The song “Way Maker” has become a ubiquitous anthem in churches around the world. Its powerful lyrics and uplifting melody have resonated deeply with congregations, crossing denominational and cultural lines. While many may have first encountered versions by popular worship groups like Passion featuring Kristian Stanfill, Kari Jobe, and Cody Carnes, the true story behind “Way Maker” and its global impact is far richer and more significant. This isn’t just another contemporary worship song; it’s a cultural phenomenon that speaks volumes about representation, the global church, and the evolving landscape of Christian music.
Sinach Way Maker Song Original Artist
Beyond the Cover: Discovering Sinach, the Writer of Way Maker
For many in North American evangelical circles, the Passion version of “Way Maker” might be their first exposure to this impactful song. Released in February 2020, Passion’s live video quickly garnered millions of views, leading many to believe it originated within their familiar worship scene. However, the true author of “Way Maker” is Osinachi Okoro, known professionally as Sinach. A Nigerian singer, songwriter, and worship leader at Christ Embassy, Sinach has been a prominent figure in gospel music for years, with a vast catalog of songs and a global ministry long before “Way Maker” reached mainstream popularity in the West.
Sinach’s original “Way Maker” video on YouTube boasts over 200 million views, a testament to its organic reach and power. In May 2020, she achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first African songwriter to top Billboard’s Christian Songwriter chart. This wasn’t a result of marketing campaigns or industry promotion; it was the undeniable impact of a song that resonated deeply with people across continents. It’s crucial to understand that while white evangelical churches are now embracing “Way Maker,” it has been a beloved song within Black churches and communities for years, showcasing its pre-existing power and significance outside of Western evangelicalism.
Representation Matters: Why Sinach’s Voice is Groundbreaking
The story of “Way Maker” gaining traction in predominantly white evangelical spaces highlights a crucial conversation about representation in Christian worship music. Historically, the dominant voices in contemporary worship songwriting have been white men. Studies and charts consistently reflect this, revealing a landscape where a select few companies and artists largely shape the songs sung in churches across America and beyond. This lack of diversity isn’t just an aesthetic issue; it impacts whose voices are amplified, whose perspectives are centered, and what theological and cultural nuances are prioritized in worship.
Sinach’s emergence as the songwriter behind such a widely embraced anthem disrupts this established pattern. She is a Black woman from Nigeria, bringing a different cultural and musical background to the forefront of global worship. Her success with “Way Maker” isn’t just a personal achievement; it’s a symbolic moment for the global church, signaling a potential shift towards greater inclusivity and a broader embrace of diverse voices in worship music.
A Grassroots Anthem: The Organic Rise of Way Maker
Unlike many contemporary worship hits that are propelled by label marketing and strategic promotion, “Way Maker”‘s rise to global prominence was remarkably organic. It spread through word-of-mouth, YouTube shares, and genuine connection with listeners. Sinach’s original video became a viral sensation, demonstrating the inherent power of the song to move and inspire people without relying on traditional industry gatekeepers.
This grassroots journey is significant because it underscores the authenticity and genuine impact of “Way Maker.” It wasn’t manufactured for chart success; it resonated because it spoke to universal human experiences of faith, hope, and the miraculous power of God. The song’s message of God as a “Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the darkness” transcends cultural boundaries and speaks to the core needs and longings of people from diverse backgrounds.
Receiving from the Global Church: A Shift in Perspective
The widespread adoption of “Way Maker” by Western evangelical churches presents a unique opportunity for a shift in perspective. For centuries, Western Christianity has often been in a position of exporting its theology, music, and cultural practices to other parts of the world. “Way Maker” represents a moment where the flow is reversed. Western churches are receiving a powerful and impactful worship song from the Global South, specifically from a Nigerian woman.
This exchange is incredibly valuable. It acknowledges that spiritual wisdom, creative expression, and profound encounters with God are not limited to any one culture or region. “Way Maker” brings a fresh voice and perspective into Western worship, reminding congregations that the global church is rich with diverse expressions of faith and that there is much to be learned and received from brothers and sisters around the world. The song’s themes of hope and divine intervention particularly resonate in contexts where faith is often tested by hardship and where reliance on God’s miraculous power is a daily reality.
Giving Credit Where Credit is Due: Avoiding Cultural Appropriation
While the embrace of “Way Maker” is a positive development, it’s crucial to address the potential for cultural appropriation. When churches and artists cover “Way Maker” without acknowledging Sinach as the songwriter, or without sharing her story, they risk erasing her contribution and appropriating her work. This is especially problematic given the historical context of white artists often profiting from the work of Black artists without proper credit or compensation.
To truly honor Sinach and the global church, it’s essential to give credit where credit is due. Worship leaders and churches should actively share Sinach’s name and story when they introduce or perform “Way Maker.” Highlighting her Nigerian heritage and her role as a pioneering Black female voice in global worship enriches the experience of singing the song and promotes a more inclusive and respectful approach to worship music. This isn’t just about being polite; it’s about dismantling systemic issues of representation and ensuring that diverse voices are celebrated and valued within the church.
Embrace the Gift: Celebrating Sinach and Global Worship
“Way Maker” is more than just a catchy worship song; it’s a gift from the global church to the Western church. It’s an invitation to broaden our understanding of worship, to embrace diverse voices, and to celebrate the richness of Christian expression from around the world. By intentionally acknowledging and honoring Sinach and her story, churches can use “Way Maker” as a bridge to connect with the global church and to foster a more inclusive and equitable worship landscape.
Take the time to listen to Sinach’s original version of “Way Maker.” Explore her other music and ministry. Follow her on social media and support her work. By doing so, we not only give credit to a deserving artist but also open ourselves up to a deeper and more expansive experience of worship that reflects the beautiful diversity of the body of Christ worldwide. “Way Maker” is leading the way, and it’s our responsibility to follow with open hearts and a spirit of gratitude.
