Eddie SAnte: Retiring the pen, reviving music calling

IS God a master strategist, or do events happen by mere coincidence? This thought-provoking question often invites contemplation and debate, yet for journalist and Regional Page/Supplements Editor of the Daily Graphic, Edmund Smith-Asante, the answer is crystal clear.

In reflecting on recent developments in his life, Edmund Smith Asante, known artistically as Eddie SAnte, expresses a profound belief that his return to music after an 18-year hiatus, coinciding with his retirement from journalism, is a testament to divine orchestration. 

The story of his music journey started over three decades ago with his first group, Animated Minstrels Incorporated, but almost two decades ago, Eddie SAnte, together with three women and another male member, founded the group Ministers from Yahweh (MFY) in the early 2000s.

As members of Full Gospel Church International, the group not only served the mother church, but also eventually performed at other churches, pushing the agenda of God through music.

That passion pushed them to release their maiden album, God's Love, in 2007. The album was launched at the KAMA Conference Centre, Labone, Accra.

However, life's inevitable challenges—including personal commitments and the financial strains of music production—led to the group's eventual dissolution. Yet, Eddie SAnte remained steadfast in his belief that God has a greater plan for everyone.

 Comeback

After 18 years, he responds to the calling again, and the result is Afɔre released on Good Friday, April 18. 

In a conversation with this reporter, the graduate of the Ghana Institute of Journalism shared his excitement about his “triumphant comeback”.

 “I’ve come to understand that God is always the master planner and strategist of our lives. Returning to music as I prepare to retire isn’t just a coincidence; it's part of God's plan to guide me back to my first love. This is why I’m so excited about lifting this burden of releasing a new song.

“More importantly, I’m happy that when it was time, God made the process smooth for Afɔre to be birthed,” he stated.

Afɔre, featuring Vivi Adjei, conveys Jesus' sacrifice and the call for Christians to reciprocate by offering themselves to God.

 In this collaborative effort, both Eddie and Vivi express the theme of sacrifice in unique ways—Eddie presents himself as a vessel, while Vivi dedicates her voice as a form of sacrifice, effectively interpreting the song's core message.

Eddie SAnte explained that every song has a spirit, and Afɔre aims at capturing the spirit of Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross of calvary.

“The song came to me last year in a dream, and I woke up singing it. Immediately, I went to the washroom to record on my phone. Later, I went to my nephew’s studio, with my daughter and Vivi, to help bring the song to life. 

“Afɔre highlights the themes of sacrifice, worship and redemption, showing Jesus' journey from Heaven to Earth, his death on the cross and his resurrection and the need to also sacrifice ourselves to make it worthy.

“The release of Afɔre brings immense relief and satisfaction to me, reviving my music calling after nearly two decades of hiatus,” he said. (Read Eddie SAnte out with Afɔre)

Eddie SAnte, who is currently with the Contemporary Choir of the ICGC Holy Ghost Temple in Frafraha, Adentan, has expressed excitement about having more time in the future to focus on his music. 

According to him, he anticipates a fuller schedule that would allow him to explore his passion for music more extensively in the coming months.

Background

Mr Smith-Asante had his secondary education at Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast and then proceeded to the Ghana Institute of Journalism.

He did his National Service at Agona Odoben Secondary School and joined World Vision International as an Assistant Information Officer.

He also worked as a freelance journalist from 1995 until he landed the role of a proofreader at the Independent Newspaper in the year 2000. Over the years, he progressed through several editorial roles, including News Editor, Deputy Editor, Associate Editor, Acting Editor and Editor. 

He left the Independent Newspaper in 2006 and joined the Ghanaian Observer as Founding Editor that same year.

Having had enough of the newspaper space, he worked with Ghana Business Online from 2010 as Assistant Online Editor before making a “last stop” at Graphic Communications Group Ltd., where he is currently the Regional Page/Supplements Editor of Daily Graphic and preparing for his retirement later in the year.

 Awards

Eddie SAnte’s contributions to journalism have been recognised with numerous awards, including the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Award for Best Reporter on Water in 2009, 2011 and 2012.

He has also won Biodiversity and Environmental Writer awards as well as GJA Best Domestic Tourism Reporter in 2019.

He picked double awards: Columnist of the Year and Domestic Tourism Reporter of the Year at the 2024 GJA Awards.

With a good record as a journalist, Eddie SAnte, who is also a photo journalist, is looking forward to a graceful retirement before the end of the year.

When asked if he would miss the pen, he said, “Journalism is my profession, photography is my passion, and music is my calling”.