Sinach's 'Way Maker' wins ‘Song of the Year’ at Dove Awards

Nigerian gospel music star, Sinach, has bagged the award for Song of the Year at the Dove Awards. The awards was organized by the Gospel Music Awards and it held on Friday, October 30, 2020. Her song Way Maker clinched the award for its consistency on the charts and its impact on its listeners.

Here is Sinach's performance of the beautiful song "Waymaker" with Leeland and Mandisa at the Award ceremony 

Joel and Luke Smallbone popularly known as For KING & COUNTRY were awarded with the Artist of the Year award. This would be the first time they would win an Artist of the Year Award. Also, they won the Short form video of the Year’ for their duet with Dolly Parton.

The award was held without an audience due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was telecast by Trinity Broadcast Network. Lipscomb University, Nashville, Tennessee has always been the host of the ceremony. It featured performances and stories of hope.

The other winners of the awards include: Tauren Wells (contemporary Christian artist of the year and pop/contemporary album of the year), Tasha Cobbs Leonard (gospel artist of the year), and rapper Kanye West (rap/hip hop recorded song of the year). For Kanye West, this will be his first Dove Award.

Skillet won the rock/contemporary album of the year and rock/contemporary recorded song of the year. We the Kingdom won ‘New artist of the Year’.

Way Maker was written by Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu, popularly known as Sinach. The song was originally released in 2015. It is pertinent to note that by Michael W. Smith and some other artists have covered the song.

At the awards ceremony, Sinach performed the song with Leeland and Mandisa. On YouTube, the song has gotten more than 155 million views so far. With her consistency as a gospel artist, Sinach became the first African to top the Billboard Christian Songwriters Chart.

Upon her nomination for the awards, Sinach said, "It is encouraging to see how my songs have become impactful in the lives of many who listen to me. Way Maker was written when I was facing a challenge and it became a source of encouragement."

In acknowledgement of her award, Sinach wrote these words on her social media page:

"Thank you Lord Jesus! You told me I have made you a story of my grace and favor! Here we go Lord! 

@gospelmusicassoc @jackiepatillo @integritymusic 

My best friend, my husband @joe_egbu; your support and love is a gift. My family Okoro and Egbu. 

Thank you to my mentor and life coach Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Sir! And my LoveWorld family! You saw it before anyone else did. 

My team and staff across the globe always working so hard with me. I love you all! 

Africa, Nigeria this is for every dreamer! God is more than enough! We will always win in Christ.

#sinach #waymaker #peaceinthestorm #iknowwhoiam"

Sinach's Profile:

Osinachi Joseph is a songwriter and singer of Nigerian descent. Born on March 30, 1973, Sinach is a senior worship leader at Believers Loveworld popularly known as Christ Embassy. She has been in the industry for the past 26 years. The visuals of Way Maker emerged the third Nigerian video to gather 100 million views on YouTube in March 2019. This was behind Yemi Alade's Johnny and Davido's Fall. 

The song which has gathered many recognition over the years has been covered by Bethel Music, Darlene Zschech, Michael W. Smith, Leeland, and Mandisa. Sinach became the first African gospel artist to tour India in September 2019. During her tour, she headlined concerts with several thousands in attendance. Also, she became the first African artist to top the Billboard Christian Songwriters chart in May 2020.

The Ebonyi State indigene is the second daughter of seven children. Her career started as a member of the choir of Christ Embassy. She is a graduate of Physics, University of Port Harcourt. Her first album Chapter One was released in 2008. 

For her contributions to gospel music in the previous decade, she was awarded with the LIMA Songwriter of the Decade Award in 2016. It is paramount to note that her songs have been translated to various languages. Also, same year, she was a recipient of African Achievers' Award for Global Excellence. In 2016, she made it to the list of Top 100 Influential Christians in Nigeria by YNaija. Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and Pastor Enoch Adeboye also made it to the list.

The gospel music star married Joseph Egbu in 2014, and they are blessed with a daughter. Sinach is definitely a blessing to her generation. Her decision to promote Jesus through her songs has yielded her honors and achievements over the years.