Leader and Founder of Charis International Church Rev. Josh Laryea has named 2017 VGMA Artiste of the Year Joe Mettle as his top gospel musician in Ghana.

According to him, Mettle exhibits a kind of music artistry that distinguishes him from other gospel artistes.

“Apart from myself, Joe Mettle is outstanding because he’s been able to carry himself well, he knows his journey and if you listen to his voice, he’s been very consistent.”

Reacting to media publications with regards to Joe Mettle’s break way from the popular Soul Winners group, Rev. Laryea told Bola Ray on Starr Chat that Mettle going solo was mutually agreed upon so no bad blood intended as many have speculated.

“There was no trouble, no conflict between Joe Mettle and the other Soul Winners members when he broke away. There was a consensus even before he joined them as a solo artiste.”

When asked who stands out among the female gospel artistes, the former Pastor of ICGC said,“There are lots of female artistes who are unsung but for the one who stands out currently, I don’t know any. It is not just the talent, I’m looking at holistic thing… the person should have directions, the person should have vision. With the males, you can see Joe Mettle standing out but with the females, I can say that this person stands out but they are all doing creditably well.”

The ‘Ngboo’ singer was suspended by the Otabil-led church in April 2017 for misconduct.

A statement by the church announcing his suspension said: “The Presbytery has authorized the Disciplinary Committee to look into the allegations levelled against Rev. Laryea.

“Rev. Josh Laryea is being withdrawn from the pulpit and thereby the Doxa Temple with immediate effect. This is to allow the Committee carry out its work uninterrupted.”