Authors
Ayami, Bembem Ojen – Ph.D (In view)
Department of Religious & Cultural Studies
University of Calabar
bemsquare504@gmail.com +2347038725099
Ekpenyong, Dianabasi Daniel – PhD (In view)
Department of Religious & Cultural Studies
University of Calabar
dianabasidaniel84@gmail.com +2348062758670
Unimniake, Joseph Ugbe – PhD (In view)
Department of Religious & Cultural Studies
University of Calabar
revugbe08@gmail.com +2348037927567
Agbo, James Etta, PhD
Department of Religious & Cultural Studies
University of Calabar
jamesagbo64@gmail.com +2347034456531
Abstract
African Christology seeks to articulate the meaning of
Jesus Christ in categories that are intelligible and
relevant to African Christian experience. This study
examines the African Christological models embedded in
Sinach’s contemporary gospel song, “Way Maker,” with particular attention to the images of Christ as Way
Maker, Promise Keeper, and Mender of Hearts. The
study is motivated by the limited scholarly attention
given to contemporary African gospel music as a
significant source of theological reflection and
Christological construction. Although gospel songs play
an influential role in shaping Christian consciousness
and worship across Africa, their contribution to
contextual Christology remains comparatively
underexplored. Using a qualitative method of lyrical and
theological analysis, the study interprets selected
expressions in “Way Maker” against the background of
African contextual and functional Christology. The
analysis demonstrates that the song presents Christ
primarily in functional and experiential categories,
emphasizing divine presence, intervention, faithfulness,
healing, restoration, and hope. “Way Maker” portrays
Christ as one who creates possibilities in situations of
apparent impossibility, remains faithful to divine
promises, and restores persons experiencing emotional
and existential brokenness. The study argues that these
representations resonate strongly with African Christian
understandings of Christ as an active, present,
compassionate, and transformative Lord. Gospel music,
therefore, constitutes an important site for the
development and transmission of contemporary African
Christological thought.
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Way Maker. Written and performed by Sinach, 2015 .