Renowned gospel acappella music group, Alabaster Box, has shared a remarkable story about how their singing talent helped them secure US visas in 2006 after an impromptu performance to demonstrate their vocal prowess at the US embassy.
Speaking on TV3’s Showbiz 360 about their journey to stardom, the group recounted the modalities they had to follow after arriving at the US Embassy for an interview by an official.
They stated that after they introduced themselves, the embassy staff recognised them and requested an impromptu performance.
“It was in 2006 and at the time, we were at one of the windows when one of the persons attending to us said, ‘We’ve heard of you that you can sing, can you sing for us?’
“So, we began singing, and all the other officials who were attending to other applicants left their posts and came to listen to us,” they said.
They narrated how they weren’t even sure of their chances of getting the visas, as they weren’t certain they met the requirements.
“In fact, that day, we weren’t even sure the information on the letter we were presenting would be strong enough to secure the visa for us.
“The bank account listed in the letter had only about 10 million old Ghana cedis (GH¢1000 today),” they added.
Without even reviewing their paperwork, the visa officer was reportedly so moved that he approved their visas on the spot, instructing them to collect the documents the next day.
Reflecting on the experience, Alabaster Box, said the experience reminded them of the Bible quote, “The gift of a man shall open doors for him.”
Founded in 1993 by Samuel Narku Dowuona alongside Gideon Allotey, Horst Ayub, and Michael Allotey, Alabaster Box is an all‑male Ghanaian gospel acappella group which specialises in “Afroppella,” mouth‑made beats and harmonies inspired by African rhythms.
They are the first gospel act and first Ghanaian group featured on BBC Focus on Africa TV in 2014, the first Ghanaian group at The Experience Lagos before half a million people, and the only African act to perform at the 2015 London Acappella Festival.
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