instagram

The world of gospel music lost a giant on 3 February 2026, as Ron Kenoly, the General of Praise, passed away at 81. For many of us here in Nigeria, his songs weren’t just tunes on repeat, they were the soundtrack to our Sunday mornings, the guide for our church choirs, and the heartbeat of countless praise sessions.

Even as we mourn his passing, we can’t help but celebrate the incredible mark he left on worship and music worldwide. To honour his legacy, we’ve rounded up five of our favourite Ron Kenoly anthems — the ones we can’t stop playing, praying along to, and singing at the top of our lungs.

Ancient of Days

This is arguably the definitive Ron Kenoly track. From the moment that orchestral brass intro hits, you know exactly what time it is. Released on the 1992 “Lift Him Up” album, this song became a staple in Nigerian churches, teaching us how to blend reverence with a high-octane tempo. It’s impossible to hear this and not join in the “blessing and honour, glory and power” refrain.

Be Glorified

If you grew up in a household that owned a VHS player, you likely remember the visual of Ron leading a massive congregation in this soulful anthem. It is a song of deep surrender and recognition of sovereignty. Even decades later, the simplicity of the lyrics makes it one of the most effective worship songs ever written.

Mourning Into Dancing

Nobody did “Praise Break” quite like Ron Kenoly. This song is the ultimate mood-shifter. Whenever life felt a bit too heavy, this track served as a reminder that joy is always around the corner. It’s rhythmic, infectious, and continues to be a favourite for anyone who loves a bit of holy footwork.

Anointing Fall on Me

This song takes us back to a place of quiet, sincere prayer. It’s a beautiful departure from his more energetic tracks, focusing instead on the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. In the wake of his passing, many are revisiting this song as a tribute to the grace he carried throughout his five-decade ministry.

Lift Him Up

The title track of his record-breaking 1992 album, this song redefined what contemporary gospel could sound like. It’s a call to action for every believer to exalt the name of Jesus above every situation. It perfectly encapsulates Ron’s mission: to lead the world in one unified voice of praise.

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Photo Credit: Ron Kenoly/Instagram

The global Christian community has been hit with news of the passing of a legendary figure in gospel music. Dr Ron Kenoly, the “Professor of Praise” whose ministry defined an era of worship, passed away on Tuesday, 3rd February 2026, at the age of 81.

His longtime music director, Bruno Miranda, shared the news in a statement, confirming that the worship leader passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning. In a moving tribute, Miranda reflected on Kenoly’s unwavering commitment to his calling:

This morning, Feb. 3, 2026, we said goodbye to Dr Ron Kenoly… Doc was very intentional about one thing: he was never an artist, never an entertainer. He was a worship leader.
Today we grieve deeply but not without hope. The worship he lived is now the worship he beholds.

For millennials, it is almost impossible to think back to childhood without Ron Kenoly’s voice in the background. If you grew up in a Nigerian home in the 90s or early 2000s, you likely spent your Sunday mornings or school runs listening to his albums. He brought a vibrant, big-band energy to gospel music that transformed church services across the country. Hits like “Ancient of Days,” “Lift Him Up,” “Jesus Is Alive,” and the deeply spiritual “Anointing Fall On Me” became the gold standard for worship.

The news has led to an outpouring of respect from leaders in the Nigerian gospel scene. Nathaniel Bassey paid homage to the man who paved the way, writing: “Dr Ron Kenoly crosses to yonder side. Thank you for inspiring generations of psalmists like me. I grew up on these songs. And today, others are growing up on ours. Thank you, sir.”

Dunsin Oyekan also shared a tribute to the late icon: “Honouring a General! Rest in Peace Dr Ron Kenoly. An end of an era… You are now singing Forever in His Presence.”

Ron’s excellence was widely recognised. He was a recipient of the GMA Dove Award for Praise and Worship Album of the Year in 1997 for Welcome Home, which also topped the Billboard contemporary worship charts.

Dr Kenoly is survived by his wife, Diana (who also serves as a UN Ambassador), and his three sons: Samuel, Ronald Jr., and Tony, known to many fans as the Kenoly Brothers, as well as several grandchildren.

The post Tributes Pour in for Gospel Legend Ron Kenoly Following His Passing at 81 appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.