Ghanaian gospel musician Celestine Donkor has opened up about an experience she had with a colleague in the gospel industry.
According to her, the artiste, whom she considered a friend, demanded that she pay 70% upfront before agreeing to perform at her event.
Speaking in an interview with Andy Dosty on Hitz FM on November 6, 2025, Celestine said she was shocked at how the situation played out, especially because of the friendly relationship she thought existed between them.
“Not everyone has the same mindset, so you can’t force this on some people; it has to come from the heart. It was very shocking, especially the way the person went about it,” she said.
The musician explained that she personally reached out to the artiste to perform at her program, expecting some level of support or understanding.
However, the artiste directed her to speak to her management team instead, which Celestine initially thought was normal until she was treated like a stranger.
“This person is someone I hang out with, we talk, and we actually have a good relationship. When I needed the person for my event, the person gave me her terms and asked me to talk to her manager, which was okay with me.
‘It has never crossed my mind to outshine artistes I feature’ – Celestine Donkor
“I was treated like a total stranger. I was charged and given conditions of payment. I had to pay 70% upfront, and the person would come after the 70% was paid. I started dealing with the artiste, and the artiste gave me permission to use her picture on the flier,” she stated.
Celestine noted that the artiste had already permitted her to use her photo for the event flyer, which had been shared widely before the disagreement.
“The flyers were already out, and I was passed on to the manager. The stress around the event at that time wasn’t a joke, so I was begging the person. I was literally on my knees that I would honour my part of the agreement after the event,” she narrated.
Despite her pleas, the management team insisted on full compliance with their terms.
“It was a big no. They said no 70% down payment, no show. The flyers were out, but the person didn’t show up,” she said.
Celestine clarified that her pleas had nothing to do with the artiste’s status or popularity but rather with the need to avoid disappointing her audience.
“The begging wasn’t because of how big the artiste was. It’s just because the flyers were out, and the person was on it. You’re doing an event and you publicised it, so it would be a disappointment if the person doesn’t show up,” she shared.
She, however, said she holds no grudges against the artiste, acknowledging that sometimes management decisions can differ from personal friendships.
“I had to do all I could to convince this person, so that was my approach, and it didn’t work. I don’t blame them. At the end of the day, you work with the management team. I’m friends with the artiste and not the management team,” she added.
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