Way Maker

Last updated

"Way Maker"
Single by Sinach
from the album Way Maker (Live)
Released30 May 2015 (2015-05-30)
Recorded2015
Genre Contemporary worship
Songwriter(s) Sinach
Producer(s) Mayolee

"Way Maker" is a contemporary worship song written by Nigerian gospel singer Sinach, it was released as a single on 30 December 2015. The song has been covered by a number of Christian music artists worldwide including charting hit versions by Michael W. Smith, Mandisa, Leeland and Passion.

Contents

Release and reception

In November 2016, Sinach released an 18-track album, Waymaker – Live, titled after the single which recorded commercial success, and it was certified gold by Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA). [1] Sinach was rated by Pulse Nigeria as the female artist of the decade, gospel female artist of the decade, and No. 7 artist of the decade in Nigeria. [2] [3]

Sinach became the first African artist to top the Billboard Christian Songwriters chart in May 2020. [4] [5] In June 2020, the song reached the top spot in the Christian Copyright Licensing International Top 100 songs, a ranking based on the frequency that it is used in church worship. [6]

In October 2020, "Way Maker" won the Dove Award for Song of the Year at the 51st GMA Dove Awards in the United States. [7] [8] [9] She was the first Nigerian gospel artist to win the award. [10]

In August 2021, the song won the BMI Song of the year; a first for an African Gospel song. [11]

Commercial performance

In October 2019, on invitation from Joel Osteen, Sinach visited Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, where she performed the song live. [12] She also performed another single titled "I know Who I Am". Her performance was a blessing and became the first female Nigerian born to lead worship at the Lakewood church.

Music video

Sinach released the "Way Maker" music video on YouTube on 30 December 2015. [13] [14] The video shows her singing outdoors. [15] It was directed by Ose Iria and audio produced by Mayolee. [16] [17] On 7 March 2019, the video reached 100 million views, making Sinach the first Nigerian gospel singer and third Nigerian singer overall to accomplish the feat. [15] [13] At the end of 2019, Rhythm 93.7 FM reported "Way Maker" as the second most viewed Nigerian music video on YouTube. [18]

Accolades

Awards
YearOrganizationAwardResultRef
2020 GMA Dove Awards Song of the YearWon [19]

Impact

In 2020, video recordings of the song went viral on social media of people who gathered in their cars around a hospital in Albany, Georgia, singing and praying for those working in Phoebe Putney Medical system. Also, dozens of cars were parked outside Poinciana Medical Center in Kissimmee, Florida, where people gathered and sang the song. [20] [3]

"Way Maker" was also sung at the George Floyd protests in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, [21] and Minneapolis, Minnesota. [22]

Covers and renditions

The song has been covered by a number of Christian music artists around the world including Michael W. Smith, Leeland, Christafari, and various artists in Bethel Music. [23] [24] It has been sung in churches around the world, [25] and has been translated into 50 languages. [6]

In November 2019, Christafari featuring Avion Blackman released a reggae rendition of "Way Maker".[ citation needed ]

In an interview with Billboard, Michael W. Smith said that he was inspired to do the cover after his daughter Anna talked about how it was her go-to song; he first performed it at his concert at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville in August 2018. He was later asked to do a shorter radio version but it didn't turn out well so he went with the duet with his backing vocalist Vanessa Campagna. [26] On 1 February 2020, Michael W. Smith released "Waymaker" featuring Campagna and Madelyn Berry. [27] In March, the song marked Smith's first time in 16 years that he has reached a Billboard top 10 chart with a non-holiday single. [28] Smith's rendition peaked at No. 3 on Hot Christian Songs, at No. 4 on Christian Airplay, and at No. 6 on Christian AC. [29] [30] [31] In response to the Coronavirus pandemic in Italy and seeing Italian residents singing on the balconies, Campagna asked Smith to record an Italian version, which they released on 27 March as "Aprirai Una Via". [32] [33] Smith's rendition would later reach No. 1 on the Christian Airplay chart in May, [26] as well as No. 2 on the Christian AC chart in June.

