By Julius Konton
A timeless Grebo gospel classic, “Sanewhere,” meaning even in the darkest days, I will still praise God, stirred waves of emotion, and spiritual joy at the Samuel K. Doe Sports Complex.
The singer kept the audience spell-bound during a national religious praise event that ‘united Liberians in worships and songs.’
Originally composed and sung in 1980 by Ma Sarah Doteh, the song was revived in 2024 with fresh audio and video renditions featuring a Minister of the Gospel, Arblakolo M. Toe, and Pastor Klah Doteh, rekindling its message of faith and endurance.
Dressed in a white suit with a matching head tie and a red, white, and blue lappa draped around her waist, the elderly, but vibrant Ma Sarah Doteh, now in her later years, captivated the audience, the moment she stepped onto the stage.
While gripping the microphone firmly, she lifted her voice in praise. Within seconds, the crowd erupted in cheers as the gospel matriarch began to dance energetically, defying her old age, and filling the stadium with an atmosphere of reverence and jubilation.
“I sang Sanewhere before I got married, even before I had my first child. I am humbled that after all these years, the song still touches hearts and brings people closer to God,” Ma Sarah told reporters with a nostalgic smile.
The 45-year-old song’s revival struck a chord with both the young and the old. Worshipers described Ma Sarah’s performance as “divinely inspiring,” noting how the song’s powerful message of unwavering faith resonated deeply with the country current generation.
Forty-five years since its creation, “Sanewhere” continues to sound fresh, its rhythm danceable; its message enduring. The song has once again found new life on social media, where many Liberians are using it as a soundtrack for their personal testimonies and praise moments.
“Ma Sarah added a special spark to the entire event. Her song reminds us that no matter our challenges, there is always a reason to praise,” said Minister Arblakolo Toe.
The event titled: “Praise the Lord in Your Dialect” celebrated Liberia’s rich linguistic and cultural diversity, featuring gospel artists from various regions singing and dancing in their native tongues to glorify God.
Those at the one-day event praised the organizers for staging a “spiritually electrifying and culturally unifying occasion.”