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 during a national religious praise event that united thousands of Liberians in worship and song.
Originally composed and sung in 1980 by Ma Sarah Doteh, the song was revived in 2024 with fresh audio and video renditions featuring Minister 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.
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 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,” Ma Sarah told reporters with a nostalgic smile. “I’m humbled that after all these years, the song still touches hearts and brings people closer to God”, she explained.
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’s current generation.
“Ma Sarah added a special spark to the entire event,” said Minister Arblakolo Toe. “Her song reminds us that no matter our challenges, there is always a reason to praise.”
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.
As the one-day event concluded, attendees praised the organizers for staging what many called a “spiritually electrifying and culturally unifying” occasion.
“This should not be a one-time thing,” remarked one worshiper from Grand Bassa County. “Let this become an annual national celebration where every county can come together to thank God in their own language.”
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.
As Liberia continues to embrace faith through art and tradition, “Sanewhere” stands as a timeless reminder that even in the darkest days praise remains a powerful act of hope.
“Sanewhere” : Indeed, even in the darkest days, I will still praise God.
