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
GHANAIAN gospel heavyweight, Empress Gifty, has released a spirit-filled song titled “Sunsum Ndwom.”
The song, which is already making waves shortly after its release, is delivered in three parts, each carrying a powerful message.
The first part reflects on the mystery of Prophet Elijah, where people wondered who he was after he prayed and called down fire from heaven.
The second part centres on salvation, urging believers not to celebrate only power and miracles, but to celebrate the fact that their names are written in the Book of Life, because that is what lasts forever.
The third part celebrates the beauty of God’s healing power, a song originally composed by her late mother.
The gospel star is urging Ghanaians to stream the song on all platforms and encounter its powerful lyrics.
She also stressed the need to preserve Ghana’s traditional gospel sound, expressing hope that the new generation will embrace their heritage.
Empress Gifty further expressed appreciation to all stakeholders in the industry who have supported her career over the years.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
GHANAIAN media personality, Joyce Akumaa Dongotey-Padi, affectionately called Akumaa, has marked the 18th anniversary of her Mama Zimbi Foundation (MZF).
The event was held at the Broken Yoke Ministry International at Klagon in Accra.
Thousands of widows who benefited were taken through health education for good living, business enhancement, women empowerment and legal education, among others.
In addition, they were given water, cloth, rice, noodles, oil, Noko Fine Washing Powder and other toiletries.
Mrs Dongotey-Padi noted that there is land earmarked for vocational training and gari processing for those who are unemployed and would want to make ends meet.
Against that backdrop, she expressed appreciation to gospel musician Empress Gifty for supporting her with her Noko Fine Washing Powder and Verna Mineral Water.
According to her, it went a long way to put smiles on the faces of the widows.
Akumaa Mama Zimbi further said that if she looks back on how the journey started 18 years ago, she feels fulfilled in impacting thousands of lives.
According to her, this motivates her to do even more to put smiles on the faces of people.
The Mama Zimbi Foundation is an NGO committed to motivating, empowering and supporting widows and their children, as well as educating adolescents on their sexual and reproductive health.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
