Have you wondered why Bethel Revival Choir, a gospel music group that has existed for over 20 years, confined to the Trinity Parish of the Kotobabi Global Evangelical Church, with their maiden album released in 2007, has now become a household name?
Wondered how from 2010 till date, the choir had held a monthly 2 hour-uninterrupted absolute praise and worship session themed ‘In His Presence’ with renowned Ministers like Danny Nettey, Nii Okai, Pastor Hellen Yawson, Uncle Ato, Joe Mettle, Denzel Agyeman Prempeh, Eugene Zuta, Calvis Hammond, Elliott Lamptey, Edwin Dadson, Akesse Brempong, and almost every contemporary worship leader in Ghana, once gracing the occasion?
Cared to know why their breakthrough album AKPE- a praise and worship project that blended different languages, a blend of “deep roots Ghanaian and foreign music genres, contemporary and African rhythms, hymns, orchestra, rearrangement of old church choruses, new exciting and deep songs of praise, worship and encouragement”?
This isn’t fluke. The Group’s consistency cannot be over stated.
They have released their third album titled ENYO, which simply means “He (God) is Good.” The a 15-track live recorded album from the Akpe Experience Concert, was on June 19, 2022 officially launched at the Kotobabi Global Evangelical Church.
Yes, the Church just didn’t host the event; they sowed into the group by buying a copy for Ghs20,000.
The Senior Pastor at Trinity Chapel, Rev E.A. Babaneto, during the launch, said the GHC 20,000 purchase was to endorse the choir for exploits and to support their endeavors.
Church Support?
Yes. The role of the church in harnessing the careers of musicians has been a contentious issue among gospel artistes, lovers of gospel music and industry watchers as a whole.
Examples are always thrown around how non Ghanaian churches invest in the musicians in their churches, hence those musicians easily gain African and global attention because of such deliberate efforts.
Why is Ghana’s case different? Is that the reason most music talents are perceived to do well when they leave the church to pursue secular music? Is that why most musicians leave their mother churches in search of “where they feel freest”?
And why isn’t that Bethel Revival Choir (and all the world class music talents in there) have left to pursue their individual interests? Why does the Choir feel at home? And have even managed to breakthrough into the mainstream music industry in Ghana to become an award winning formidable and consistent group?
Certainly, that is a group with a soul: the backing of the Trinity chapel, and the GEC as a whole. They have a committed collection of willing musicians, who will settle for nothing but excellence.
Obviously, that is not a Group with gifted talents abandoning their mother church, demanding payments and committing to other denominations – either to “gain” or strive to be “seen.”
That’s a group that have been blessed with people I call “Believers of the vision” – who in diverse ways help in various capacities – song writing, composition, features, publicity, finance, logistics, prayers and patronage of their works. AKPE!
That’s a group that understands ministry and its impact, and are willing to invest in it.
The Manager of the group, David Asiwome Boahini, at a recent pre-album launch of the Group’s new album at Alisa Hotel said, the Enyo Album was already receiving positives testimonies, which summed up their core reason for existing.
“I will say it has been humbling. Looking at the testimonies received, recognitions from the industry and award schemes, opportunity to share stages with accomplished musicians to bless people even beyond Ghana,” he revealed.
The ENYO album features Akesse Brempong, Joe Mettle, Ps Edwin Dadson, Ps Helen Yawson, Ps Isaiah Fosu-Kwakye Jnr, Chief Prosper, Dave Da Music Box, Mawutor Tettey, Osborn Agbodovi and Ps Jennifer Kofi.
A Cue from Bethel
The award-winning contemporary choir intends to embark on regional tours to the Volta Region, Ashanti Region, and Eastern Region. The choir in collaboration with gospel musician, Joe Mettle will also hold a two-day concert in Lomé, Togo in October.
Surely, there are many Bethel Revival Choirs in our churches. There are many Bethel Revival Choirs, with able talents, but crying for support. There are those who have the support but are firmly rooted to their comfort zones.
Gospel music groups are in every church. We can possess the nation musically. Revival is here!!
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By: Mic Yamoah
