Harare-born, now New‑York‑based gospel powerhouse Annatoria Chitapa,_ has just landed a Grammy nod as a co‑writer of Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s track “Church” (feat. John Legend). The single, released 25 July on Tasha’s debut album Tasha, is up for Best Gospel Performance/Song.
“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’s lyrical theme finding faith outside the church walls has struck a chord worldwide, and Annatoria’s contribution earned her a place among the top gospel writers of the year.
In a heartfelt social‑media note, Tasha Cobbs Leonard 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.”
Annatoria’s journey has been characterised with success. Church choirs in Harare, sparked a lifelong love of song. In 2020 she won, The Voice UK, catapulting her into the global spotlight. Since then she’s blended gospel, R&B, Afrobeat and pop, releasing a string of uplifting hits.
Now a Grammy‑nominated writer, she continues to break barriers and inspire listeners with “bold faith, resilience, and divine purpose.”
She had a double‑nomination delight. While celebrating Church, Annatoria also cheers the nomination of Best Historical Album for The Modern Sound of Harare Townships: Roots Rocking Zimbabwe (1975– 1980), a 25‑track anthology that preserves the raw, politically charged rock‑rumba‑soul fusion of pre‑independence Zimbabwe. The collection features unreleased gems from, Thomas Mapfumo, Oliver Mtukudzi and many more, shining a light on Zimbabwe’s rich musical heritage.
“From Harare choirs to the world stage, I’m just grateful to be a vessel.”
The upcoming Grammy ceremony promises a night of celebration for both gospel and African roots music.
