Blessed are those who get to experience God in their lives. I come from a family of women whose walk with God has shaped generations, and their faith has become a guiding baton for me. Life comes at you in waves, and having something that centers you is essential. For me, that anchor is my faith, a daily companion, constant through both joy and adversity. It is no coincidence that I have a tattoo on my ankle that reads faith; it is a visible reminder that God is always present.
Last night, I had the honor of witnessing multi-award-winning American gospel singer CeCe Winans live at Rhema Bible Church in Johannesburg. While I missed Ntokozo Mbambo due to midweek commitments, arriving in time for CeCe’s performance was nothing short of spiritual. It is incredible to think that even though she lives thousands of miles away in America, we worship the same God and feel the same faith. Growing up in a household where my father played albums she made with her remarkable brother BeBe Winans, whose performances I have also had the privilege of seeing live, made this experience even more special.
I attended with a friend who has become like a sister. From the very first day we met, our connection was spiritual, and sharing this moment with her made my first gospel concert unforgettable.
Reflecting on faith this year has also brought personal clarity. While delivering my grandmother’s eulogy, a woman who embodied unwavering faith, I spoke about the constancy of God and how we cannot tiptoe around Him. Last night reaffirmed that lesson. Consistency in faith matters, and God shows up in both the big and small moments.
CeCe Winans’ tour of South Africa from 19 to 23 August 2025, spanning Johannesburg and Cape Town, is more than a series of performances. It is a testament that gospel music is not fading in the streaming era. Her music has long been synonymous with Sunday mornings in church pews, yet today it transcends the sanctuary, offering therapy, meditation, and a soundtrack for a generation navigating anxiety, solitude, and the search for something deeper.
Even in a country where Amapiano and Afrobeats dominate, CeCe is carving out a digital sanctuary. Spotify data shows her music featured in over 357,000 South African user-generated playlists. Tracks like Goodness of God Live, with over 222,000 plays, Holy Forever, Worthy Of It All Live, and Come Jesus Come are now staples on prayer, meditation, and healing playlists. Even her ‘90s ballad Count On Me finds fresh relevance today.
What stands out is not just the numbers but the context. CeCe’s music peaks midweek, during work hours, commute times, and coffee breaks, proving that her voice is no longer confined to pews. She has become a spiritual anchor, a sonic chapel that meets us wherever we are.
Faith is not reserved for Sundays. Last night, CeCe Winans’ performance reminded me that it is in everyday moments that faith breathes life and meaning. Personally, it was both a spiritual affirmation and a lesson. Consistency with God, like her music, resonates across time, space, and circumstance. If you have the chance, I encourage you to experience her tour yourself, it is truly a gift for the soul.
