It's been suggested that Christian contemporary music is evolving, with a noticeable rise in religious rap, soul, and afrobeats.

According to the Associated Press (AP), younger audiences are driving this shift, with artists using platforms like TikTok and Instagram to reach fans.

James “Trig” Rosseau of Holy Culture Radio told AP that young listeners are seeking “a sonic coziness” while encountering a message that fills a spiritual need. Streaming services such as Spotify and Amazon also report steady growth in these genres over the past five years, though some artists say the movement remains “underground.”

“Over the last two years, there’s something happening momentum-wise, and it still feels underground,” said music professional Angela Jollivette. “But now it’s starting to get the visibility that it’s deserving.”

Artists at the forefront include rapper Lecrae, who won his first Grammy in 2013, Christian afrobeat artist Limoblaze, and rappers Calebl Gordon and Alex Jean. Limoblaze told AP that Christian rap was instrumental in helping him develop “an actual relationship with Jesus.”

“I think Christian Afrobeat is slowly but eventually going to be on a mainstream level,” he said. Lauren Stellato, who leads Amazon’s Christian and gospel music department, added: “These young artists and young fans are bringing faith into sounds and spaces they already live in. The audiences are responding to it because it feels natural.”