Music of Monday, 30 June 2008

Source: ghanamusic.com

Nana Bee brings melodies from God



Nana Kweisi Bediako who prefers to be called Nana Bee has one of the latest inspirational gospel music album which is loaded with powerful sound and lyrics that touch the heart of the listeners. The worship songs are good to start a new day and very good when going to bed.


Nana Bee’s musical team comprises almost the best Gospel group in the states - Apostolic Instincts who has backed them up believing that with God nothing is impossible.


Nana Bee’s project titled “Melodies From Above” features a variety of inspirational songs for every age which is good of him.


After a successful album launch in USA, Nana Bee is currently in Ghana, his homeland to do massive promo and hopes to cross over to the music market.


Ghana Music.com caught up with Nana Bee for an interview before he left the States for Ghana. Read on and let your comments be heard on what you think of him. Mean while he has promised Ghana Music.com that we will be the first media to show his video. Meanwhile you can click on the following links to know more about Nana Bee - www.nanabeeonline.com



http://cdbaby.com/cd/nkbai


http://www.cdconnection.comsearchNana_Kweisi_Bediako_&_Apostolic_Instincts?searches=artist_box_1&source=sitemap

http://payplay.ca/artist/Nana+Kweisi+Bediako+&+apostolic+Instincts%3B



http://www.digstation.com/AlbumDetails.aspx?albumID=ALB000018572


http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=281471830



http://www.musicstack.com/show.cgi?t=M&find=nana, and http://favebot.com/media/4455201-Melodies-from-Above.


Ghana Music.com: For the sake of those that are now hearing about Nana Kweisi Bediako for the first time, tell us about yourself?

Nana Bee: Nana Kweisi Bediako (aka. Nana Bee) was born on resurrection Sunday April 10th, 1977 to Kwame Adu Bediako and Emma Sampomaa (a choir member) in Accra. Growing up in Accra, Ghana (West Africa) as the second oldest of four children.


Nana heard everything from gospel legends; Kofi Abraham, YABSs, Kusi Berko, Mary Ghansah, Rev. Yawson, Rev. Eric Kwapong, Ron Kelony, Don Moen, Elija Saforo to jazz icons like Osibisa, great Highlife legend; Nana Ampadu, just to mention a few. Those different styles of music, as well as a strong presence in the church, helped to shape Nana as a singer. In my youth age, I was a member of the Living Praise bible church youth choir and drama, the lead singer of the Joyful Way Incorporated (Mfantsipim branch and an executive member of the Scripture Union and a Praises and Worship leader.

In 1997, Nana traveled to the United States where he joined the Apostolic Church (Royal Assembly) and again founded another music/drama group known as the Apostolic Instincts. He also became the Praises and Worship leader under the leadership of the Late Apostle Oswald Boafo who mastered Nana’s gift. Nana Kweisi and his musical group have ministered in many churches here in the US. Nana Bediako is married to Linda who performed on his debut album; “Melodies From Above” and they have a beautiful daughter named Jada.


Ghana Music.com: Who served as influences for you growing up spiritually?

Nana Bee: I was born into a strong Christian home made up of active members of the Presbyterian Church. As a kid I always attended Sunday school. Most of my friends are in the ministry. I also thank God for the life of Pastors like Rev. Francis Yost (Principal of New Life Bible School), Pastor Harrison Acheampong, Apostle V. O. Boafo and Rev. Agyemang Duah.


Ghana Music.com: Tell me about your album “Melodies From Above” who featured on it and who you’ve got helping on production plus some of the albums concepts?

Nana Bee: This work was produced both in Ghana and in the United States. I was blessed to work with great professionals like Andrew Morgan (Ghana), Benjamin Boafo, Shaderach (aka Sha), Sasu Bediako(aka. Sas B ) & Morris Baby Face, Elder Appiah and the Soul Winners, Boris Kurganov (a renowned Jazz musician in NY), Great African drummers - Francis and Senam. This album also introduced few great singers who are part of the choir and they are Nelly Obeng, Emmanuel Adama, Linda Bediako, Victor Boafo, Miriam Boafo and Edmond Hammond.


In terms of the album’s concept, the music is not confined to only traditional styles but also a blend of jazz, African and salsa, along with modern and traditional gospel. There are vibrant horns, great percussions and powerful saxophones by Boris.


Our single motivation in singing is to spread the gospel. In his debut album, “Melodies from above” we appeal to people of all ages and lifestyles, especially to those who might miss the traditional message, that we tried to create a new breed of Ghanaian Gospel that everyone will love. There are the Highlife, Hiplife, Reggae, worship, R&B, Sukuse, Praises and a pinch of the Spanish taste with some South African touch.


Ghana Music.com: What do you wish to achieve with the album?

Nana Bee: My ultimate goal is to inspire everyone especially the youth to believe in themselves, knowing that Heaven is their limit and that God has placed a unique gift in them. We live in the dispensation were God promised he will pour his anointing upon all flesh; the sons and daughters shall prophesy. Most of the songs encourage us to press on towards the goal and not give up. It is my prayer that the broken hearted will receive hope in the Lord and also be firmly rooted in him. Also to the Youth, it does not matter what you’ve been told in the past; “someone’s opinion about you does not have to be a reality” God has the final say.


