27 Tracks Rising, 23 Tracks Regressing

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Gospel music ecosystem over a critical 6-week period, spanning from Week 52 of 2025 (Dec 26, 2025) to Week 05 of 2026 (Feb 5, 2026). This transition between years highlights a significant reset in consumption metrics in early January (W01), followed by a progressive stabilization in February. The dataset encompasses 100 tracked items (50 Music Chart, 50 Live Chart), offering a panoramic view of both Francophone and International gospel performance.

Global metrics for the closing week (W05) demonstrate impressive vitality, with the Music Chart generating 16,092,341 total views, averaging 321,847 views per track. The Live segment, while more modest with 4,525,900 total views, shows notable resilience and high engagement retention. A striking ratio is observed: 78% of the total volume is driven by studio music productions compared to live recordings. Furthermore, the charts are heavily dominated by “Recurrent” tracks, which occupy 90% of the Top 10 positions, signaling a strong listener preference for established anthems over unproven novelties.

The momentum methodology applied in this report defines “Rising” tracks as those showing view growth over 3+ consecutive weeks or a position gain of ≥3 spots. Conversely, “Regressing” tracks are identified by a ranking drop of >3 positions or a decline in views over 3 transitions. The “Momentum Score” aggregates weekly velocity and audience retention to quantify the strength of a track’s trajectory.

Major trends for this period include a thematic return to “Vertical Worship” and themes of absolute surrender (Elevation Worship, Gaise Baba), moving away from the lighter “Pop-Gospel” sounds that saturated the market in late 2025.

TOP 5 UNSTOPPABLES – RISING

#1 – GAISE BABA & LAWRENCE OYOR – NO TURNING BACK II

🔄 RECURRENT
Momentum Score: 98.50
Chart: Music – English/Yoruba
Trajectory: #1 (W01) → #1 (W02) → #1 (W03) → #1 (W05)
Views: W01: 868,650 → W05: 972,381 (+11.9%)
Positive Weeks: 5/5 transitions
Velocity: +2.8% avg/week
Chart Duration: 5 weeks
Release Date: January 2026 (Est.)

This track establishes itself as the absolute leader of early 2026. Maintaining the #1 position throughout the majority of the analyzed period, it demonstrates exceptional audience retention. The message of total commitment (“No Turning Back”) serves as a powerful anthem of consecration for the new year. The raw emotional connection and the fusion of contemporary sounds with deep prayer chants have created a loop of continuous consumption that competitors have failed to break.

#2 – ELEVATION WORSHIP – SO BE IT (feat. Tiffany Hudson & Chris Brown)

🆕 NEW
Momentum Score: 96.20
Chart: Music – English
Trajectory: Entry → #4 (W05)
Views: W05: 816,445 (Direct Entry)
Positive Weeks: 1/1 transition
Velocity: N/A (Direct Entry)
Chart Duration: 1 week
Release Date: January 23, 2026

A massive entry that instantly reshapes the top of the chart. “SO BE IT” benefits from Elevation’s promotional machine but relies primarily on impeccable spiritual timing. The track—a cry of acceptance of God’s will—aligns perfectly with the spiritual season of January/February. The production quality and the Hudson/Brown duo ensure maximum audience retention from the very first listen.

#3 – BETHEL MUSIC – WORTHY / YOU ARE HOLY (LIVE)

🔄 RECURRENT
Momentum Score: 94.10
Chart: Live – English
Trajectory: #2 (W01) → #1 (W05)
Views: W02: 328,195 → W05: 460,609 (+40%)
Positive Weeks: 4/5 transitions
Velocity: +12% avg/week
Chart Duration: 5 weeks
Release Date: January 2026

This live medley has steadily climbed to become the undisputed leader of the Live segment. Unlike viral hits that spike and drop, this track shows a consistent, organic progression, indicating deep liturgical adoption. The simplicity of the lyrics (“You Are Holy”) allows for immediate appropriation by local churches, creating a virtuous cycle of listening and sharing.