Leeland's rendition, "Way Maker (Live)", was originally released on 16 August 2019 as a music video and pre-order single from his upcoming album, Better Word. [34] In an interview with Thir.st blog, singer Leeland Mooring said that his mother first came across Sinach's video on YouTube two years prior, and the year after they started singing the song at his home church and then other churches. Mooring said "It didn't matter what the demographics of the people were or what denomination the church was. Every time we sang "Waymaker", everyone would latch onto it too. It was something very special." Mooring said he almost had Sinach come and sing with them on the album, but she could not make it. [35] The song entered the Billboard Hot Christian Songs 11 April 2020 chart at No. 9, marking the first time in the history of Hot Christian Songs that two versions of the same song have resided simultaneously in its top 10 (Smith's version at No. 3). Two other renditions of "Way Maker" also charted in that week: Mandisa at No. 38 and Passion (featuring Kristian Stanfill, Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes) at No. 39. [36]

On 27 February 2020, worship leader Darlene Zschech recorded a rendition of "Way Maker" with William McDowell and a choir for an upcoming album for Integrity Music. [37] Their video was posted in June. [22]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael W. Smith</span> American musician (born 1957)

Michael Whitaker Smith is an American musician who has charted in both contemporary Christian and mainstream charts. His biggest success in mainstream music was in 1991 when "Place in This World" hit No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Over the course of his career, he has sold more than 18 million albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hillsong United</span> Australian worship band

Hillsong United is a contemporary worship collective originating from Hillsong Church. Since forming in 1998 out of the church's youth ministry, the group has released fifteen live albums and six studio albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leeland (band)</span> American Christian rock band

Leeland is a Christian rock band from Baytown, Texas. The band was formed in 2004, although lead singer Leeland Mooring had been writing songs beforehand. Leeland consists of Leeland Mooring, and Casey Moore. The band's original line-up included Jeremiah Wood (guitar), who left the band in late 2006 and was replaced by guitarist Matt Campbell in early 2007, Jack Mooring (piano), Mike Smith (drums) and Jake Holtz (bass).

<i>A New Hallelujah</i> 2008 live album by Michael W. Smith

A New Hallelujah is a live album by Christian recording artist Michael W. Smith. Released in October 2008, this is Smith's third album of worship music, and his fourth live album. It was recorded on June 20, 2008 at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. A DVD version of the album was released in March 2009 along with additional bonus features: Behind The Scenes: A New Hallelujah including four new tracks from the live concert.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sinach</span> Nigerian gospel singer (born 1972)

Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu, known professionally as Sinach, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and senior worship leader, serving in this capacity for over 30 years. She is the first singer-songwriter to top the Billboard Christian Songwriter chart for 12 weeks in a row. Her song "Way Maker" received three nominations and won the Song of the Year at the 51st GMA Dove Awards, making her the first Nigerian to win the Award. She also won the BMI song of the year, and in 2021 was recognized by the US Congress while on tour in the United States of America.

<i>Invisible</i> (Leeland album) 2016 studio album by Leeland

Invisible is the fifth studio album by Leeland, released on July 22, 2016 through Bethel Music.

Brian Mark Johnson is an American contemporary worship musician and worship pastor. He is the president and co-founder of Bethel Music, as well as a member of its Artist Collective and is one-half of the husband-and-wife worship duo, Brian & Jenn Johnson. He is also a senior worship pastor at Bethel Church in Redding, California, and a Senior Overseer of WorshipU, an online school of worship under Bethel Music which he co-founded with Jenn Johnson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reckless Love (song)</span> 2017 song by Cory Asbury

"Reckless Love" is a song by Cory Asbury and it was released on October 27, 2017, as the lead single from his second studio album of the same name, Reckless Love (2018), via Bethel Music. The song also appeared on the album Bethel Music en Español (2019). The song was written by Caleb Culver, Cory Asbury and Ran Jackson, with production being handled by Jason Ingram and Paul Mabury.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Goodness of God</span> 2019 song by Bethel Music and Jenn Johnson

"Goodness of God" is a song by Bethel Music and Jenn Johnson, which was released as the third single from Bethel Music's eleventh live album, Victory (2019), on November 1, 2019. The song was written by Ed Cash, Ben Fielding, Jason Ingram, Brian Johnson and Jenn Johnson. Ed Cash handled the production of the single.

<i>Graves into Gardens</i> 2020 live album by Elevation Worship

Graves into Gardens is the eighth live album by American contemporary worship band Elevation Worship. It was released on May 1, 2020, via Elevation Worship Records alongside Provident Label Group. The album contains guest appearances by Brandon Lake of Bethel Music, Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe, Tauren Wells and Isaiah Templeton. Steven Furtick, Aaron Robertson, Chris Brown, and Jonathan Mix collaborated on the production of the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Blessing (song)</span> 2020 song by Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes and Elevation Worship

"The Blessing" is a song performed by Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes and Elevation Worship, released as the lead single from Elevation Worship's twelfth live album, Graves into Gardens (2020), as well as Kari Jobe's third live album, The Blessing (2020), on March 20, 2020. The song was written by Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe and Steven Furtick. Chris Brown handled the production of the single.

