How Sinach became international gospel star

Sinach

Gospel singer Osinachi Kalu Egbu, professionally known as Sinach, celebrated her 48th birthday on Tuesday, March 30.

Expectedly, the mother of one was full of gratitude for being alive.

“For who you are and all you’ve done for me. I celebrate God today

“For my family. Ministry Health and peace of mind.

“I celebrate God’s grace and supernatural favor. Protection, wisdom and understanding!!

“So grateful to You my Lord,” she wrote in an Instagram message.

Not done, she wrote another message with the words: “I bring my offering. I bring my praise

“With a heart full of joy I bring my offering I bring my worship. The highest praise.”

A praise and worship session attended by family, friends and business associates was held in her honour at Eko Hotel, Lagos.

With over 30 years of writing music and leading worship, Sinach is a household name known by many for writing some of the most sung songs in our time.

Her songs include Way Maker, I Know Who I Am, The Name of Jesus, Rejoice, There’s an Overflow and Simply Devoted.

Sinach hails from Ebonyi State in eastern Nigeria, and is the second daughter of seven children.

She started singing for family and friends in 1989 as a hobby, while working as a staff and choir member in Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s Christ Embassy.

She considered relocating from Nigeria after studying physics at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, but was advised against it by Oyakhilome.

In 2016, Sinach was the first recipient of the LIMA Songwriter of the Decade Award, recognising her contribution to gospel music in the previous decade.

Sinach received a Bethlehem Hall of Faith certificate of commemoration during her visit to Israel in December 2017.

In September 2019, Sinach became the first gospel artist from Africa to tour India, headlining concerts with thousands in attendance.

Her song, Way Maker, which has been covered by over 60 Christian artistes and in many languages, bagged three nominations and was named Song of the Year at the 51st GMA Dove Awards in 2020, making her the first Nigerian to win the award.

In May 2020, she became the first African artiste to top the Billboard Christian Songwriters chart.

She is the first singer-songwriter to top the chart for 12 weeks in a row.

Sinach married Dr Joseph Egbu in 2014, and on November 17, 2019, Oyakhilome announced the arrival of the couple’s first child – a girl – after five years of marriage.