Born Victor Kpakpo Addo, his name Azigiza Jnr. resonates with the arts and entertainment circle as a professional dancer, musician and celebrated disc jockey who was on top of his game in the early 90s.

His hit songs, stage performance and dexterity on the turntable warmed the hearts of both young and old and earned him local and international recognition in that era.

But even after abandoning ‘worldly pleasures’ some 24 years ago to take up the cross, he continues to be an inspiration and stands out as a robust personality who was determined to make his future brighter than the past.  

Rev Azigiza Jnr. and his wife, Mrs Trudy Edith Addo, currently lead the Citizen Fellowship Church at Basket Bus Stop on the Spintex Road in Accra with the vision of drawing people closer to God and helping them fulfil their destinies.

Interacting with The Spectator after the ‘Old School Mash Up Service’ on Sunday, June 5, 2022, at the church premises, the preacher man reflected on his life and career, the experience of shepherding his flock for the past two years as well as the prospects of an upcoming television show dubbed: ‘Testimony.’   

Christian journey

Prior to starting the fast-growing and lively fellowship, Rev. Azigiza Jnr. served 16 years under his former pastor, Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Marmah Markwei of Living Streams Ministries International in Accra. 

The journey to becoming a born-again Christian, according to him, was a “gradual process” made possible by his ability to start and excel at anything he sets his mind to do.

He said the test of giving his life to Christ was in the reluctance and doubt some people had in accepting him into Christendom.

“I was a young boy, when I said I wanted to start music and I did it. I said I wanted to become Africa’s No.1 disc jockey and I did it.

“My challenge as a born again was the fact that I was left hanging. The secular [world] knew I was no longer with them but the Gospel also saw me too demonic; they did not think God could save me to be with them,” he noted.

Be it as it may, he said, God’s validation remained superior to human perception, therefore, the cynicism rather spurred him on to execute the spiritual assignment unabated.

“The first time I went to a church to preach, a lot of people did not turn up because they knew Azigiza was coming but when I finished preaching, the few that came changed their perception [about me],” he added.

Citizen Fellowship

The Entrepreneur and Multimedia Consultant agreed the job of a Lead Pastor could be quite daunting but it was still “a worthy cause” as he was involved in all aspects of church management compared with his days as a Junior or Associate Pastor.  

Rev. Azigiza quoted Ephesians 2:19: “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household,” to explain how the name of the church ‘Citizen Fellowship’ was derived. 

He said the congregation with the tagline “God Chasers, Hope Restorers and Society Impacters”, was unique because “the word of God is kept real, radical and tight.”

In addition to preaching the Gospel, he envisions the church becoming “a complete institution” to undertake other progressive initiatives to impact the lives of members and society positively.

Career

Rev. Azigiza was trained on the job as a presenter and DJ. He hosted shows including ‘Music for Your Dancing Feet’ on Ghana Broadcasting Corporation and Joy Fm before travelling to the United States of America.

Paying reverence to his mentor, Kwasi Kyei Darkwah popularly called KKD and other individuals, he attributed his fame to the “hunger for success” in the early days.

Asked about his current taste for music, the “Kehinka” and “Medo Wo Abena” singer said he paid attention to the lyrics of a wide range of secular music so he could provide good counsel to the youth in his church and beyond.   

Testimony

The soon-to-be aired “Testimony” show, he said, would dramatise the experience of individuals from diverse backgrounds as they share their true stories that reflect the magnitude of God’s intervention in their lives.   

Having been married for the past 20 years, the father of two identified tolerance, understanding, patience and the influence of spiritual role models as some of the ingredients of his lasting union.

“The road ahead is still long and we will continue to keep it [the marriage] God’s way”, he stressed.

Rev. Azigiza the author of the book “And So What”? published in 2018, said he intended empowering more readers through future write-ups. Part of the 92-page book captures a harrowing moment when he was nearly lynched for a petty theft he did not commit.

The anointed man of God who uses his personal experiences to coach his mentees through the “Azigiza Mentors You” initiative points out in his narrative that: “While we may never be able to go back into time and change the grey moments in our past, we always have the opportunity to make our today and tomorrow a better one.” 

Advice

Acknowledging the role of good parental guidance in the overall development of an individual, he observed that “God has a Master Plan for everyone, therefore, young people should not be swayed by negative social norms.”   

“Don’t make society define you because society did not create you. God has special plans for you so don’t jump the gun, continue to walk in the fear of God, keep your ways pure and your time would surely come,” he emphasised.  

By Ernest Nutsugah