Two prominent entrepreneurs in the USA said they hear and read stories about major problems regarding Korle Bu Women's and Children's wards and decided one day to do something and make a difference in Ghana. The stories they read are so sad that they cannot be ignored or wait till it deteriorates. They decided to do something about it, so they set up; Africa Vista Foundation and with the involvement of Mr. Kwabena Darko of Darko Farms. A concept was born by the name; "Gospelfest " featuring Ghana's Gospel International Superstars; Nana Yaw Sarpong, Seth Frimpong and Suzzie & Matt. This became an effort to raise money for this good cause. It is also a fact that one of the promoters, Mr. Solomon Krow's father was a renowned reverend minister who rubbed shoulders with Baiden Powell, founder of Boy Scouts, Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah and Kojo Botsio of blessed memory. Sadly his father passed away recently and so he decided that Gospelfest was a great way to continue his father's legacy.
The climax of Gospelfest took place on Saturday, Nov. 6th, 2004. The event began with prayers, Stella Addo opened the show with her 2 songs, followed by Millicent, a 5 year old, up and coming gospel music sensation who gave a heart wrenching rendition of Esther Smith's track; "Onyame ben nie". Millicent was impressive and afterwards passed the microphone to her sisters; Edith & Bridget to continue where she left off. Koby followed suit and then came gospel reggae artist from Domican Republic, Dwight Piper who again with his lover's rock voice entertained the crowd.
Then came gospel great, Joe Beecham ; Joe inspired the crowd with his signature great songs, Felicity Amoah took the crowd to school, Suzzie & Matt set the emotional trail, Prophet Seth Frimpong came and danced with the crowd.
Prophet Edmund Nana Yaw Obeng had few remarks in raising funds and after him came, the man who has people confess that his songs are inspirational, people confess that he sung at their loved ones funeral, people confess that they have all his CDs in their CD library during his 25-30 years experience in the music business. There were some members of the audience who made it known that they came purposely for this artiste and they desperately "wanted to see him on stage or they were leaving. This artiste has made so much impact on many lives and he is Nana "Gospel Dwomtofohene" Yaw Sarpong". He came, he saw and he conquered. Nana Yaw Sarpong is a great singer and many can attest to that.
The evening ended with an award presentation to all the artistes for their great support. The Gospelfest band is a collaboration of top Ghanaian professional instrumentalists from various walks of life. The band consists of; Frank Mensah, Keyboardist, formerly of Salif Keita and Mega star band, Kwaku Small (formerly of Kojo Antwi & Amakye Dede), Kofi Owusu, (percussions/congas), Koby SOG, formerly of Kojo Antwi's band, Pompo, Lead guitarist, formerly of Mega Star and Ozimzim band, Bernard Quartey formerly of Ozimzim band and back up vocals; Joyce (Nana), Edith and Bridget.
Special thanks to the internet news providers and newspapers for their immense support; Mr. CNN and Rob of Ghanaweb.com, ghanamusic.com, (Nii Abbey Mensah, Mr. Ghanamusic.com), Universal Shipping Imports & Exports (NJ), Rev. Dr. Kwabena Darko and Mr. Acquaye of Darko Farms, Bola Ray of Joy FM, Alhaji Issifu Braimah of Africanspice-Ghana, Eunice Annobil of Business Linkages, David Nyarko and Nana Otuo Acheampong of Ghana Review Magazine, Clement Adu of Ghanatoday.com), Ghanafuo.com, Dondoweb, SPACE 87.7 FM (Ransford Agyapong), Prestige Travel & Torus, myjoyonline; Gold Star Herald, African Abroad and Amandla newspaper and others who help in diverse ways promote the event. We are not forgetting Ms Ajoa Yeboah Afari, Editor of New Times Corporation for her co-operation and support. The promoters; Mr. Kofi Bawuah and Mr. Solomon Krow would like to thank those who bought tickets to come to Gospelfest in NJ, Worcester and New York.
Kudos or "Big Up" to the promoters, artistes, band members, their entire team for putting together such a great concept even though they endured ignorance, hypocrisy, sabotage and unpatriotism on the part of some Ghanaians and churches who taught they were in it for the pockets while on the contrary it was for a good cause, hence the low turnout during the New York event. They take this experience as a lesson learned and would not be discouraged. They will use other avenues to achieve their goals. They said they are not going to stop the effort to raise money to help Korle Bu, the show must go on as P Diddy would say; "I won't stop cos we can't stop". Gospelfest is historic because there has never been any other Gospel event featuring those aforementioned great artist performing together on great venues like Newark Symphony Hall, NJ, The Centrum Centre in Worcester, NJ and the Armenian Hall, NY which hosts Grammy-award winning artists; Kirk Franklin, Bruce Springsteen, Gerald Levert and others.
Donations and proceeds from the Ghana Gospelfest 2004 have been scheduled to take place in Ghana early February 2005. The presentation will consist of Hospital equipment, materials and supplies, which has already been purchased for the Korle-bu Children Maternity Ward and would also be presented to the Korle Bu Foundation and the Ministry of Health. The shipment is scheduled to leave the US for Ghana first week in December.
The promoters are still accepting donations and hospital supplies. Please send all donations payable to the Africa Vista Foundation, 10 Main Street, #267, Woodbridge, NJ 07095, Tel: 908-930-7779
Hospital/Medical Supplies should be sent to the Sponsoring Shipping company directly:
Attn: Ghana Gospelfest 2004 Fund, Universal Shipping, Imports & Exports, 505 Capobinco Plaza, Rahway, NJ 07065 Tel: (800) 738-4850
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AFRICA VISTA FOUNDATION
(Strengthening our U.S./Africa Cultural and Economic Partnerships)
