Bernard Amankwah counts his blessings

Something about the flyer for this year’s Celebration of His Grace concert struck me: the list of sponsors and partners has grown long, covering about a third of the flyer space.

For Bernard Amankwah-regulars and faithful, the increase is striking, almost phenomenal, because they remember the early years when it all began. There was not a single sponsor. 

So what accounts for the difference? 

“That is what I mean by grace,” Bernard explains. When I look back, all I can say is that it has only been by the grace of God. What have I done to deserve such favour?”

While arts critics and gospel aficionados do not discount the role of God’s grace, they also know that sponsors do not throw their weight behind a concert for nothing.  Like all human beings, they put their money where they are sure to reap a hundred-fold. 

This explains it all: Bernard Amankwah has become a brand. The marketing gurus in corporate Ghana have identified his concerts as a sure means of reaching thousands of people with products and services. 

While three years ago, Bernard struggled to fill a quarter of the National Theatre, the story was different a year later when only a few seats were left unoccupied. Compare that to last year. It was, as young people will put it, “a bomb” – standing room only.

 This year, the celebration is set for Sunday, September 14. 

Besides the headline act of Bernard, it will be “handkerchief” time with Cynthia Appiadu, that wonderful soprano in the Daughters of Glorious Jesus line-up who has consistently kept her voice golden for as long as we’ve known her.  

Other Trending Stories

I’m heartbroken by the evil of galamsey – Adjetey Anang

Rapper Quavo ordered to pay nearly $700,000 in damages for slapping a driver

Supermodel Naomi Campbell banned from running charity after embezzling funds

Channel your energy into personal growth and don’t be idle – Shatta Wale advises

‘Extreme Makeover’ star Eduardo Xol dead at 58, one week after being stabbed

As in previous Celebrations, she will be ministering alone – without the other ‘Daughters’.

There will also be Akuba Yankey. Last year, she kept lips parted in shock by her fine ministration. People had been so used to seeing her on the cameras hosting programmes on GTV, and many had not associated her with those tuneful melodies which she rendered at the show.

Alabaster Box will also be there. Today, many are the groups that are attempting to copy their style but aroma from the Alabaster Box is different and fresh every time.