Contemporary Gospel Musician, Samuel Osei Kwarteng, popularly known as Kwame Kwarteng is calling on musicians, particularly, those doing the gospel genre to understand the ‘times’ and adopt its accompanying technology in the production and distribution of their music.
The writer and singer of the hit single, Signs and Wonders, says this music industry is currently receiving its fair share of educational influences on both producers and consumers, therefore, a twist in the way the music is being made. He, however, refuted claims that the gospel industry in Ghana is collapsing, but, rather sees the genre as entering into a new ‘season.’
“Music is a tool for evangelism and our music will change. We should, however, update the way we think and accept whatever that comes with it. If you don’t update yourself when the season comes, you will perish,” he said. “Now, some songs become hit on social media so our ability to use this tool very well is what will take us there,” Mr Kwarteng added.
The 2016 graduate of the University of Development Studies, who has been singing since childhood, believes prophecies in the Bible concerning the pouring of the Holy Spirit on all flesh in the last days, is being manifested in the increase in the number of gospel ministers who are also skilful in the art and performing miracles through their music.
Mr Kwarteng, who is yet to go into this Ministry fulltime, admits there are challenges in the gospel terrain compared to other genres of music, therefore, his decision to combine singing with a regular job. In addition to the hit single, Signs and Wonders, the artist has Onim Wo Din, two songs which were inspired through scriptures.
“Signs and Wonders is a prophetic song and I see this season as a prophetic one. I got the inspiration for this song from Mark 16:17, where Jesus said signs and wonders will follow them who believe. For that reason, if you become a believer, you should not struggle for certain things in life,” he said.
“His death brought victory and blessings. First, we used to live in bondage and curses and were in deep sin but he came to die for us. If I lift up my hands and pray, the sick should be healed because that is the umbrella I operate under, so, we are made for signs and wonders as Jesus Christ said,” Mr Kwarteng said.
The contemporary-style gospel musician traces his influences to Ron Kenoly, Alvin Slaughter, Don Moen, Tye Tribbett, Travis Greene, Lawrence Flowers, Mali Music, Donnie McClurkin and William McDowell. In Africa and Ghana, Nathaniel Bassey, Uche Agu, Joe Mettle, Jeshurun Otchere and Pastor Emmit are musicians Mr Kwarteng looks up to.
The Righteous Cry.
This Saturday, July 21, Kwame Kwarteng in collaboration with Kharis Life Foundation will be hosting a worship and prayer service dubbed Righteous Cry. The programme is taking place at the African Regent Hotel at exactly 3pm. Other ministers who will be ministering include Jeshrun Okyere, Pastor Emmit, A.B Kwarteng, Min. Mary and Rev. Nana Perbi.
The theme for this event, according to the musician, was inspired by Psalm 34:17 and it is an attempt “to get believers away from the ‘noise’ to a time with God when His words will be quoted back to Him.”
“It will be ourselves and God and if we do that he is going to hear our cry. It’s worship, prayer and the word and it’s free,” Mr Kwarteng concluded.
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