Psalmpong - The new gospel music sensation

Ghanaian-born gospel music artiste, Robert Kwesi Sampong, who also goes by the name 'Psalmpong', is carving a niche for himself in Italy.

The exuberant native of Atibie-Kwahu in the eastern region of Ghana who now resides in Vicenza, northern Italy, has worked himself to a standard and is now being viewed by his fans in Italy as Ghana?s new sensation in the gospel music field.

His stage performances coupled with a splendid voice that will make any hardened heart melt are the prime factors that?s drawing in his fans to wherever he performs.

When I met him in his home at Creazzo, a province of Vicenza, the awesome gospel songs writer, composer and singer was quick to point out God has brought him so far to where he is now and with an infectious smile he intermittently punctuated his responses with praises to God.

How did you come by the name 'Psalmpong'? I asked him: "When listening to a track 'Abode Foforo' on my maiden album 'Psalmpong Testimony' before it was released, it dawned on me the newness of Christ which suggested that everything about me should reflect so. The first issue that came to mind was the origin of my name 'Sampong' and I didn?t like what I found. I fervently prayed to God to do something about it spiritually and physically and He did. When sleeping one night the spelling 'Psalmpong' came to me in a dream with a different meaning altogether," he explains.

The first time I saw him perform was at a Gospel Concert Show in Schio, Vicenza, in commemoration of activities to mark Ghana?s 50 years of Independence in Italy and he overwhelmed the audience bringing out the best of his God-given gift, he says, 'more prayers and fasting? are what goes into his preparatory stages before going to perform.

But was music a family hereditary? Psalmpong recounts his early years in life: "I know my mother have a nice voice, but my father also claims that ingenuity and I know my step siblings to be good singers of the SDA Church, unfortunately none of them took it seriously and it drained off"

The handsome strongly-built singer with crystal-like eyes graduated from the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in the central region of Ghana in the year 2000 and digging deep into his early years growing up as a child he said music has been with him ever since: "The most frequent crime committed as a child was to sing throughout the day 'disturbing' neighbors especially the chief of the town since my made-up bandstand was just behind his office. It has never stopped", he added.

Giving briefs about his family and education, Psalmpong spoke of his siblings of three boys and three girls: ?I?m the second born, had my primary education at Methodist Primary (Atibie), ?O?Levels at Mpraeso Secondary and my ?A? Levels at St. Peters Secondary School (Nkwatia-Kwahu).?

The memories of growing up until recently was not anything desirable to be remembered according to the rising artiste but mentioned how he?s deeply observed God has so many ways of preparing His VESSEL. ?I?m really grateful to Him for all the hardships I went through,? he maintains.

Psalmpong divulged his career in gospel music has met many challenges, the greatest being acceptance but noted God says the battle is His and He?s winning if not won for him. ?My mind is on the LORD? he repeated, ?with God all things are possible and I?m seriously seeking His Kingdom and righteousness and with that all things are being added to my life.?

As I delved into his career to find out what it takes to become a gospel musician, Psalmpong told me the person must be overflowing with the Holy Spirit so as to posses the imminent power of the GOSPEL OF CHRIST demonstrated throughout the word.

"Frankly", he revealed, ?by the grace of God after University, I deeply realized the more the worthlessness in the things of the world so I set myself asking God to use me for His glory if there is anything worthy of use in me and that?s exactly what He?s doing in my life?.

I was overawed by his characteristic love for God as he came up with answers to my questions. How do you come up with your songs? I asked him, ?Mine is spontaneously!?, he replied, "I always have a recorder with me. The songs come to me already arranged with great melodies."

Despite his God-given gift in gospel music he admits he has his role models mentioning Elder Mireku for his spirituality and Micah Stampley for his exuberance.

Underneath his soothing voice lies a demeanor of self discipline and humility which you would want to put in a can and give to other people. He looked at the many churches and gospel singers springing up within the Ghanaian community in Italy and elsewhere and says it's really good so long as they are keeping God?s business agenda of witnessing for lost souls. His advise to the upcoming gospel musicians is to focus on God, be filled with the spirit of God and keep the kingdom business agenda of witnessing to lost souls after which he says ?all other things will be added for them,? according to God?s scriptures.

In his final comments he indicated his goal is to be overflowed with the anointing of the Holy Spirit, be seen as a role model of hope to the youth especially in a troubled world through the demonstration of the love and power in the songs of God, a revelation of peace in the eternal salvation plan of God.

His latest album, ?This Year Is My Victory? would be launched at the Assemblies of God Church on May 26 in Vicenza. Among other artistes who will make an appearance on the night of gospel songs entertainment will include Pastor Diana Adu Biney, Elder Bassey, Florence Kwakye, Anita Obeng, Dentaa, Nkansah Akomah, Florence Aka, and Evelyn the Contrive. Ghanaian established Radio Station in London -Rainbow FM- presenter of ?Hour of Encouragement, Rev. Kofah Genfi, and the Rising Star International Ministries, London, would be present.

His mangaer, Bismark Boakye Boateng tells me it will be a night to remember.