When you hear the first few lines of “Way Maker” echo through a church, a concert hall, or even on a quiet night through your headphones, one name immediately comes to mind – Sinach. Born Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu, this iconic Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter, and worship leader has become one of Africa’s most recognizable voices in contemporary Christian music.
But who really is Sinach? And what makes her ministry in music so powerful that it transcends borders, denominations, and even languages?
From Afikpo South to the Ends of the Earth
Sinach is not just a name; it is an anthem. A force. A celestial current has swept through the gospel music scene, leaving behind a trail of worship anthems that resonate with millions. For our Christian audience, Sinach is more than an artist; she is a conduit, a vessel through which the divine speaks, sings, and touches hearts.
Born in Afikpo South, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, the seventh of eight children in a profoundly Christian family, Sinach’s journey began not on a grand stage, but within the hallowed halls of her local church. From a young age, her voice, a rich, resonant instrument, was dedicated to the Lord. It was not about fame or fortune; it was a pure, unadulterated expression of her faith. This foundation, built on unwavering devotion, is the cornerstone of her enduring success.
Unlike overnight sensations, Sinach’s rise was a slow burn – cultivated over decades of service, humility, and Spirit-led songwriting.
While she studied physics at the University of Port Harcourt, her real chemistry was with music. She started singing in her local church and later became a worship leader at Christ Embassy. Her connection with the ministry opened a global door for her songs to be heard across nations, backed not just by talent but by deep spiritual insight.
The Birth of a Global Worship Anthem
Before “Way Maker”, Sinach had already released powerful tracks like “I Know Who I Am”, “Great Are You Lord”, and “This Is Your Season”. The year 2015 brought the song that would become a global Christian anthem -“Way Maker”. Written during a prayer retreat, Sinach said the lyrics were a direct message from God to His people: a reminder that even when we do not see Him working, He is working.
The song struck a spiritual chord. Churches all over the world – whether in Nigeria, South Korea, Brazil, the U.S., or the Philippines – began incorporating it into their worship. It’s been covered by renowned worship leaders such as Michael W. Smith, Leeland, Bethel Music, and Mandisa, with some renditions amassing millions of views on YouTube.
In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, “Way Maker” became more than a song – it was a balm. People sang it from balconies in Italy, hospitals in the U.S., and prayer meetings via Zoom in Lagos. It was listed as the #1 Christian song globally by CCLI and Billboard’s Christian Songwriter of the Year.
More Than Just a Voice
Sinach is not just a voice; she’s a vessel. She writes nearly all her songs – a rare feat in today’s music industry. Her lyrics are theology wrapped in melody, deeply rooted in scripture yet accessible to all. Songs like “The Name of Jesus”, “You Are So Good”, and “Rejoice” are not just uplifting; they are declarations of faith, soaked in the anointing of a woman who walks with God.
She is also an international worship leader, having ministered in over 50 countries, including events at prestigious venues like The O2 Arena in London and Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. Her concerts are more than performances; they are spiritual encounters. Miracles, healings, and personal revivals have been reported at her events.
Faith, Family, and Purpose
Beyond the stage, Sinach is a devoted wife and mother. She married Pastor Joseph Egbu in 2014 and welcomed their miracle daughter five years later – a testament to God’s faithfulness after years of waiting. She often shares snippets of her family life on social media, balancing grace and privacy while inspiring millions.
She also mentors young gospel artists through the Sinach Foundation, encouraging them not just to sing but to carry the Spirit of worship. Her life’s mission is clear: to bring people closer to God through worship that is pure, powerful, and prophetic.
Legacy in Motion
As Sinach continues to tour the world, release new songs, and mentor the next generation, one thing remains certain – she is not just making music; she is making history. Her voice has become a lighthouse for many in times of darkness, her lyrics a scriptural reminder that God is still God, no matter the season.
In a world thirsting for authenticity, Sinach stands tall – rooted in Christ, clothed in humility, and crowned with favour. Whether you are dancing to “I Know Who I Am” or weeping in worship to “Way Maker”, one thing is undeniable: you are experiencing the ministry of a woman sent by God, for such a time as this.
For our Christian community, Sinach is a reminder that worship is not confined to the four walls of a church. It is a lifestyle, an expression of our love and gratitude to God that permeates every aspect of our lives. Her music, her life, and her testimony, all point to one central truth: God is worthy of all praise.
In a world that often celebrates fleeting fame and superficial success, Sinach stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith, talent, and unwavering devotion. She is a voice that echoes heaven, a sound that resonates with the divine, and a light that shines brightly in the darkness. As we celebrate her extraordinary journey, let us be inspired to cultivate our own gifts, dedicate them to God, and use them to make a difference in the world.
Sinach’s story is a reminder that when God is at the centre, the possibilities are limitless. She’s not just a singer; she’s a testament. A living, breathing, singing testament. Her songs will continue to inspire and uplift future generations.
A Woman of Many Firsts
Sinach’s career is filled with trailblazing milestones. In 2016, she became the first African gospel artist to top the Billboard Christian Songwriters chart, and she stayed there for 12 consecutive weeks. She was also the first Nigerian gospel artist to perform at the Experience – Africa’s largest gospel music event – multiple times as a headline act.
In 2020, she was named among the top 100 influential Christians in Nigeria. She has won numerous awards including LIMA Awards, African Achievers’ Award for Global Excellence, and the GMA Dove Award for Song of the Year (for “Way Maker”) -making her the first Nigerian to win the prestigious American gospel music award. Her numerous awards include:
- 2022 ABGMA International Artist of the Decade and Song of the Decade Awards
- 2020 Dove Awards Song of the Year
- 2019 LIMA Song of the Year
- Top 100 Influential Christians in Nigeria.
- 2016 LIMA Songwriter of the Decade Award
- 2016 LIMA Songwriter of the Decade Award
- 2016 Groove Awards Western Africa Artist of the Year
- 2016 African Achievers’ Award for Global Excellence