The Ghana Gospel Music Awards committee and gospel music lovers in Ghana recently voted Christiana Love as the best gospel musician in the country today. For Christie, though, her biggest dream goes beyond churning out more award-winning songs.
?I believe God will put me in a position where I will have the resources to build a church, schools and a magnificent community hall where big gospel events will be held to the glory of His Holy name,? the ever-smiling musician told The Mirror in a chat.
According to Christie, who is nursing her new and first baby, Benjamin, circumstances beyond her control kept her out of the classroom at a time when she should have been piling up academic certificates.
?I managed to complete Junior Secondary school which I know is not adequate, but it is not too late. I will soon enroll in a Bible school where I can improve upon my English and writing skills and also learn more about God?s Word so that I can contribute more towards His work locally and internationally?.
She said when she graduated from the Adadiem Junior Secondary Scholl (JSS) in Kumasi about 10 years ago, a relative abroad promised to invite her to live with her so she forgot about education and concentrated on singing gospel songs in her church, The Redemption Assemblies of God Church, Kumasi, as well as in other churches. Her dreams to go abroad, however, did not materialise.
?Our choir master, Mr. Fiifi Rockson, formed a two-member music group known as the Hallelujah Voices which comprised two of his best singers, Abena Tiwaa and I. We visited and sang in several churches and after some time released our first professional work titled ?Enye Nipa Nyinaa Na Enya No Saa? ?.
She said during a visit to a church one day, the popular songwriter, composer and singer, Osuani Afrifa, spotted her and invited her to help him produce a music album by singing some songs he had written and composed. However, her mentor, Mr. Rockson did not like the idea and therefore discouraged her from granting Osuani?s request.
?Osuani, knowing my potential, did not relent in his efforts to get me, so after I got married and left Mr. Rockson?s camp, he came to my house and convinced me to sing for him which I did. And thank God my decision has borne good fruits.?
The hit song and album ?Me Tease? was Osuani?s Afrifa work presented by Christian Love. She paid glowing tributes to him for giving her the opportunity to sell her name to the gospel music world. ?Though I did not make much money I was able to sing to glorify God.?
Her ?heavy? voice and elegant singing style was in full display when she represented Ghana at the All Africa Gospel Music Festival held in Benin recently. She was there in her capacity as the best gospel artiste in Ghana and she reportedly gave a good account of herself.
The gospel diva was born in Kumasi twenty something years ago as Christiana Twene, to Mr. Akwasi Twene and Madam Mary Amoah Twene. She is the second of nine children.
Christie got her second ?showbiz name?, Love from her hubby who is the leader and founder of the Life Power Miracle church, Odorkor, Accra.
She went to sing in a church one day and while she was on stage doing her own thing, one of the pastors was apparently communicating with the Holy Spirit for divine courage and direction to win her heart.
And indeed, Prophet Love Hammond?s prayers were answered and today he is the proud husband of the popular musician. Christiana Love has completed work on a second album which she describes as her own.
The album which is yet to be given a suitable title has eight songs including her favourite, ?Yare ye ya? and ?Oko yi mentumi nko?. She expressed her gratitude to God, her music producer, Big Ben and her sweetheart, Love, for their support. And to all Ghanaians she said ?Thank You?
