Yaw Sarpong in spectacular performance at Gospel Night

Without any iota of doubt, the professional exploits of an ace gospel musician, Yaw Sarpong, who was recently stuck in a wheelchair for two years with paralysis, has had huge growing influence on the Ghanaian music scene.

In spite of this surprisingly, his name and that of the ‘The Asomafo’ is not widely registered within the territorial frontiers of the Charismatic and Pentecostal churches, and as a result, his music repertoires are not heard sung during Sunday services.

But no one should underrate the musical prowess embedded in Yaw Sarpong. Last Sunday, he performed live with his band at a programme dubbed: ‘Gospel Night with Yaw Sarpong’.

Held at the Faith Phenomenal Cathedral auditorium of the Gospel Light International Church, Nkrumah Circle – Accra, the scene was awe-inspiring.

This innovative event which would be a monthly one was organised by the Presiding Bishop of the Church, Rt Rev Matthew Addae-Mensah.

His ability to control the stage and the profound scripturally-based content of his lyrics, accompanied with qualitative instrumentation with the magic fingers of Shadrack Yawson clearly puts him miles ahead of other gospel musicians.

What is more revealing watching him sing is the instinctive artistry movement which he employs.

The blend of his voice, that of the wife, Sister Tiwaah, and Aboagye, his vocalist, also distinguish and separate them from the amateurs.

Amazingly, one can hardly differentiate between their recordings on CD and that of the live performance.

Amid cheers, jumping, clapping and waving of handkerchiefs, Yaw Sarpong and his group close to two hours kept the pastors and the patrons on their feet without showing any sign of fatigue wearing on them (the performers).

Historically, Yaw Sarpong humbly began it all with the Ahensan Gospel Band based in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region as a musician apprentice. At some point, he detached himself and formed his own group which he named ‘Yaw Sarpong and Asomafo’.

In his stock, he has 25 hit albums to his credit.