Historic Milestone for Gospel Music
Trinidadian gospel artist Sherwin Gardner has etched his name in history books. The 45-year-old singer has become the first black gospel artist to achieve the remarkable milestone of one billion views for a single recording.
His viral hit “Find Me Here (Blessings Find Me)” has taken the world by storm, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries.
“The fact or the joy of this is to know that a billion people in the world hear a message and an affirmation of Christ. That is the main thing.”
From Humble Beginnings to Global Sensation
Gardner’s journey in gospel music began humbly in Arima, Trinidad and Tobago, at the tender age of five. Fast forward four decades, and the talented artist is now celebrating 40 years in the gospel industry, a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for spreading the word of God through his music.
The viral success of “Find Me Here (Blessings Find Me)” can be traced back to late 2023. According to a CBN News report, Gardner sent the affirmation melody to a Kenyan music arranger.
He later uploaded the recorded version to Instagram and TikTok, where it quickly gained traction and his follower count skyrocketed.
Star-Studded Endorsements
The song’s popularity soared further when Gardner re-recorded it on New Year’s Day 2024 and asked his production company, Tyscot Records, to release it officially.
Since then, the track has been shared by a host of influential figures, including Grammy Award-winning producer Teddy Riley, R&B singer Alicia Keys, rapper Eve Jeffers, Destiny’s Child’s Michelle Williams, gospel artist Yolanda Adams, and comedian-turned-pastor Kel Mitchell.
Distributed by ADA Warner, the independent distribution arm of Warner Music Group, “Find Me Here (Blessings Find Me)” has been a global phenomenon. As of March 27, 2024, the song had amassed an incredible 1.7 billion views, with Brazil surpassing the United States as the biggest market.
Celebrating Roots and Inspiring Others
While basking in the glory of his historic achievement, Gardner remains grounded in his roots. He expresses gratitude to his home country, Trinidad and Tobago, and aims to inspire young talents, especially within the Caribbean region, to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
“I’d love to say thank you to TT in general, because I feel the love from home. Even though I’m not physically there, I can feel the love and I could feel the appreciation, especially from the artists.”
