Kristofarians Unveil 2026 Theme for Rydeem of Light Gospel Reggae Festival in Kaduna

The Gospel Reggae Team Initiative, known as The Kristofarians, has announced the theme for the ninth Rydeem of Light International Gospel Reggae Festival, scheduled for Easter Monday, April 6, 2026, in Kaduna.

In a statement signed by Kaduna Festival Director Ponzing Niya, also known as Respek PZ, and Executive Director Lucy Awe Peters, known as Mama Lucee, the organisers announced this year’s theme as “Reggae Sound, Gospel Found.” The statement was released on February 23, 2026.

According to the organisers, the theme reflects their goal of using reggae music for evangelism, Christian fellowship and community building.

Respek PZ said Kaduna has remained an important city for reggae culture in Northern Nigeria and said the festival is intended to provide a faith-based space for listeners who connect with reggae but want Christian-centred content.

He said the organisers are focused on welcoming people who may have felt excluded from mainstream church music settings because of their musical preference.

Mama Lucee said the initiative has spent years pushing back against the belief that reggae is automatically tied to substance abuse. She said public perception has improved since the group was registered in 2021 and began hosting the festival.

She said the membership now includes clergy, business leaders and academics, adding that two professors are part of the gospel reggae community and participate in the group’s prayer and programme activities.

Beyond the annual festival, the Kristofarians said they are building a wider catalogue of projects. Mama Lucee said the group released what it described as Nigeria’s first strictly gospel excursion album, titled The Christ in Reggae, now available on major streaming platforms.

The group is also recording another excursion album, Rebuilding the Reggae Temple, which is expected later in 2026.

Organisers said the Easter programme in Kaduna will include live performances, worship sessions and community engagement events aimed at reinforcing reggae as a medium for Christian witness, social unity and positive youth engagement.

They added that this year’s message, “Reggae Sound, Gospel Found,” is intended to connect both long-time reggae listeners and younger audiences looking for spiritually grounded music experiences in Nigeria.