Ghana Music.com: Tell me about “Melodies From Above” and how your involvement with that came about?

Nana Bee: “Like the porters house, he took some clay, begun to mold and created a beautiful vessel. In this vessel he placed melodies from above and a symphony, which is heavenly inspired. That vessel is; Nana Kweisi Bediako. All the songs are so inspiring and inspired by the Lord. I see this project as a great testimony about my life and how far the Lord has brought me. There is nothing about this album that the Lord did not give me or inspire. I was praying one morning concerning the album, and the Lord gave me this title “Melodies From Above”, since musical melodies were first orchestrated in Heaven. Steve Kelly has fallen in love with the album title and working on a project with it.


Ghana Music.com: Who are the Apostolic Instincts too?

Nana Bee: The Apostolic Instincts is a music, drama and currently a choreographic group that was founded 10 years ago when I joined the Apostolic Church (Royal Assembly).

The main goal is to spread the Gospel through singing and acting. The Lord laid this vision upon my heart to start a group like this that will help keep the Youth out of the streets and be entertained in the church.

Ghana Music.com: An interview at this point in time would be incomplete without this question? You are based in the US, how will you promote your album in Ghana?

Nana Bee: By the Grace of God, I have Adom FM and Peace FM currently promoting the music in Ghana. Websites like yours, and other Ghanaian websites will also be used to promote the album. I also have a couple of producers who have shown interest in the album and will like to promote it and also take care of the marketing.


Ghana Music.com: Are you successful in the ministration of God’s word though music?

Nana Bee: It depends on what we see as successful. In terms of winning souls for Christ, bringing hope for the broken hearted, as a multivational speaker and inspiring the Youth, I will say that I am very successful. I do not use only music, but been a part of what I use in the ministration of God’s word.


Ghana Music.com: Can you list some of the titles of the songs?

Nana Bee: Yesu De Me Esie Ne Mo (I wrote this song on 9/11), “Aseda Nka Wo Din”, “Never Give Up”, “Kristo Akantuo” and “ Yewo Nyame Bi”.


Ghana Music.com: And I’m curious to know who has approached you and revealed to you that your gift has inspired them as an artist over the years?

Nana Bee: What I have been doing most of the time is lead Praises and Worship in my church and during National Conventions and many leaders through the years have told me that the gift that the Lord has blessed me with has inspired them as a Praises and Worship leaders. In terms of artist, I will mention just a few; Minister Annette Aggrey, Felicity Asamoah, Sylvia Asamoah, e.t.c.

Ghana Music.com: At this point in your career, what are your expectations as a Minister of Music and a new artist?

Nana Bee: As a Minister of Music and a new artist, my expectation is to appeal to people of all ages and life style through the type of gospel music we sing. It is also my prayer that anyone who hears the sound of our voices will be blessed, and if not saved, will come to the saving knowledge of God. We also want to reach out to the needy in our society. Not only spiritual need, but also physical and financial needs. It is also my prayer that, the Ghanaian community will embrace us.


Ghana Music.com: For those of us who’ve experienced the presentation and power of Nana Kweisi Bediako and your Apostolic instincts, it really is a spine-chilling awe-inspiring experience. What has been your formula for combining incredible singers and musicians?

Nana Bee: One of my formula for combining incredible singers and musicians is that, I listen a lot from every member in the group regardless of their age. I also believe God has placed unique gifts into everyone. I encourage everyone to be bold and come out with what ever they have. When Jesus chose the twelve, He did not choose only set of intellectuals but rather those who have availed themselves to work. That is how I choose people in the group. One might not play an instrument very well or may not be able to sing but can act or good at packing and arranging instruments or driving us from place to place. So everyone is very important and I treat everyone with great respect. When you make people feel very important, they will give you 110% of their time. Another aspect is that, we come before the Lord saying we are just a clay Lord; so mold us and place within us instruments of praise.


Ghana Music.com: In conclusion, what are both fans of Nana Kweisi Bediako, gospel and christian music lovers and unbelievers going to experience in terms of its distinction from our awesome God?

Nana Bee: All fans, gospel and christian music lovers and unbelievers will experience the love, power, and the anointing of God. Knowing that, just as you are,God loves you and he is the God of second chance and new beginnings. He can also pick up the rejects and beautify it to glorify Himself.


Ghana Music.com: Any last words you’d like to add?

Nana Bee: “The later shall be greater than the former”. This is just a reflection of what is going to happen. Our desire is not to entertain but to lift the listeners up to where God wants them to be. Also if God can use me, then He can use anyone who is willing. In the nut shell, this album will inspire the unbeliever to accept Christ, the one who feels like sliding back to press on, the one who presses on to stay right there, the worshipers to move to higher heights and deeper depths. I love you all and stay bless.