Nigeria’s gospel superstar, Samsong, according to raving news for some time now among the gospel music circuit in Ghana and media folks will storm Ghana on Christmas day in a grand style. The award-winning and ever prolific gospel artist is expected, as part of his itinerary,y to be a guest artist on an annual grand Christmas concert in the capital of Accra and thereafter will likely do a couple of collaborations with some top Ghanaian gospel acts before heading back home.
The details surrounding the raving news about Samsong’s coming became clearer when Ghana’s leading contemporary gospel music minister, Danny Nettey, confirmed Samsong’s coming and promo of Danny’s annual Christmas concert with his friends began running on air and across social media.
‘I can confirm to you that our dear friend, Samsong, whose music everyone loves is coming to town to be part of my annual Christmas concert which is dubbed ‘Christmas with Danny Nettey and Friends’ as guest minister. He is coming with his wife and child to spend Christmas in Ghana for the first time and is delighted to be on the concert with us- Nii Okai, Ps. Helen Yawson, Cwesi Oteng and yours truly- on Christmas day at La Palm, 6pm,’ Danny revealed on Citi FM’s flagship gospel music programme on Sundays, ‘Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs’.
Born Samson Uche Mogekwu, in Delta State, Nigeria, Samsong discovered his talent for singing while in high school and was monikered ‘Samsong’ because of his love for songs. Samsong later attended college, and majored in Accounting. In 1991, he formed a quartet known as Praise Creation. They were signed to Ivory Music Label, and released their debut album in 1996 titled "Best of Life". The group, howeve,r broke up and Samsong became a solo artist, releasing his debut CD in 2002, titled "Count Your Blessings". His album was a success, garnering airplay, and won him The Psalmist Award that same year. Later a sophomore CD was released in 2004, titled "Still Counting" with which he continued his award winning streak, snagging The Best Male Vocalist of the Year Award at Today's Music Award in 2004, and Best Male Vocalist of The Year Award in 2005 at The Amen Awards.
Samsong had become a bona fide celebrity and gospel star at this point, having songs and video in rotation radio and TV, and receiving top billing on concerts. At The Vigoma Awards in 2005, he received The Best Video of The Year Award. His third release titled "The World of My Dreams" was issued in 2007, and was his most ambitious release yet. It featured a remake of the mega hit "One Love" by music icon Onyeka Onwenu, in which he performed a duet with her. The CD also featured a duet with international superstars Styl-Plus titled Live Right. His ambitious output was recognized with and he was awarded with The Grace Honorary Award for Excellence, that same year. In 2008, he was nominated for The Best Gospel Artist at The Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA) held in New York City. He embarked on an international tour to promote his CD, with stops at South Africa, the United Kingdom and Germany. In Germany, he recorded and performed with Chris Lass, the famous German gospel producer and artist. His most recent headlining tour was in August 2009. He toured the island of Seychelles, and was privileged to have dinner with the Vice President, Joseph Belmont.
Samsong released his ‘Church Boy’ CD in 2010, a testament of his growth as a minister of God through music and revealed his unique blend of native Nigerian rhythms with cross over R&B rhythms and vocal patterns. In Ghana and all over Africa, Samsong is known for his hit songs ‘Bianule’ and ‘Higher Higher’. Come this Sunday, 25th December, 6pm, the Adae Kese Hall of La Palm Royal Beach Hotel will host Danny Nettey, Ps. Helen Yawson, Nii Okai, Cwesi Oteng and guest minister Samsong in the 'Declaring God's Goodness' edition of Christmas with Danny Nettey & Friends. Tickets for the concert are out and selling for GHc 25.00 at Silverbird Lifestyle Store (Accra Mall), Joy FM, Sunny FM, Baatsona Total and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel. You don't want to miss out!