#4 – PHIL WICKHAM – WHAT AN AWESOME GOD (SUNSET WALK)

🔄 RECURRENT
Momentum Score: 92.05
Chart: Music – English
Trajectory: #2 (W01) → #3 (W05)
Views: W01: 800,881 → W05: 839,621 (+4.8%)
Positive Weeks: 4/5 transitions
Velocity: +5% avg/week
Chart Duration: 5 weeks
Release Date: January 2026

Phil Wickham proves the power of the “organic/acoustic” format. This “Sunset Walk” version outperforms his own official music video, proving that visual authenticity currently trumps heavy studio production. The track remains a pillar of the Top 3, driven by an accessible melody and theology centered on the greatness of God.

#5 – CECE WINANS – COME JESUS COME

🔄 RECURRENT
Momentum Score: 90.80
Chart: Music – English
Trajectory: #3 (W01) → #2 (W05)
Views: W01: 608,514 → W05: 869,621 (+42%)
Positive Weeks: 5/5 transitions
Velocity: +8% avg/week
Chart Duration: 5 weeks
Release Date: October 2025

The definition of consistency. CeCe Winans suffers no significant drops. The eschatological theme (“Come Jesus Come”) finds a particular resonance in the current global climate. It is a “slow burner” that gains intensity every week, attracting a loyal trans-generational audience that consumes the track on repeat.

TOP 5 LIVE UNSTOPPABLES – RISING

#1 – ELEVATION WORSHIP – THE BLESSING (LIVE)

🔥 PERSISTENT OLDIE
Momentum Score: 88.50
Chart: Live – English
Trajectory: #3 → #2
Views: W04: 407,663 → W05: 423,362 (+3.8%)
A timeless classic that continues to grow years after its release. Its rise to #2 proves it remains the gold standard for digital priestly blessings, unaffected by the influx of new releases.

#2 – ADA EHI – CONGRATULATIONS FT BUCHI

🔄 RECURRENT
Momentum Score: 86.20
Chart: Live – English/Pidgin
Trajectory: #14 (W01) → #3 (W05)
Views: W01: 254,497 → W05: 331,165 (+30%)
The festive energy of this track makes it a staple for new year celebrations. The live performance captures a contagious joy that retains African and Caribbean audiences, driving steady upward mobility.

#3 – ELEVATION WORSHIP – ONE MORE DAY (LIVE)

🔄 RECURRENT
Momentum Score: 84.00
Chart: Live – English
Trajectory: #25 (W01) → #5 (W05)
Views: W01: 156,991 → W05: 257,994 (+64%)
A meteoric rise for this track focusing on perseverance. The raw vocal performance connects deeply with listeners facing trials, propelling the track into the Top 5 with significant velocity.

#4 – CASTING CROWNS – WHO AM I (LIVE)

🔥 PERSISTENT OLDIE
Momentum Score: 81.50
Chart: Live – English
Trajectory: #9 (W01) → #8 (W05)
Views: W04: 182,908 → W05: 193,755 (+5.9%)
The return of nostalgic classics. “Who Am I” benefits from a “revival” effect, attracting an audience seeking solid, familiar theological anchors amidst a sea of new content.

#5 – ELEVATION RHYTHM – THANK GOD I’M FREE

🔄 RECURRENT
Momentum Score: 79.90
Chart: Live – English
Trajectory: #8 (W04) → #7 (W05)
Views: W04: 197,626 → W05: 202,462 (+2.4%)
This dynamic track captures the youth demographic. Its message of liberation and fast-paced rhythm offer a necessary alternative to the ballads dominating the Live chart.

TOP 5 NEW UNSTOPPABLES – RISING

#1 – MOSES BLISS – WITH MY NAME

🆕 NEW
Momentum Score: 95.00
Chart: Music
Total Views (Cumulative): 5,147,180
Position: #8 (W05 Music Chart)
The viral phenomenon of the moment. With over 5 million cumulative views since its release in early January, Moses Bliss confirms his superstar status. The track is driven by an implicit “dance challenge” and a bold declaration of faith that transcends borders.

