Bassey, announcing the event on Instagram, said the gathering would be dedicated to leading inmates in worship and prayer.
“Tomorrow for my birthday, I praise and celebrate with my brethren in prison,” he wrote.
Since its launch in 2017, the Halleluyah Challenge has grown into one of Africa’s largest online worship movements, uniting thousands globally in an hour of nightly praise. The initiative is best known for its testimonies of healing, deliverance, and spiritual breakthroughs shared across social media. By bringing the experience inside one of Nigeria’s most notorious prisons, Bassey is extending his ministry to some of society’s most overlooked members.
Unlike its usual online format, this in-person edition is expected to feature live gospel music, communal prayer, and an atmosphere of hope aimed at encouraging inmates. The move underscores Bassey’s broader mission of inclusivity and faith-driven outreach, while also spotlighting the need for stronger rehabilitation and reintegration efforts within Nigeria’s prison system.
The Kirikiri Medium Security Prison houses hundreds of inmates, many of whom face significant social and economic challenges upon release. Bassey’s decision to celebrate there has drawn widespread praise, with fans commending his compassion and commitment to using worship as a tool for transformation.
Widely respected for songs such as Imela and Onise Iyanu, Nathaniel Bassey has long influenced Nigeria’s gospel music landscape and inspired worshippers across continents. His 44th birthday outreach reflects not just a personal milestone, but also a statement on the power of faith, music, and community to spark renewal in difficult places.
As the one-day worship session unfolds, it is expected to leave a lasting impression on both inmates and observers, reinforcing the Halleluyah Challenge as a movement for spiritual uplift and social impact.
The Journey of the Halleluyah Challenge (2017–2025)
- 2017 – Pastor Nathaniel Bassey launches the Halleluyah Challenge online, hosting an hour of midnight praise streamed on Instagram Live. The movement quickly goes viral.
- 2018–2020 – Gains international traction with tens of thousands joining from Africa, Europe, and North America. Testimonies of healing, breakthroughs, and deliverance flood social media.
- 2021–2023 – Expands into hybrid formats, with live concerts in Lagos and Abuja complementing online sessions. The Challenge becomes a fixture in the global gospel calendar.
- 2024 – Bassey integrates cross-denominational participation, positioning the Challenge as a unifying platform for Christians worldwide.
- 2025 – For his 44th birthday, Bassey takes the Challenge to Kirikiri Medium Security Prison, marking its first edition inside a correctional facility.
Impact: Over eight years, the Halleluyah Challenge has grown from a digital experiment into one of Africa’s largest worship movements, inspiring believers, fostering unity, and reaching marginalized communities.