Ngwo Watu Yohanna — The Immortal Voice of the Berom Nation!
Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa
There are some women whose lives do not merely pass through history—they ignite it. Ngwo Watu Yohanna, affectionately known across Berom land as “Zabiya,” stands tall among the matriarchs whose voices carried the soul of a people. Born in 1958 under the heavy shadow of loss—her father dying just a week after her birth—Watu’s life began with adversity. Yet this very adversity became the soil from which destiny sprang.
Raised through the rich tapestry of Berom indigenous education, she absorbed the proverbs, songs, values, and spiritual depth of her people. Though she never tasted the privilege of formal schooling, her brilliance flowed from another well—the well of divine gifting. Watu was a rare vessel: her music came to her in dreams, melodies whispered by heaven, each composition rooted in Scripture, each song carrying a verse, an interpretation, and a message.
A Musical Giant Who Carried a Nation on Her Voice
Watu’s contributions were nothing short of historic:
Over 200 original compositions
150+ recorded audio cassettes and 2 video cassettes
12 albums, each containing eight or more spiritually weighty tracks
A deep partnership with Evangelist Paul Gindiri and the New Life For All Evangelical Movement
Nationwide ministry travels with her legendary group, Zumuntan Matan Takum Gyel
At a time when indigenous languages struggled for relevance, Watu’s music became a vessel of preservation. She popularized the Berom language through gospel music, fusing culture and Scripture with prophetic boldness. In a world where ethnic heritage was often dismissed, she affirmed Berom identity—not with speeches, but with songs that stirred the human spirit.
Her path was not free of storms. Rumors, criticisms, and even personal tragedies—including the painful loss of infants—attempted to dim her light. But Watu never bowed. Her faith in Christ, her conviction in her calling, and her love for her people sustained her.
On 29th November 1993, at the young age of 35, the world lost a voice—but gained a legacy that refuses to die.
THE LEGACY CONTINUES THROUGH HER SON — SAMDUNG AFRICA (Samuel Davou Yohana)
Among the seeds Watu planted, one has risen magnificently: her son, popularly known as Samdung Africa, whose real name is Samuel Davou Yohana.
Just like his mother, Samdung carries a rare musical mantle—now fully matured as a Professor of Music, a cultural ambassador, and a bridge between heritage and modernity. His work has amplified Berom identity, echoing the same passion that burned in Zabiya’s soul.
But today, Samdung steps into a new chapter of influence—public leadership.
He is officially on the ballot for the position of Member, House of Representatives. And the world watched as this historic moment unfolded on Sele Media Africa News, where we broadcasted his declaration of candidacy to the nation and diaspora audiences. Samdung’s political vision is grounded in the same values his mother championed—faith, culture, unity, and service.
He is not merely running for office.
He is continuing a generational assignment.
A MOTHER’S SEED, A NATION’S HERITAGE
The story of Ngwo Watu Yohanna is more than a biography—it is a monument to resilience, creativity, and faith. Through her:
Berom music gained international visibility.
Indigenous Christian theology found expression in local songs.
Women in ministry saw a path forward.
A son rose to become a professor, a cultural guardian, and now a political torchbearer.
For the Berom people, she remains a mother—not just of music, but of identity.
For Sele Media Africa, she stands as a reminder that stories shape nations, and legacies do not die—they evolve.
SELE MEDIA AFRICA CELEBRATES HER.
THE BEROM NATION HONOURS HER.
THE WORLD REMEMBERS HER.
Ngwo Watu Yohanna lives on—
in every song,
in every cultural revival,
in every step her son now takes in public leadership,
and in the hearts of all who were touched by her divine voice.
This spotlight is produced by Sele Media Africa as approved by the Founder and CEO, Amb. John Sele Philip — preserving heritage, amplifying voices, and telling the stories that matter.
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