#2 – PHIL WICKHAM & CROWDER – IT REALLY IS AMAZING GRACE

🆕 NEW
Momentum Score: 89.00
Chart: Music
Total Views: 839,568
Position: #25 (W05 Music Chart)
A collaboration of giants that refreshes a classic anthem. The launch is solid, capitalizing on the combined fanbases of both artists and a high-quality visual production.

#3 – BEN FULLER – WALK WITH ME

🆕 NEW
Momentum Score: 85.00
Chart: Music (Session)
Total Views: 296,375
A raw acoustic performance that gains ground thanks to Ben Fuller’s authenticity. The “Session” format fosters intimacy and organic sharing, performing well relative to its lower production budget.

#4 – JON REDDICK – THE WAY

🆕 NEW
Momentum Score: 82.00
Chart: Music
Total Views: 35,177
Although absolute numbers are lower, the progression curve is consistent. This is a track to watch for a breakthrough into the Top 50 next month.

#5 – WE THE KINGDOM – RESCUE ME (LIVE)

🆕 NEW
Momentum Score: 80.50
Chart: Music
Total Views: 37,689
Released very recently (Jan 30). The group’s rock-gospel energy ensures a promising start, attracting an audience hungry for more organic, instrument-driven sounds.

STRATEGIC MOMENTUM ANALYSIS

4.1 Progression Factors

The rising tracks (Elevation, Gaise Baba, Bethel) share a common theme: Absolute Sovereignty. In early 2026, the audience is not seeking motivation (“You can do it”) but foundation (“God is in control”). Messages based on total surrender (“So Be It”, “No Turning Back”) are outperforming others by significant margins. Seasonality plays a key role: these tracks correspond to the January season of fasting and prayer.

4.2 Regression Factors

Saturation is evident for the “Light Afro-Gospel” style (Forrest Frank, Limoblaze). While biblically based, these messages are perceived as “entertainment” rather than “sustenance” during this specific time of year. There is also a fatigue regarding “Remixes” and forced collaborations that dilute the identity of the original artists.

TOP 5 FLOP – REGRESSION

#1 – FORREST FRANK – SUNRISE

📉 REGRESSION
Momentum Score: 40.20
Trajectory: #24 (W01) → #20 (W04) → #27 (W05)
Views: Stabilizing at a lower tier.
After a period of dominance, fatigue is setting in. The “lo-fi gospel” sound of Forrest Frank is saturating, and without a new visual impulse, the track is sliding gently towards the exit of the Top 30.

#2 – CHIDINMA – JEHOVAH OVERDO

📉 REGRESSION
Momentum Score: 42.50
Trajectory: #32 (W01) → #22 (W04) → #32 (W05)
A classic that yo-yos. Its return to #32 in W05 indicates it is losing its prime spot in new year playlists in favor of fresh 2026 releases.

#3 – ANNE WILSON – MY JESUS

📉 REGRESSION
Momentum Score: 44.00
Trajectory: #30 (W01) → #21 (W04) → #29 (W05)
The track remains present but loses velocity. It is transitioning from “Hit” status to “Catalog” status, no longer generating significant active new listens but subsisting on passive playlisting.

#4 – LEAD ME ON (LIVE) – CHANDLER MOORE

📉 REGRESSION
Momentum Score: 45.10
Trajectory: #25 (W01) → #19 (W04) → #28 (W05)
Despite Chandler Moore’s popularity, this specific track struggles to maintain attention against his own collaborations (with Maverick or Elevation). Audience cannibalization is evident.

#5 – BEN FULLER – IF I GOT JESUS

📉 REGRESSION
Momentum Score: 46.80
Trajectory: #31 (W01) → #26 (W04) → #35 (W05)
The track drops 9 spots in one week. The novelty has worn off, and the track has not succeeded in converting into a lasting church anthem for the time being.

TOP 5 FLOP LIVE – REGRESSION

#1 – NATHANIEL BASSEY – JEHOVAH

📉 MAJOR REGRESSION
Trajectory: #1 (W04) → #10 (W05)
Views: 656,319 (W04) → 185,169 (W05)
A spectacular drop of ~72% in views. The “Hallelujah Challenge” or specific event that carried the track has likely concluded or shifted focus, leading to a sudden halt in viral consumption.

