Gospel Giants Nathaniel Bassey, Frank Edwards, Bishop Wale Oke Pay Tribute To Late Worship Icon Ron Kenoly
The global gospel music community is mourning the passing of legendary worship leader and songwriter, Dr. Ron Kenoly, whose songs shaped contemporary praise and worship across generations and continents.
Kenoly’s longtime music director, Bruno Miranda, confirmed his death on Tuesday via a statement shared on the worship leader’s official Instagram page. According to the statement, Ron Kenoly passed away on February 3, 2026. No cause of death was disclosed.
“This morning, Feb. 3, 2026, we said goodbye to Dr. Ron Kenoly,” the statement read, sparking an outpouring of tributes from gospel ministers, church leaders and worshippers around the world.
Among those who paid heartfelt tributes were Nigerian gospel stars Nathaniel Bassey and Frank Edwards, as well as the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Wale Oke, all of whom acknowledged Kenoly’s immense spiritual and musical influence.
In a moving Instagram post, Nathaniel Bassey described Kenoly as a foundational inspiration whose music shaped his own calling and that of many others.
“Dr. Ron Kenoly crosses to the 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,” Bassey wrote.
Bishop Wale Oke, in a tribute titled “Farewell to a True Worshipper,” described Kenoly as a servant of God whose life and ministry were devoted to ushering believers into God’s presence. He extended condolences to the late worship leader’s family and prayed for divine comfort.
Read Also: Gospel Legend Ron Kenoly Passes Away at 81
“We commiserate with his beloved family, his wife, children, and grandchildren, and pray that the Holy Spirit will comfort, strengthen, and abide with them at this critical time,” Bishop Oke said.
Frank Edwards also expressed his grief, celebrating Kenoly’s lasting legacy and spiritual impact across nations.
“Life well lived, Heaven’s gain. Thank you for the music, thank you for the impact! Rest well, Dr. Ron Kenoly,” Edwards wrote.
Ron Kenoly rose to global prominence in the 1990s with worship anthems such as Ancient of Days, Let the Praise Begin and Jesus Is Alive, songs that became staples in churches worldwide. His ministry transcended borders, cultures and denominations, leaving an indelible mark on modern gospel music.
As tributes continue to pour in, many believers are celebrating a life devoted to worship, service and faith — a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.