On October 5, 2025, renowned Nigerian gospel singer Moses Bliss was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Music and Performing Arts by the Global University of Science and Technology (USA) in collaboration with Clima Africa Leadership Academy.
Moses Bliss
The award ceremony took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, and recognized individuals who have played a key role in advancing gospel music and value-driven leadership.
Moses Bliss was especially honored for his inspirational gospel songs such as "Too Faithful", "Miracle No Dey Tire Jesus", and "Bigger Everyday", which have transformed lives across Africa. Although honorary degrees are not academic qualifications earned through traditional studies, they are a form of recognition for major contributions—in this case, in gospel music and ministry.
Sharon Gatete – Wife of Chryso, on the path to a real PhD
Sharon Gatete, gospel singer and wife to fellow gospel artist Chryso Ndasingwa, is currently pursuing her academic dream of earning a PhD in Music. She is studying for her Bachelor’s Degree in Music at Daystar University in Kenya, after previously studying at Nyundo School of Music (now Rwanda School of Creative Arts and Music).
Coming from a family of pastors, Sharon is the daughter of Pastors Godfrey and Peace Gatete, leaders of Revival Temple Church in Kigali. She says her passion for pursuing a PhD is rooted in her desire to glorify God through professional, impactful music with a clear evangelistic purpose.
She and Chryso had planned their wedding for November 22, 2025, but reports say the date was postponed, possibly due to a major concert Chryso is scheduled to perform in Europe around the same time.
Israel Mbonyi – Gospel star pursuing a PhD in Public Health
Meanwhile, Israel Mbonyi, one of Rwanda’s most prominent gospel artists, is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Health via online studies from Canada. He began his PhD program in July 2023, complementing his mission of ministry through music with advanced academic learning.
Mbonyi already holds a Master’s Degree in Pharmacy from India and believes education is a vital part of preparing for the future, alongside his spiritual and musical journey. He continues to influence many through gospel music, with songs like "Nina Siri"" (with over 84 million views on YouTube), "Nita Amini" (with over 50 million views on YouTube), "Ku Migezi", "Karame", and his hit album "Nk’umusirikare" (released in June 2024 in Europe).
On October 5, 2025, he also launched his fifth album, titled “Hobe”, during a concert at Intare Conference Arena in Rwanda. The album features 14 songs with themes of hope, repentance, thanksgiving, and spiritual growth. Songs include: Hobe, Uriya, Sindekura, Umurage, Sijamalizana Na Wewe, and others.
Gospel music and knowledge go hand in hand
While Moses Bliss has been honored with a Doctorate for his impact, others like Sharon Gatete and Israel Mbonyi are actively pursuing academic PhDs, in music and public health respectively. Their journeys highlight how gospel music is increasingly being valued globally, not just as a spiritual tool, but as a professional and academic discipline too.
Whether it’s Moses Bliss, Sharon Gatete [Chryso Ndasingwa’s wife], or Israel Mbonyi, they all serve one Master (God) with a shared mission: to spread the Gospel through music, while also seeking excellence and knowledge.
Moses Bliss was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Music and Performing Arts. The award ceremony took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, and recognized individuals who have played a key role in advancing gospel music and value-driven leadership.
