Young gospel musicians look ahead in Kumasi
THE Garden City of West Africa, as the Ashanti regional capital is sometimes referred to, has been a bastion of notable gospel music in Ghana for many years and the Gentle Ministry and Prayer Camp at Atwima Kokoben in Kumasi is making efforts to help sustain the tradition.
The church has instituted a monthly programme called ‘Songs of Praise’ which showcases the singing and compositional abilities of young members.
The plan is to nurture them into formidable artistes over time.
The emerging talents are tutored by guitarist/songwriter/composer George Spratz and award-winning recording engineer/producer Morris Babyface.
The growing intensity of the ‘Songs of Praise’ programme keeps attracting sizable audiences.
One of the personalities at last October’s edition was Komivi Randolph, a United States-based chaplain, musician and international music promoter who seeks to see African musicians excel on the world stage.
Three young performers stood out after the October programme. They were Simon Ahouakan Miezan-Ahizi, Jemima Oppong and Alice Oppong. Komivi Randolph congratulated them on their resolve to preach the word of God through music.
Komivi Randolph said he was convinced the Gentle Ministry and Prayer Camp’s approach to raising new dedicated gospel acts could be replicated in other West African countries and beyond. He promised to help the three young musicians get onto some international platforms to further their musical development.
The international music promoter also commended George Spratz and Morris Babyface for the effective guidance they offer to the young musicians at the Gentle Ministry and Prayer Camp.
Apart from being a first-rate guitarist and music teacher who has led workshops across West Africa, George Spratz is also an ordained pastor with the Gentle Ministry and Prayer Camp.
He has collaborated on projects with many notable Ghanaian musicians such as Agya Koo Nimo and Okyeame Kwame.
In addition to Morris Babyface’s recording engineer and producer credits, he is also an accomplished keyboardist, singer and songwriter who has worked with respected Ghanaian musicians such as Pat Thomas, Kojo Antwi, A.B. Crentsil, Okyeame Kwame and Esther Smith.
Spratz and Babyface have a lot of experience under their belts. It is heartwarming to observe the wealth of knowledge they are passing on to some of Africa’s new crop of passionate musicians,” Komivi Randolph pointed out.
