Angel Benard née Angela is a Tanzanian-born gospel musician, minister, singer and songwriter popularly known for ‘Nikumbushe Wema Wako’, ‘Salama’, and ‘Siteketei’.
The talented singer has cemented her status as a music minister and songwriter. Her songs are a constant reminder of God’s presence in a person’s life and the lengths He would go to preserve us.
Take for instance ‘Nikumbushe Wema Wako’; a song with a soft rhythm and a reminder to reminisce on God’s goodness.
Another titular hit would be ‘Siteketei’ which translates to I am not consumed and which speaks volumes to God’s protection over people. The song has an upbeat rhythm which easily draws listeners to it.
Bio
Quick factsheet on Angel Benard
| Full Name | Angel Benard |
| Former Alias | Angela Benard |
| Birthday Date | June 12, 1989 |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Godsave Sakafu |
| Home Town | Mbeya |
| Profession | Gospel musician, Minister, Singer and Songwriter |
Angel Benard was born in June 1989, and grew up in Dar es Salaam before moving to Arusha as an adult. She lost her father at a young age and grew up watching her mother struggle to raise her and her siblings alone.
This did not go unnoticed as she lauds her mother as being a beacon of inspiration and strength and even calling her her hero.
Challenges
Angel Benard is no stranger to the challenges that life throws at you. As a young adult aged 19, Angel would meet a man from church who would father her first child, a move that would wreck her relationships with her loved ones and taint her image of the church altogether.
She took a step back from church and soon afterwards met a new man who proposed marriage and who sired her second child.
However, the blissful engagement was short lived as the relationship naturally fizzled out soon afterwards, which acted as a wakeup call to Angel to go back to God.
She reached out to her pastor who alongside Word Alive Ministry and Vineyard churches walked with her throughout her journey back to God and it was in that process of reconciliation that she would meet her now husband, Godsave Sakafu.
Marriage
Angel Benard is happily married to Godsave Sakafu, with whom she shares a total of six children—five biological and one adopted. The couple tied the knot in July 2015 and has remained blissfully married since then.
While they cherish their family life, they remain private about their marriage and children, a decision made due to undue public scrutiny from naysayers.
Musical Journey
Angel’s musical journey began at the age of 6 when she joined a choir at a Catholic church in Tabata. Before that, she had never set her eyes on singing despite being a natural at it. It wasn’t until a decade later, in 2006, that she officially embarked on her music career, marking the start of her impactful journey in gospel music.
The period between 2006 and 2016, was for Angel, her defining decade. During this time, she worked on building her career in music and ministry with much of her focus revolving around collaborations and establishing her identity in the gospel scene.
She worked with various groups such as Shangwe Voices in Arusha, JWT, Emmanuel Mabisa, Messengers band and Vijana Center worship team which were all instrumental in shaping her career and artistry.
Her efforts in this season set the stage for opportunities that would follow in the subsequent years, eventually leading to her international acclaim.
Her big break would come after she released her hit single ‘Nikumbushe Wema Wako’ , a title track from her debut album ‘Nikumbushe Wema Wako’.
Apart from her music, Angel pursued medical studies and also took a course in theology.
Discography
Angel’s breakthrough came with the release of her first and what is still her most recognized album, Nikumbushe Wema Wako that features the heartfelt title track Nikumbushe Wema Wako in 2016 as well as ‘Siteketei’ that followed in 2017.
These two songs, like the rest of her music, have become timeless inspirations. Siteketei has served as an anthem of God’s presence in times of trouble to those facing adversity and Nikumbushe Wema Wako, a reminder of God’s faithfulness.
But Nikumbushe Wema Wako isn’t just about these two tracks. It is also home to other gems like ‘Salama’, ‘Utukumbuke’ and ‘Kiu Yangu’ just to mention a few, each showcasing Angel’s ability to weave powerful messages into captivating music.
In 2022, she released her second album Hallelujah which includes standout tracks like ‘Nimeona’ and ‘Nimebadilishwa Jina’. This album highlighted Angel’s versatility and growth in the gospel scene, affirming her voice as a leader in the gospel industry.
This year, she has released two singles, Have Your Way and Jehova Sabaoth that features Zoravo. Both deeply prayerful in nature, the songs continue to uplift countless listeners, inspiring anticipation for more music from this acclaimed singer.
In her music career, Angel has worked alongside prominent artistes like Mercy Masika to bring to life ‘Huyu Yesu’, another hit that needs no introduction, Bella Kombo to create Lifter of my Head, Paul Clement on ‘Ninalia’(I am Crying), and recently Zoravo on ‘Jehova Sabaoth’(The Lord of Hosts).
The Todah Experience
In 2024, Angel Bernard, who had moved to the United States in 2018, would return home to perform at Paul Clement’s event dubbed ‘Imago Dei Genesis to Revelation’ and organize her own event called the Todah Experience which is a Hebrew word for ‘A deeper level of praise’. The Todah experience had a great lineup of musical ministers: Zoravo, Bella Kombo, Paul Clement, Franc Jamrack, John Kavishe just to name a few, who ministered powerfully.
Awards and Recognitions
Angel has received significant recognition for her monumental contributions in the Gospel industry. One of her notable achievements has been her advocacy for Gospel music to gain airtime throughout the day rather than being restricted to night time slots as was the case with secular music in Tanzania which has ensured that the gospel now reaches masses during peak listening hours. Angel has also championed individuality in music as opposed to comparing artists who are gifted differently, a move that has promoted unity and mutual respect within the Gospel music community by encouraging artists to embrace their unique gifts and contribute authentically to the industry.
Every artist has their specific assignment and area in which they are endowed and it would therefore be unfair to compare me or anyone else to another. Rose Muhando for example is an evangelist and so her songs evangelize to the masses. Upendo Nkone on the other hand is an intercessor and so her songs intercede.
Angel Benard
Through her music, which has ministered to and impacted millions, Angel Benard’s influence in the Gospel industry is undeniable. Her dedication was first recognized in 2017 when she secured nominations for Song of the Year and Collaboration of the Year for her duet with Mercy Masika, ‘Huyu Yesu,’ at the Groove Awards.
The following year, her artistry shone even brighter with multiple nominations, including Artiste of Excellence East Africa at the Africa Gospel Music & Media Awards (AGMMA), Female Artist of the Year at the Sauti Awards for East, West, and Central Africa, and Best Adoration/Praise Song at the Maranatha Awards. These accolades continued to cement her growing influence in ministry and the Gospel music scene.
In 2019, she was honoured with the prestigious title of Female Minister of the Decade (2009–2019) at the Maranatha Awards, a testament to the transformative power and inspiration that her music brings.
This year, Angel’s remarkable work continues to be celebrated as she secures a nomination for Outstanding Gospel Singer at the WISAC Awards 2024, alongside other phenomenal artists such as Rehema Simfukwe, Bella Kombo, and Martha Mwaipaja.
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