Entertainment
Why Patience Nyarko got it wrong “attacking” Joe Mettle
I had the surprise of my life this weekend, when I heard a gospel musician, Patience Nyarko, expressing disaffection for the hype of a colleague, Joe Mettle.
From the nature of gospel music genre, and what goes into it, it should be the last place where an artiste would be embittered by the rise of a colleague.
It was really surprising for such words to come from a gospel artiste even if provoked to the highest degree.
A true gospel musician is called by God and he or she understands the ministry and as such, must be guided by the Holy Spirit when making utterances about the ministry.
Why should gospel artiste Patience Nyarko be irked by a radio presenter, OB Nartey’s assertion that “Joe Mettle is the only artiste with an international appeal.”
This claim was seconded on Onua FM’s “Anigye Mmre” entertainment programme by another Ghanaian promoter, Allordia, in the United Kingdom.
According to Allordia, “most local gospel musicians billed for shows in UK flop, with the exception of Joe Mettle”.
This did not go down well with the “Obi Nyane Me” hitmaker, who felt it was an insult to other gospel artistes in the country.
Against this backdrop, she “fired” Joe Mettle on the show when expressing her disappointment, saying, “Joe Mettle doesn’t deserve his hype and that he mostly sings existing hymns.”
For her, there were other amazing talents other than Joe Mettle who wrote their own songs and must enjoy the spotlight, adding that Joe Mettle, who had been around for over a decade had not reached where Ghanaians were trying to project him.
At best Patience Nyarko and other musicians should ask themselves what is making Joe Mettle attractive to international gigs and all the hype as well as what he puts in his songs.
It must be made clear that there is no problem with a gospel artiste singing existing songs or hymns, rather it is how one is able to move the crowd and make ‘annointing’ rain on the congregation.
One mark of a gospel artiste is how to make the Holy Spirit fill a room during performances among others, not whose song it is. Congregation concentrates on the anointing, not composers.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Legendary Ghanaian gospel musician and founder of the Asomafo gospel group, Yaw Sarpong, is reporteddead.
The 66 year old gospel artiste is said to have died at the Emena Hospital in Kumasi on January 20, where he was receiving medical treatment.
For sometime now, Yaw Sarpong had been dealing with prolonged health challenges, forcing him to reduce his public appearances and step away periodically from performances.
Yaw Sarpong is widely credited as a pioneer of contemporary Akan gospel music.
Through Yaw Sarpong and Asomafo, he introduced a distinctive sound marked by rich harmonies, disciplined arrangements and lyrics firmly grounded in Christian teachings.
His leadership and musical direction helped shape the identity of gospel music in Ghana for decades.
Some popular tunes by the group includes ‘Wo Haw Ne Sen’, ‘Tie Obiaa’, ‘Aduro Yesu’ and ‘Awurade Kasa’, tracks that continue to feature prominently in churches and Christian gatherings across the country.
Yaw Sarpong’s death comes barely some weeks after the passing of Maame Tiwa, a key pillar of the Yaw Sarpong’s Asomafo music group.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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Heavens will come down at the International Central Gospel Church, Temple East (ICGC) as gospel songstress Diana Hamilton holds her annual concert.
The annual concert ‘Awake Experience’ with Diana Hamilton will take place in Accra on February 15, and at the church of Pentecost, Bantama Kumasi on February 22.
Speaking to The Spectator Agoro, she said this year offers another opportunity to have an experience with God, saying “So I want to be in his presence and watch him do mind blowing things.”
The ‘Aha Ye’ hit maker also announced that leading up to the event, the Diana Hamilton Team will embark on various outreaches to spread the gospel through ministration.
Themed ‘Dwell,’ will bring together renowned artiste and worshippers to celebrate faith and music.
Notable among them are Elder Dr Kwesi Mireku, Ntokozo Mbambo, Sisi Baidoo, Nana Yaw Ofori- Atta, Tagoe sisters and Joojo Arhin.
Diana Hamilton is a celebrated Ghanaian gospel singer, songwriter, and nurse, known for her inspirational music, spiritual depth, and impactful stage presence.
She has achieved historic wins like VGMA Artiste of the Year in 2021, becoming the first female gospel artist to do so, and is also recognised for her philanthropic work through the Diana Hamilton Foundation.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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