Evelyn Wanjiru: The heart of a worshipper

Evelyn Wanjiru: The heart of a worshipper (Photo: Evelyn Wanjiru/ Instagram)

Evelyn Wanjiru is one of Kenya’s most celebrated gospel musicians. Her journey has been defined by resilience, faith, and a deep love for God. She has captured the hearts of many with her soulful music, which is both a reflection of her testimony and a source of hope for her listeners.

As she prepares for Praise Atmosphere 2024 & The Gathering of Champions on December 7, Evelyn’s story shines as a beacon of unwavering faith and perseverance. Her music and life experiences remind people of God’s power to transform lives.

However, Evelyn’s musical career was not handed to her on a silver platter. In a past interview, she revealed how challenging it was to make her music heard. “When I look back, I am grateful that I never gave up despite the numerous challenges I had to surmount,” she said.

Without opportunities to minister in churches, Evelyn turned to matatus, hawking her CDs to passengers. “I would strategically sit next to the driver so that I could request him to play my music. Most were kind enough to accept my request,” she recalled.

Despite the struggles, Evelyn focused on producing high-quality music. “When I listen to the music I composed at that time, I am amazed that it can still minister to me. It is so important to write something that transcends time. I am glad I invested in producing something that was of good quality even when I had meagre resources,” she said.

Her efforts paid off, and today, Evelyn’s songs inspire millions.

In 2022, Evelyn and her husband, Agundabweni Akweyu, announced the birth of their first child after a 10-year wait. The announcement was accompanied by the release of Asante, a thanksgiving song.

“I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him,” Evelyn shared, quoting 1 Samuel. The song quickly gained popularity, surpassing 200,000 views within 24 hours of its release. Reflecting on the milestone, she said, “I am singing because I am a testimony that God answers in His own time. Now I am going to testify.”

Evelyn shared her journey with honesty, revealing the questions she had asked God during the waiting period. “Where are You? Until when? How many more doctors shall we see?” she said. But even in moments of doubt, she found encouragement. “The measure of your temptation is equal to the measure of your blessings. So fight your battle delightfully, for after every test there is a testimony, and after every victory, there is a prize.”

Her message extended beyond her joy. She prayed for other couples experiencing similar struggles, offering hope and encouragement.

Evelyn’s music is deeply rooted in her faith. She describes worship as more than just singing—it’s an opportunity to connect with God and bring healing to others.

“You don’t get what you pray for; you get what you’ve waited for,” Evelyn once wrote. Her music reflects this belief, with lyrics that encourage listeners to trust God’s timing.

Her upcoming concert, Praise Atmosphere 2024 & The Gathering of Champions, promises to be a powerful night of worship. “A Night of Praise, Power, and Purpose!” reads one of her concert posters. “Join us as we gather to lift the name of the Most High in worship, dance, and celebration. This is more than an event – it’s a divine encounter!”

Through her ministry, Evelyn invites worshippers to experience the transformative power of God. Her songs, including Asante, are not just music—they are declarations of faith and gratitude.

Evelyn’s journey has not been hers alone. Her husband, Agundabweni Akweyu, has been her steadfast partner, offering support and encouragement through life’s trials.

“Look at us and see what the Lord has done,” Evelyn wrote, celebrating their journey together. “Anybody can be a father, but it takes a special man to be a DAD. This man right here @agundabweni is a gift from God to me.”

Their love story is a testament to the power of faith and partnership. During their 10-year wait for a child, Evelyn often expressed gratitude for Agundabweni’s unwavering support. Together, they navigated moments of doubt while holding onto their shared faith.

In the music video for Asante, scenes from Evelyn’s baby shower capture their joy as they celebrate the fulfilment of God’s promise. It was a moment that resonated with many, inspiring hope and faith in God’s timing.

Evelyn’s mission extends beyond music. She is the founder of Praise Atmosphere, a foundation aimed at touching lives and creating lasting change. Speaking during its launch, Evelyn said, “It’s about the countless lives we can touch, the voices we can amplify, the talent we can nurture, the communities we can heal, and the environment we can protect.”

Her vision is to empower individuals to make a difference in the world. “We empower individuals from all walks of life to lift their voices, to rise above adversity, and to be the change they wish to see in the world,” she said. “My singing voice has touched hearts, but I believe that each of us possesses a voice, a power, to touch lives in our unique way.”

Evelyn’s commitment to creating a legacy of love and transformation is evident in her work. Through her foundation, she aims to extend the impact of her ministry to communities across Kenya and Africa.

As December 7 draws near, the excitement for Praise Atmosphere 2024 & The Gathering of Champions continues to grow. For Evelyn, this concert is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of God’s faithfulness and a platform for worshippers to encounter Him.

Known for her powerful stage presence and heartfelt lyrics, Evelyn promises a night of healing, hope, and divine connection. Attendees can expect to hear songs like Asante, which reflect her gratitude and testimony of God’s goodness.

Evelyn’s journey from hawking CDs in matatus to headlining major events is proof of perseverance, faith, and God’s transformative power. As she takes the stage at Praise Atmosphere 2024, she remains a true worshipper at heart, inviting others to join her in celebrating the goodness of God.