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
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has launched Heritage Month to project the country’s rich culture and national identity.
The launch took place at Nationalism Park on Monday, March 2, 2026.
This year’s celebration, under the theme, “Experience Ghana, My Heritage, My Pride (Taste 69@69),” also marked the launch of the historic Vodza Regatta.
Speaking at the launch, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie emphasized the role of tourism, culture and the creative arts in driving jobs, empowering youth and women, and stimulating domestic tourism.
She commended President John Dramani Mahama for offering to be the culture ambassador extraordinary.
According to her, the tourism and creative sector, as the biggest service provider, needs support because it has what it takes to create a lot of employment for Ghanaians.
The minister also charged schools, corporate Ghana, and everyone to visit local tourist sites across the country and enjoy the local cuisines.
She also commended the Ghana Culture Forum and the National Folklore Board for advancing Ghana’s heritage recognition efforts.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTA, Maame Efua Houadjeto, noted that Heritage Month is both a cultural celebration and an economic activation strategy, with activities including discounted access to heritage sites.
Mrs. Efua Houadjeto noted that there would be “Taste 69@69” culinary showcase, a nationwide Heritage Caravan, Akwaaba Festival, Asa Baako Festival, Akple Festival, Kenkey Festival, Independence Open Mic Concert, and Ghana Day, among others.
She revealed that there would be the unveiling of a revitalised GTA digital platform and an enhanced Ghana Travel portal.
Present at the launch were the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Yussif Issaka Jajah, Ghana Tourism Development Company boss, Prof. Kobby Mensah, Deputy GTA CEO, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, other sector directors, traditional authorities, diplomatic representatives, stakeholders and the media.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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Ghanaian gospel artist Enuonyam Akuffo Tuffour, known in the showbiz circles as Enuonyam, has released her much-awaited album dubbed ‘Jesus Given’.
The six-track album is made up of songs like Jesus Given, Be Still featuring Luigi Maclean, Kyere Me Kwan featuring Kweku Teye, I Will Not Be Moved, Holy Ghost, and Hallelujah Holy.
Speaking to The Spectator Agoro during an exclusive listening session, Enuonyam said, “‘Jesus Given’ is a summary of what Jesus did on the cross for humanity and the benefit thereof.”
She added that it is an album inspired by John 15:13, which speaks of the greatest gift given to humanity: Jesus Christ, who later died for humanity.
Touching on the production process, she said it was a smooth process working on the album: “Everything worked as planned from collaboration to all those who played key roles in making the process possible.”
In a message to the public, the gospel musician said, “Everyone who is looking to experience Jesus intimately and beautifully should listen to the album.”
She was optimistic that the album would impact many lives and urged music lovers to stream Jesus Given, adding that the album is available on all streaming platforms.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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