#2 – SINACH – ENOUGH FOR ME

📉 REGRESSION
Trajectory: #7 (W04) → #15 (W05)
Views: 212,672 (W04) → 126,167 (W05)
The novelty effect dissipated very quickly. A 40% drop in views in one week suggests the track did not “stick” beyond Sinach’s immediate fanbase.

#3 – TYE TRIBBETT – EVERYTHING

📉 REGRESSION
Trajectory: #10 (W04) → #11 (W05)
A slow but steady erosion. The high energy of the track is fatiguing over the long term compared to the calmer worship tracks dominating the Top 10.

#4 – DUNSIN OYEKAN – BREATHE

📉 REGRESSION
Trajectory: #12 (W04) → #14 (W05)
Progressive decline. The track remains a reference for “hardcore” worshippers but is losing ground with the general public against new releases from Bethel and Elevation.

#5 – WILLIAM MCDOWELL – DEEP PLACES

📉 REGRESSION
Trajectory: #22 (W04) → #29 (W05)
Drop of 7 places. The track, while deep, lacks the viral “hook” necessary to maintain position in a chart dominated by shorter, more dynamic formats.

TOP 5 FLOP NEW – REGRESSION

#1 – TIM GODFREY – TITD (THIS IS THE DAY)

📉 REGRESSION
Short Term Ratio: 23.3%
The track is performing poorly in the short term (23% retention). The public seems to be rejecting this artistic direction, or the promotion has failed to reach its target audience.

#2 – PHIL WICKHAM – IT REALLY IS AMAZING GRACE

📉 DOWNWARD TREND (Despite Volume)
Short Term Ratio: 33.9%
Although in the Top New by volume, the conversion ratio is low (33.9%). Many curious clicks, but weak retention compared to the artist’s high standards.

#3 – JERMAINE EDWARDS – STILL HERE

📉 REGRESSION
Short Term Ratio: 38%
After a good start, interest collapses quickly. The message is good, but competition in this niche (resilience) is too strong.

#4 – CECE WINANS – FOR YOUR GLORY

📉 REGRESSION
Short Term Ratio: 48.2%
Performance below CeCe Winans’ usual standards (>60%). The Lyric Video format may be limiting emotional engagement compared to her live videos.

#5 – PROCLAIM MUSIC – EMMANUEL

➡️ STAGNATION
Short Term Ratio: 50%
The track fails to launch. With only 13k views, it remains confidential and shows no signs of budding virality.

PREDICTIONS 4 WEEKS

Tracks → Top 5

1. Elevation Worship – SO BE IT (Music): Probability 90%. Current trajectory and production quality guarantee an imminent Top 3 placement.

2. Bethel Music – Worthy (Live): Probability 85%. Will consolidate its #1 Live spot thanks to church adoption.

3. Moses Bliss – With My Name (Music): Probability 80%. External virality will eventually reflect in the main chart rankings.

4. CeCe Winans – Come Jesus Come (Music): Probability 75%. Stable maintenance in Top 5, immovable.

5. Phil Wickham – What An Awesome God (Music): Probability 70%. Will remain strong, supported by upcoming Easter events.

Tracks Risk Exiting Top 50

1. Forrest Frank – Sunrise (Music): High Risk. Confirmed downward trend.

2. Nathaniel Bassey – Jehovah (Live): Medium Risk. If the challenge is over, the drop will continue.

3. Ben Fuller – If I Got Jesus (Music): High Risk. Lacks momentum.

4. Tye Tribbett – Everything (Live): Medium Risk. Natural erosion.

5. Sinach – Enough For Me (Live): High Risk. Rapid audience rejection.

CONCLUSION

The early months of 2026 are characterized by a distinct hunger for authenticity and theological depth. Excessive production is giving way to the power of raw live performances (Bethel) and radical, uncompromising messages (Gaise Baba). The gospel ecosystem appears to be recalibrating, shifting focus from entertainment back to its primary function: vertical worship. Our data confirms that tracks anchored in themes of sovereignty and surrender are the true “Unstoppables” of this season.

May God bless you. Thank you for reading, and see you next week for another Insight.