Aima Enters The Scene with “Hosanna”: A Fresh Afro-Gospel Voice

Emmanuel Esomnofu

Aima a.k.a Jennifer Onwochei, Nigerian-born singer-songwriter, is making waves in 2021 with her first official single, “Hosanna.” The song is both a strong declaration and a kind welcome. For those who have been silently following her journey, this release is a revelation: Aima is not just joining the gospel music chorus; she is making her own path.

It’s clear that Aima loves the music she grew up with, what makes her stand out is how she weaves that tradition into the beat of modern music. She said in her interview, “For me, music has always been about honouring what I grew up on, songs that had spirit, power, and depth and made them speak to today’s ears.” The song “Hosanna” brings that theory to life. The bones of the song are gospel, but the skin is all groove. Traditional affirmations ride on top of a house-inflected beat that feels like it was made for both the church and the street. The result is a harmonious clash of eras, where religion and funk move in perfect harmony.

“Hosanna” doesn’t hold back in its lyrics. Aima’s writing is strong, and her voice is a source of strength in times of doubt:

 “When the storm calms down, I’ma be up / When the world’s upside, that can’t be us.”

These sentences are more than just catchy; they say who you are and what your position should be in this world. The repeating phrase “Hosanna, Hosanna eeeh” isn’t simply a hook; it’s a cry to collective victory. It can fit in with church services, gospel performances, or even the Afro-fusion playlists that are defining global sounds today.

The beginning of “Hosanna” comes from thinking about how faith makes people strong when the world goes wrong. Aima has a clear goal: to write a song that not only lifts people up, but also reminds them of the strength of their beliefs. The images are clear: dried bones rising, gates falling, and dread being replaced by certainty. That feeling of spiritual rebellion runs across the whole track, giving it both weight and energy. She says that her love of South African grooves, and funk which run through the production, is what gives the song its rhythmic backbone.

Aima’s voice is impressive in both range and emotional force, her vision for how to compose music for her generation sets her apart. She shows she doesn’t want to just recycle gospel templates; but wants to come up with fresh sounds for the gospel music space for a generation that grew up listening to Afrobeats, Pop, Hymns and Praise chants. That is what Hosanna shows.

The Afro-gospel industry in Nigeria is seeing a revival in 2021 with a n upward growth trajectory. Artists are trying new things, going beyond what is expected, and getting attention all across the world. Aima delivers something new: a mix of heritage and new ideas, spirituality and rhythm, depth and ease of access with confidence and humility. It’s her proclamation that says: I am here, and I provide sound and healing.

There is already a lot of talk about Aima. With this fresh sound she has shown she has what it takes to become an emerging star who will change the future of Afro-gospel.

If Hosanna is her starting point, the next question is: how far can she go?