Tributes pour in for Danny Nettey
Like thunderbolt, the news of the demise of gospel music legend, Danny Netty on Friday, July 15 morning, ran very fast and many people took to various social media platforms to express their sentiments.
And since then, tributes for the man reputed to be the father of contempory Ghanaian gospel have not stopped flowing.
Showbiz contacted some of the pioneers of contemporary gospel music, many of whom were groomed by the deceased.
Award winning gospel artiste, Joe Mettle who had on many platforms expressed his appreciation to Danny said he was shocked by the latter’s death.
“ Hmmmm, life and its mysetries. I don’t know what to say but this man has been a great inspiration to my ministry today. At a time when contemporary gospel
music was difficult to be accepted, he held the fort and made it easier for others after him to be accepted and recognised,” he told Showbiz on Friday.
Earlier, Joe posted this on his facebook wall, “I love you Sir. You know I love you. I just can't believe this. I am broken but I love you Sir. For all you have been to me. You showed me love when many turned their backs at me but now you have turned your back to all of us. I love you Danny Nettey #RIP”.
Gospel artiste, Bernard Amankwah posted this on his facebook wall. “I can't stop my tears....ooooh Big Dee ....so you just left me like that...this year's Celebration of his grace ...we won’t see you....eeeeeiii .... who will call Ama kawa...oooh Danny ....we shall meet one day in Heaven…”
Eugene Zutah wrote this heartfelt tribute on his facebook wall.
“ Papa Danny did not burn out...He burnt on!
The Lord has used him a single candle...to light so many candles....And the chain reaction will still continue....
He is gone bodily, but he lives on in the many his ministry has so filled...
He will be missed but his influence won't be missing.....
Yes....We won't get anyone one like him....because the Lord has used him to catalyze a generation greater than he...
We shed tears of sorrow of his exit today....but we accept the torch he has passed on to us....to light the path of God's Kingdom tomorrow...
We are not shaken.....We bring many in....We are broken....YET WE RISE!!!!
Nii Okai of Mokobe fame could only manage his feelings with these words, “ My father, my brother, my friend”.
Helen Yawson wrote, “What a loss.......you loved God, served God faithfully, a true worshipper, A Singers singer......I am seated here in shock....my brother and friend......hmmmm.
“Tears, Tears and Tears” were all female gospel artistes, Gifty Osei could express on her facebook wall.
Samuel Atta Mensah(Samens), C.E.O of Citi FM had this to say about Danny Nettey’s death.
“Minister Danny Nettey. You meant "worship" to all that we're close to you.
Your songs are still ringing in my heart.
"If I live I live for you, if I die I die for you..."
I never knew it was going to be our last meeting when we had the Collaboration programme last Sunday at the Logos Rhema Church. RIP DANNY”.
Nii Ayittey Hammond of Charter House posted this, as well, “May your spirit rest in the bosom of the Lord, Minister Danny Nettey. I will forever miss you.
In an interview with Showbiz in May last year, Danny expressed his concern about the interest of the new crop of gospel artistes seeking material things at the expense of their divine duties.
“I have always told people that you know it if what you are doing has the blessing of God, you seek His interest first before that of yours.
“Today, that is definitely not the case. It is about who won this and that and not necessarily the number of lives that our music touches. As human beings, we will naturally want appreciation for our efforts and contribution but when that becomes the priority, then the focus is lost,” he said at the time.