Michael Brandon Lake is an American Christian worship singer, songwriter, guitarist, and worship pastor. Lake is a former member of Maverick City Music and serves as a worship pastor at Seacoast Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Lake began his recording career with a successful crowdfunding campaign to produce an album in 2015, which resulted in the independent release of his debut studio album, Closer, in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Graves into Gardens (song)</span> 2020 single by Elevation Worship featuring Brandon Lake

"Graves into Gardens" is a song performed by American contemporary worship band Elevation Worship and American contemporary Christian singer-songwriter Brandon Lake which was released as the second single from their eighth live album of the same name, Graves into Gardens (2020), on August 7, 2020. The song was written by Brandon Lake, Chris Brown, Steven Furtick and Tiffany Hudson. Chris Brown and Aaron Robertson handled the production of the single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maverick City Music</span> American contemporary worship music collective

Maverick City Music is an American contemporary worship music collective founded by Norman Gyamfi and Jonathan Jay originating from Atlanta.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Anthem (Planetshakers song)</span> 2012 single by Planetshakers

"The Anthem" is a worship song by Australian contemporary worship band Planetshakers. It was released on December 15, 2012, as the single from their 2013 live album Limitless. The song also appeared on Planetshakers Kids' 2013 album Nothing Is Impossible, on the 2014 album Nada Es Imposible and it also appears in the album All For Love (2008). The song was written by Joth Hunt, Henry Seeley and Liz Webber. The song has been covered by a number of Christian music artists including Todd Dulaney, Travis Greene and Elevation Worship led by the worship singer Chris Brown. This song has been translated and interpreted in many evangelical churches around the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Never Lost</span> 2019 song by Elevation Worship

"Never Lost" is a song performed by American contemporary worship band Elevation Worship released as a standalone single, on November 1, 2019. The song was written by Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, and Tiffany Hammer. Chris Brown and Aaron Robertson handled the production of the single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dante Bowe</span> American musician

Dante Bowe is an American contemporary music singer, and songwriter. He is known as a former member of the Bethel Music collective and Maverick City Music.

<i>Greatest Lord</i> 2021 studio album by Sinach

Greatest Lord is the 12th studio album by Nigerian born worship leader Sinach. It was released on April 2, 2021 by Integrity Music. The album features collaborations with Darlene Zschech, Leeland, Maranda Curtis, Micah Stampley, Jekalyn Carr, Nathaniel Bassey, Da'Dra Greathouse, Panam Percy Paul; making it the first Gospel album from Africa to feature a high assemblage of American gospel singers, and also the first time Sinach has collaborated with each of these artists, except Leeland who featured on a version of her song, "Way Maker", alongside Maverick City and Mandisa at the Dove Award Way maker performance.

<i>Believe for It</i> (album) 2021 live album by CeCe Winans

Believe for It is the first live album and twelfth overall album by American gospel singer CeCe Winans. It was released on March 12, 2021, via Puresprings Gospel and Fair Trade Services. The deluxe edition of the album was released on April 1, 2022. The album was produced by Kyle Lee.

Judith Kanayo-Opara, better known by her stage name Judikay is a Nigerian gospel singer, worship leader and songwriter. She gained popularity for her 2019 single "More than Gold". She released her first single, "Nobody Else", in 2013 and released her debut album, Man of Galilee, in November 2019.

