Foremost Nigerian gospel singer Princess Anne Inyang, acclaimed for the 1996 masterpiece “Akanam Nkwe”, is set to drop a hit single “You’re the Sunshine.”
The ace singer stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
She said the highly anticipated song will be released on Aug. 30, on major music streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, itune, YouTube Music, among others .
According to Princess Anne, by infusing remixes with vibrant percussion and modern African sounds, she seeks to connect with audiences both young and older.
“The track, rendered in both Ibibio and English, is a fusion of the familiar and the fresh, blending highlife rhythms, talking drum symphonies, and contemporary production that bridges generations of listeners.
“I want to bring back the old way where gospel songs were known not just for rhythm, but for the power of their message,” she said.
The singer had earlier in June, organised a huge live concert in Akwa Ibom , particularly to raise funds towards for her foundation and record new songs.
“You’re the Sunshine” is one of those songs recorded, with the same depth of message that defined her earlier classics, with a focus on God’s love and faithfulness,” she said.
She said the brand new single and upcoming album promises to deliver new material while also reintroducing reimagined versions of her beloved hits.
NAN reports that the Akwa Ibom –born Gospel music maestro came to limelight in 1996 when she released “Akanam Nkwe”,the very first Ibibio language song to break into the mainstream music.
The song became not only a nationwide anthem, but also a celebrated tune on global, stage echoing Akwa Ibom culture and language to the world.
The young artiste then reposition gospel song with a song that no one expected to travel beyond the walls of her community, but became a timeless anthem in churches, high profile events and concert halls.
Other songs originally written by her and popularly palyed worldwide are, “Things are getting better”, “God cannot lie”, “My Helper o!”, “You are worthy Lord,” and “ floodgates” to mention but a few.
These choruses remain timeless staples in choirs’ repertoires, sung effortlessly by congregations week after week.
In many ways, Princess Anne’s songs helped shape the sound of modern Nigerian gospel music, where worship and praise to God meet deep cultural identity.
Beside the music stage, she poured her heart and time into humanitarian work through St. Anne’s Care Foundation, a charity she founded to serve the underserved communities in Nigeria and parts of Canada.
The foundation has organised free medical outreaches in remote villages across Nigeria, offering vital healthcare, food relief, clothing, and support for the elderly, children, and women.
For Princess Anne, music and service have always been inseparable — both tools for healing and hope.
Her journey from breaking cultural barriers in the 1990s to returning with global sounds in 2025 is a reminder that true artistry never fades; it only evolves.
As she drops the new song, the legendary singer stands both as a legend of Nigerian gospel music and as a resilient artiste/ Gospel music minister, determined to keep her voice relevant for this generation.(NAN)