Popular Nigerian gospel artist Nathaniel Bassey has announced a special edition of his widely followed Hallelujah Challenge.
This unique event, dubbed the Kirikiri Edition, will take place on August 27, 2025, inside the Kirikiri Medium Security Prison in Lagos.
The singer shared the news through a heartfelt post on his official Instagram account. According to him, the one-day outreach is part of his birthday celebration.
Rather than hosting a party or event in his honour, Bassey said he felt led to spend time with inmates in praise, worship, and fellowship.
“This is my heart’s desire for my birthday,” he wrote. “We’ll praise, eat together and afterwards give out some scholarships.”
He explained that the event was inspired by the biblical account in Acts 16:25–26, where Paul and Silas worshipped in prison and witnessed a miraculous release. Bassey said he believes the power of worship can bring the same kind of spiritual freedom to the inmates of Kirikiri.
Though the regular Hallelujah Challenge usually streams live on social media, this prison edition may not be available to the public in real time. Bassey cited security concerns as the reason but encouraged his followers to pray along from wherever they are.
“Though we may not stream this for security reasons, you can pray along with us as we go,” he wrote. “We trust God for liberty of the spirit and massive harvests of souls in Jesus’ name.”
Beyond praise and worship, the Kirikiri Hallelujah Challenge will also include the distribution of food to inmates. In addition, some prisoners will receive educational scholarships as part of the outreach effort. Bassey noted that he sees the event as a way to offer hope, healing, and second chances to those behind bars.
The gospel singer has long been known for using his platform to promote faith and community service. The Hallelujah Challenge, which began online in 2017, has since grown into a global prayer and worship movement. It draws thousands of participants across different continents, especially during its midnight sessions in June and October.
Each edition typically runs for 21 or 30 days, filled with music, prayers, testimonies, and live worship. Over the years, many participants have credited the programme with miraculous healings, job opportunities, restored families, and deep spiritual growth.
This Kirikiri Edition, however, marks the first time the Hallelujah Challenge is being held inside a prison facility. For Bassey, it is a powerful step toward reaching people in forgotten or neglected places.
The initiative has already generated excitement among his fans and followers, with many praising the move as bold, selfless, and deeply Christ-like.
“This is real ministry,” one follower commented. “Going to the people who need it most.”
Another wrote, “What a way to spend your birthday, lifting others and sharing God’s love.”
Although this is a one-off edition, Bassey confirmed that the regular Hallelujah Challenge will return in October 2025. He ended his announcement with a reminder to prepare for that upcoming session, while encouraging everyone to support the Kirikiri visit in prayer.
“Meanwhile,” he wrote, “are you ready for the October edition?”
Nathaniel Bassey continues to show that gospel music is not just about songs but also about service, compassion, and impact. As he turns a year older, he is choosing to use his voice, not for applause, but for outreach, worship, and soul transformation.
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