By Bright Onuoha
…As Don Moen, Panam Percy Paul, Others Mourn Worship Legend
The gospel music world is still reeling from the shocking passing of legendary worship leader, Dr Ron Kenoly, whose voice and ministry shaped church worship across continents but found an especially deep home in Africa.
Kenoly died on February 3, 2026, at the age of 81 after an undisclosed illness. The news was confirmed by his longtime music director, Bruno Morianda, and through his official social media platforms, triggering an outpouring of grief from pastors, musicians and congregations around the world.
While he was born in Arkansas, California, United States, on December 6, 1944, many believers across Africa often described him as “one of us” — a spiritual father whose songs helped define how churches on the continent praise and worship.
A Sound Africa Adopted as Its Own
From Lagos to Nairobi, Port Harcourt to Johannesburg, Kenoly’s music became more than recordings — they became liturgy.
His landmark album Lift Him Up revolutionised congregational praise in the 1990s. Songs like “Jesus Is Alive,” “Ancient of Days,” and “Anointing Fall on Me” quickly crossed borders and denominations, turning into weekly worship staples in African churches.
In Nigeria especially, choirs learned his vocal arrangements note-for-note. Worship leaders studied his stage presence, spontaneity and call-and-response style. Many modern African praise sessions today still mirror the structure he introduced — energetic praise leading into deep worship.
Church leaders say Kenoly did not merely export songs; he exported a worship culture — joyful, participatory and spirit-led.
From Military Service to Ministry
Kenoly’s journey was as remarkable as his impact. After early secular performances and service in the United States Air Force, he committed to full-time ministry in the 1980s. He later served as worship leader and music pastor at Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California.
Over a decades-long career, he recorded more than 20 albums, taught at conferences and mentored worship leaders globally. His teachings emphasised that worship was not performance but ministry — a philosophy that resonated strongly with African churches already rooted in expressive praise.
Tributes from Around the World
Since news of his passing broke, tributes have poured in from gospel ministers across continents.
Integrity Music icon Don Moen described him as “a true worshipper who led generations into God’s presence.”
American gospel singer Donnie McClurkin praised his consistency and humility, while Hillsong’s Darlene Zschech honoured him as a pioneer of modern congregational worship.
Nigerian gospel legend Dr Panam Percy Paul called Kenoly “a father in worship whose sound discipled nations,” noting that countless African ministers grew spiritually and musically through his ministry.
Many described him not just as an artist but a mentor, teacher and bridge between cultures in the global church.
A Personal Connection with Africa
Kenoly frequently ministered across the continent and maintained strong relationships with African churches. Worshippers recall his ability to unite thousands in song regardless of language or denomination.
At a live worship gathering, Nations Worship, held at the Glory Dome in Abuja in January 2025, attendees recount moments of intense spiritual atmosphere as he led thousands in praise — an experience many now cherish as a final impartation.
Legacy That Continues in Every Service
Kenoly, who previously lost his first wife, is survived by his wife Diana, children and grandchildren, along with what many call “a global family of worshippers.”
An open-casket memorial gathering has already been held in honour of his life and ministry, though details of the main funeral ceremony are yet to be announced.
Yet for millions, his farewell will happen every Sunday.
Each time a congregation lifts its hands to sing Ancient of Days or shouts Jesus Is Alive, the ministry of Ron Kenoly lives on — not merely in memory, but in practice. Across Africa’s churches, the man born in America remains a spiritual father whose greatest legacy is not an album, but a way of worship.
