Worship Wednesday Feature Spotlight: Watoto Worship – A Sound of Hope and Healing

Worship Wednesday Feature Spotlight: Watoto Worship – A Sound of Hope and Healing. In the heart of Kampala, Uganda, Watoto Church has been a beacon of hope for over four decades, and its worship ministry, Watoto Worship, is the soul-stirring voice of that mission. Known for their vibrant, heartfelt worship, Watoto Worship is more than a musical group—it’s a movement that celebrates Christ and cares for community.

With their latest album, Dream Again (Live), released on May 23, 2025, they continue to inspire listeners worldwide with songs that echo resilience, faith, and God’s transformative power. In this Worship Wednesday Feature Spotlight, we dive into the essence of Watoto Worship, uncovering lesser-known facts about their journey and the creation of their new album.

The Heart of Watoto Worship

Watoto Worship is the musical arm of Watoto Church, founded in 1984 by Gary and Marilyn Skinner. The church’s mission to bring healing to cities and nations is vividly expressed through its music, which blends African rhythms, contemporary worship, and powerful lyrical storytelling. What sets Watoto Worship apart is its diverse ensemble, often featuring voices from the Watoto Children’s Choir alongside seasoned worship leaders, creating a unique sound that resonates across cultures.

Unknown Facts About Watoto Worship

A Choir Born from Redemption: Many members of Watoto Worship, including those in the Watoto Children’s Choir, are orphans or former street children rescued through Watoto’s programs. Their worship is deeply personal, rooted in their own stories of restoration, making their music a living testimony of God’s grace.
Global Collaborations with Local Roots: While Watoto Worship is based in Uganda, they’ve collaborated with international artists like Brad & Rebekah and CCV Music for their latest projects. Yet, they remain committed to preserving African musical elements, such as call-and-response patterns and traditional drum rhythms, which are often overlooked in mainstream worship music.
A Worship Training Ground: Watoto Worship isn’t just about performing; it’s a ministry that mentors young musicians. The church runs a music academy in Kampala, training youth in songwriting, instrumentation, and worship leading, many of whom go on to lead worship globally.
Beyond the Stage: Watoto Worship’s impact extends beyond music. Proceeds from their albums and tours support Watoto’s initiatives, including orphan care, education, and community development, directly impacting thousands of lives in Uganda and beyond.

Dream Again (Live) – A New Chapter of Hope

Released on May 23, 2025, Dream Again (Live) is a collaborative masterpiece featuring Watoto Worship, Brad & Rebekah, and CCV Music. This 10-song, 57-minute album captures the energy of live worship at Watoto Church, with tracks like “Dream Again,” “Life Again,” and “We Are The Voice” that uplift and inspire. Recorded in Kampala, the album reflects the church’s 40th-anniversary celebration and its unwavering commitment to God’s call (Isaiah 6:8).

Unknown Facts About Dream Again (Live)

Inspired by a Milestone: The album was conceived as part of Watoto Church’s 40th-anniversary celebration in 2024. It draws inspiration from the church’s journey of faith, with songs like “We Are The Voice” reflecting the collective call to be sent out for God’s purpose, echoing Isaiah 6:8.
A Spontaneous Worship Moment: The title track, “Dream Again,” includes an unscripted moment of spontaneous worship that was captured live. This raw, Spirit-led segment was kept in the final recording to preserve the authenticity of the worship experience.
Cross-Cultural Songwriting: The album’s songwriting process involved writers from Uganda, the United States, and Australia, blending diverse perspectives. For instance, “Life Again” was co-written by a Watoto youth who survived a rebel attack as a child, infusing the song with a deeply personal narrative of restoration.
Eco-Friendly Production: In a lesser-known effort, Watoto Worship partnered with a local Ugandan studio that uses solar-powered equipment to record parts of the album, aligning with the church’s commitment to sustainability and community empowerment.
A Visual Journey: The album’s release was accompanied by official music videos for tracks like “Dream Again” (released February 21, 2025) and “Life Again” (released April 4, 2025) on YouTube. These videos, featuring vibrant visuals of Kampala’s worship gatherings, have garnered thousands of views, showcasing the joy and unity of Watoto’s community.

Why Watoto Worship Matters

Watoto Worship’s music is more than a collection of songs—it’s a call to action, a prayer for healing, and a celebration of God’s faithfulness. As Pastor Brian Abaho of Watoto Worship shares, “Our prayer is that the heart of worship expressed through this album will inspire everyone who hears it to answer God’s call with all their heart so that healing and hope will reach every broken individual, family, city, and nation for the glory of God!”

Their latest album, Dream Again (Live), is available on major streaming platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music, with MultiTracks and charts available for worship teams worldwide. Whether you’re drawn to the infectious rhythms, the powerful lyrics, or the stories behind the songs, Watoto Worship invites you to join their mission of celebrating Christ and caring for the community.

Stream Dream Again (Live) today and let the sound of Watoto Worship inspire you to dream again.