Maame Tiwaa receives award on behalf of Yaw Sarpong
Gospel icon Yaw Sarpong has been honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA).
The award was in recognition of Yaw Sarpong’s remarkable contributions to the music industry and for dedicating his life and passion to the growth of the gospel industry.
Yaw Sarpong expressed gratitude to Ghanaians, organizers of the event and his team for bringing him this far.
“I thank all Ghanaians. You all helped my career and let the world knew about me. I want to thank my team I worked with in the studio, the first person is Maame Tiwaa, George Amoako, Jerry Budu. I appreciate you all, Ghanaians,” he said in a clip played at the Awards night.
Yaw Sarpong is a renowned Ghanaian gospel musician, celebrated for his significant contributions to indigenous Ghanaian gospel music.
As the lead vocalist and founder of the Asomafo Band, he has been a pivotal figure in the genre for over four decades, earning a distinct style through his inspiring songs and soothing approach to spreading the gospel of Christ.
Early Life and Background
Yaw Sarpong was born in Ghana, the son of a former Member of Parliament during President Kwame Nkrumah’s era.
His father’s imprisonment and subsequent death during a coup d’état led his mother to relocate the family to Akyease to ensure their safety.
It was here that Sarpong’s musical talent began to emerge. Sarpong showed an interest in music from a young age and was invited to sing in a Christian music band founded by a doctor.
This experience ignited his passion for gospel music. He briefly worked as a taxi driver before pursuing music full-time, moving to Liberia in 1986 to form his own band.
Formation of the Asomafo Band
Establishment: In 1986, Sarpong founded the Asomafo Band (meaning “Messengers” in Twi) in Liberia, initially comprising members from Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, making it a multinational group.
The band later relocated to Ghana in 1990, where it gained significant popularity.
Sarpong named the band “Asomafo” to reflect his belief that its members were divinely sent to propagate the gospel through music.
His leadership style, characterized by openness and unity, has kept the band cohesive over the years.
Musical Career and Achievements
Sarpong has released 25 albums and over 100 songs, with notable tracks including “Oko Yi,” “Wo Haw Ne Sen,” “Yenka Kyere Agya,” and “Awurade Kasa.”
His music blends traditional Ghanaian rhythms with Christian messages, resonating with audiences across generations.
Awards and Recognition
1999: Won the Best Gospel Album at the ECRAG Awards.
2017: Received an honorary doctorate in Sacred Music from the Ecclesiastical Bishop Leaders Conference of Africa (EBLCA), affiliated with Kayiwa International University, Uganda, for his contributions to gospel music.
2019: Awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for his musical contributions.
Collaborations
Sarpong has collaborated with both gospel and secular artists, including a notable 2020 collaboration with rapper Sarkodie on the song “Ahobrase3,” which aimed to broaden his reach to younger audiences.
He has also worked with artists like Joyce Blessing, Pat Thomas, and Kuami Eugene on projects like the 2020 All-Stars Peace Song, promoting peace during Ghana’s elections.
Known for his indigenous Christian music, Sarpong’s work emphasizes faith, hope, and a personal relationship with God.
His ability to maintain relevance across decades is attributed to his inspirational songs and grassroots appeal.
He has also modernized his music through initiatives like reshooting videos for classics and adding English subtitles to reach broader audiences.
Legacy
Cultural Impact: Yaw Sarpong is widely regarded as a pioneer of Ghanaian gospel music, with a career spanning over 40 years.
His music continues to inspire, and his efforts to modernize indigenous gospel have kept him relevant.
His 2017 celebration of 40 years in ministry included nationwide church tours and the launch of the YSF, reinforcing his commitment to social impact
Social Initiatives
Yaw Sarpong Foundation (YSF): Launched in 2017 as part of his 40th anniversary in music, the foundation focuses on transforming lives through music.
Its flagship initiative, The Prison Project, partners with the Ghana Prison Service to establish music centers in prisons, starting with Ankaful Prison, to rehabilitate inmates and help them develop talents.
Sarpong has used his platform to promote peace, notably through the 2020 Peace Song, which encouraged non-violence during Ghana’s elections.
