Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment
United States-based Zimbabwean gospel artist, Annatoria Chitapa has earned a Grammy nomination as one of the songwriters for Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s track “Church,” featuring John Legend.
The song was nominated in the Best Gospel Performance/Song category.
Annatoria, expressed her excitement and gratitude on social media.
“A Grammy nominated writer. What an honour? Thank you, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, for allowing me to be a part of this amazing project. Writing this was so amazing.”
The song “Church” was released on July 25, featured on Tasha Cobbs debut studio album, “Tasha”.
The song’s theme is about finding moments of faith outside of a church building.
In a gratitude message on her social media, Tasha Cobbs said the nomination humbled her.
“I’m just sitting here just grateful. To find out that Tasha and Church are nominated for Grammy Awards today is honestly humbling.
“This music came from such a personal and honest place for me. It was healing, it is worship. To see it connect with others the way it has is just refreshing and mind blowing.
“A huge thank you and congratulations to my incredible team, my label and every person who helped bring this vision to life.”
Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, Annatoria’s musical journey began in church choirs, shaping her faith and discipline.
She rose to fame after winning The Voice UK in 2020 and has since released impactful songs blending gospel, R&B, Afrobeat, and pop.
Annatoria’s journey is one of bold faith, resilience, and divine purpose.
From her Zimbabwean roots to gracing international stages, she continues to break barriers and uplift hearts with her authenticity, sound, and unwavering passion for ministry.
Her story is a powerful reminder of what God can do with a life fully surrendered.
In another nomination was for the Best Historical Album which saw “The Modern Sound of Harare Townships: Roots Rocking Zimbabwe (1975–1980)” making the list on the category for Best Historical Album alongside contenders like Doc Pomus and Super Disco Pirata.
Released by Analog Africa, this compilation is far more than just a collection of old songs; it is a meticulously preserved record of the politically charged, innovative music created during the critical pre-Independence era.
The nomination serves as a powerful form of soft power, positively showcasing Zimbabwe’s artistic history and promoting the country’s rich culture to the entire world.
The album’s story is one of wild experimentation, as rock, rumba, soul, and traditional grooves collide beautifully in a collection of 25 songs that showcase the birth of the modern music industry in Zimbabwe.
It features never-before-released tracks by Thomas Mapfumo, Oliver Mtukudzi, and many other Zimbabwean artists.
