From L to R: Nacee, Yaw Siki, Ofori Amponsah and Gemann are some musicians who ditched secular music
Music plays an important role in the lives of people as it serves as a source of entertainment as well as spiritual upliftment.
However, some musicians in Ghana who were once popular for making secular music on notable themes like sexuality, life, fun, among others have taken a different path.
Following their personal convictions to chart a different path from secular showbiz, these artistes left behind the fame, money, and luxurious lifestyles that came with their craft to propagate the message of God.
For many of such creatives, the shift from making secular music is not just about singing gospel music, but a complete transformation in their lives.
Some of them indicated that they have had personal encounters with God while others took the somber path due to tough life experiences; making them view life through an entirely new lens.
These stories of the once popular creatives appear to re-echo the message in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
Today, these musicians use their God-given talents to inspire people with messages of faith, hope, repentance, and salvation.
This article takes a look at some Ghanaian artistes who made that switch from secular music to ministering the gospel.
Lord Kenya
Lord Kenya, one of the pioneers of Hiplife music in Ghana, known for bangers including “Driver Susu Ko” and “Enwom No” made a shocking turnaround from music to ministering the gospel.
He was highly respected for his lyrical style and infectious stage presence.
However, in 2010, he gave up everything, including the royalties from his music, and became a born-again Christian.
He went on to establish his church, the Face of Grace Covenant Temple.
Lord Kenya has remained consistent in his ministry and has never looked back on his previous life.
Yaw Siki
Yaw Siki, known for his hit song “Wope Dodo”, was one of the most promising rappers in Ghana’s music scene.
However, things changed after he was involved in a ghastly car accident that nearly took his life.
During his recovery, Yaw Siki said he had a spiritual awakening that made him rethink his life choices.
He subsequently ditched secular music to became a full-time evangelist.
Ofori Amponsah
Ofori Amponsah used to be one of Ghana’s most loved highlife musicians, known for romantic hits like “Otoolege” and “Abrefi”.
In 2012, he shocked fans when he announced that he had become a pastor and had started his own church called Family of Faith.
For some time, he focused on ministry, leaving behind secular music.
However, Ofori Amponsah later returned to secular music, saying he still had a gift to share with the world.
Gemann
Gemann was once known as the “Michael Jackson of Africa,” he was a big name in entertainment, famous for his dance moves and music.
However, in 1995, he was sentenced to life imprisonment after an ‘accidental’ shooting of a taxi driver.
He served 14 years before receiving a presidential pardon.
After his release, he became the head pastor of New Life Christian Fellowship in New York City.
Nacee
Nana Osei, popularly known as Nacee, started out in the secular music industry as both a singer and a producer.
He worked on some hit songs, including “Boys Boys” which featured rapper Guru.
Though he had quite a successful career producing and performing secular music, Nacee shifted focus and began creating gospel music.
Some of Nacee’s popular gospel songs are “Aseda”, “Mpaebo” and some others.
Irene Logan
Irene Logan became a household name in Ghana’s music industry after giving music lovers hit songs like “Run Away”, which featured rapper Asem.
However, in 2021, she announced a new chapter in her life with the release of her first gospel song dubbed “More”.
Her decision surprised many fans, but she believes it was a calling she cannot ignore.
Mary Agyapong
Mary Agyapong was once known for her secular hit songs like “Adidede”.
Today, she is no longer a singer but a full-time pastor.
She now serves at the Church of Pentecost in Virginia, USA.
Meanwhile, you can watch GhanaWeb TV’s exclusive interview with Arathejay below:
AK/VPO
