Nigerian gospel artist and songwriter, Osinachi Okoro, better known as Sinach, has become the first African and first black person to top the Christian Songwriters’ category of the USA Billboard, for her song ‘Way Maker’.
The song, originally released in 2016, has dominated the USA Billboard chart for the past seven weeks. It has also amassed over 149 million views on YouTube.
The multiple-award winner shared her excitement over the feat on Twitter on Wednesday.
So apparently We have been No 1 on billboard USA for Christian song writer for 7 weeks !! Look at God!! First Black person 😳😳😳😳😳😳
First from Africa … So grateful to God!! Thank you @billboard #loveworld❤️ @joe_egbu 💕💕 @integritymusic #waymaker #sponsoredbygrace pic.twitter.com/XfarPtlIGX— Sinach (@sinach) May 5, 2020
Since its release, ‘Way Maker’ has been covered by a number of globally acclaimed Christian music artists such as Michael W. Smith, Leeland; Christafari; Passion Worship Bank; Maranda Curtis; and Bethel Music to mention a few.
Two covers of ‘Way Maker’ by Michael W. Smith and Leeland are featured in the top 10 Hot Christian Songs chart. According to Billboard, this is the first time in the history of the Hot Christian songs that two versions of the same song have resided simultaneously in the top 10. Leeland’s version is currently ninth on the chart, while Michael W. Smith’s version is in third position.
Sinach, 47, is a senior worship leader at Loveworld Ministries (Christ Embassy) and is known for hit songs including ‘Way Maker,’ ‘He did it again,’ ‘I know who I am,’ among others.