References

  1. ↑ "Certificate Reporting". Recording Industry of South Africa . Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  2. ↑ Motolani, Alake. "Top 10 Gospel artist of the decade". PulseNG. PulseNG. Retrieved 2 April 2020.
  3. 1 2 Morris, Andrea (31 March 2020). "Doctors Praying Inside as Christians Surround Hospitals to Pray Outside Against Coronavirus". CBN News . Retrieved 2 April 2020.
  4. ↑ Usaini, Nebianet (6 May 2020). "Sinach Becomes First African To Top Billboard 'Christian Songwriters' Chart". Channels TV. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  5. ↑ "US Billboard ranks Nigerian singer, Sinach number 1 Christian". 7 May 2020.
  6. 1 2 Fowler, Megan (12 June 2020). "How 'Way Maker' Topped the US Worship Charts from Nigeria". Christianity Today. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
  7. ↑ "2020 Dove Awards: Sinach's Way Maker emerges song of the Year". Vanguard News. 3 November 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  8. ↑ "Dove Awards name for KING & COUNTRY top artist". ABC News. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  9. ↑ "The 51st Annual GMA Dove Awards". Dove Awards. 30 October 2020. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  10. ↑ "Dove Awards name for KING & COUNTRY top artist". Washington Post . 31 October 2020. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  11. ↑ "Sinach becomes first African to win big at BMI Christian Awards". Businessday NG. 2 August 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  12. ↑ "Sinach to Perform in Houston". This Day . 5 October 2019. Retrieved 2 April 2020.
  13. 1 2 Abulude, Samuel (20 March 2019). "Nigeria: Sinach's 'Way Maker' Hits Over 100 Million Views On YouTube". AllAfrica.com . Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  14. ↑ Okoye, Kene (1 January 2016). "Sinach dazzles in Way Maker". Kenespoint. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  15. 1 2 Aderemi, Adewojumi (7 March 2019). "Sinach's 'Way Maker' Has Now Reached 100 Million Views On YouTube". Konbini.
  16. ↑ Sinach (30 December 2015). Sinach – Way Maker . Retrieved 14 April 2020– via YouTube.
  17. ↑ Rapheal (6 January 2023). "I see, hear, feel music beyond my physical boundary –Mayolee". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 3 April 2023.
  18. ↑ "Top 10 Most Viewed Nigerian Music Videos On Youtube of the Last Decade". Rhythm 93.7 FM Lagos . 1 January 2020. Retrieved 2 April 2020.
  19. ↑ Grein, Paul (30 October 2020). "For King & Country, Kanye West Among 2020 GMA Dove Awards Winners: Complete List | Billboard". Billboard . Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  20. ↑ Gavan, Hillary (30 March 2020). "Worshippers sing in honor of healthcare workers". Beloit Daily News . Retrieved 2 April 2020.
  21. ↑ "Army of Milwaukee Protesters Sing Worship Song 'Way Maker'". CBN News. 3 June 2020.
  22. 1 2 "Sinach, Writer Of "Way Maker," Named Top Songwriter For 12 Weeks in a Row". 10 June 2020.
  23. ↑ Chaves, Grace (30 January 2020). "The Many Versions of "Way Maker"". New Release Today. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  24. ↑ Showalter, Brandon (16 December 2019). "Bethel Music songwriter's 2-y-o daughter stops breathing, pronounced dead". The Christian Post . Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  25. ↑ Harrington, Jim (8 April 2020). "Easter music playlist: 14 great songs for celebrating the season". The Mercury News . Bay Area News Group . Retrieved 14 April 2020. Yes, "Way Maker" makes the list – more than once, actually
  26. 1 2 Asker, Jim (14 May 2020). "Michael W. Smith on His First Christian Airplay No. 1, 'Waymaker': 'It's the Right Song for the Time'". Billboard .
  27. ↑ Whitmore, Laura B. (31 January 2019). "Exclusive Premiere: Michael W. Smith Shares 'Waymaker' and Announces New Album, Awaken: The Surrounded Experience". Parade . Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  28. ↑ Gospelsongs, Isaiah (12 November 2022). "Michael W. Smith Hits Hot Christian Songs Top 10 With 'Waymaker'". Gospelsong.com.ng. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  29. ↑ "Chart History – Michael W. Smith – Hot Christian Songs". Billboard . Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  30. ↑ "Chart History – Michael W. Smith – Christian Airplay". Billboard . Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  31. ↑ "Chart History – Michael W. Smith – Christian AC". Billboard . Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  32. ↑ Clarks, Jessie (27 March 2020). "Michael W. Smith Releases Italian Version Of "Waymaker" Featuring Vanessa Campagna". The Christian Beat. Retrieved 2 April 2020.
  33. ↑ Tady, Scott (1 April 2020). "Blackhawk grad's song inspires internationally". Ellwood City Ledger. Ellwood City, Pennsylvania: Gannett . Retrieved 8 May 2020.
  34. ↑ Integrity Music (16 August 2019). "Integrity Music Announces the Release of Better Word, a Live Album from Leeland, Sept 13" (Press release). Retrieved 2 April 2020.
  35. ↑ Leeland Mooring (8 October 2019). "THIR.ST TALKS: Leeland on "Waymaker" and their latest album "Better Word"". Thir.st (Interview). Interviewed by Wong Siqi. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  36. ↑ Asker, Jim (9 April 2020). "There's a Second Version of 'Waymaker' in the Hot Christian Songs Top 10 & That's a First for the Chart". Billboard .
  37. ↑ "Darlene Zschech Records "Way Maker" With Pastor William McDowell". Praise 94.5 . 28 February 2020. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.