The 2016 edition of Celestial Praiz which took place at the Royal House Chapel (Ahenfie) on Sunday, July 17 was not only hugely patronised, but was also used to eulogise the late gospel legend, Danny Nettey.
The gospel event which drew about 6,000 worshippers was headlined by guest artiste, Mkhululi Bhebhe of Joyous Celebration Choir, together with the host, Celestine Donkor, and a host of others. The musicians, led by Celestine Donkor and Rev Ato Acquah, a close friend to Danny Nettey, spent the first few minutes of the show to pay glowing tribute to him by first observing a one-minute silence in his memory.
A three-minute video footage by the Next Generation Ministers which celebrated Danny Nettey in 2015, organised by Fiifi Folson, was replayed to the audience.
Danny Nettey’s synonymous shouts of praise were re-enacted to mourn and celebrate him as a distinguished legend and leader of contemporary gospel music who has impacted several musicians such as Joe Mettle, Celestine Donkor, among others.
Before the ministration of songs kicked off for the night, one of the invited artistes, Qwesi Oteng, also did one of Danny Nettey’s songs titled ‘I Will Lift You Up High’ in his memory.
Celestine Donko also did a unique rendition of Danny Nettey’s ‘I Will Lift You Up High’ in Ewe.
The ministrations for the night kicked off in earnest and one after the other, every artiste gingered the audience in a spirit-filled atmosphere of praise and worship.
Mkhululi Bhebhe, a Zimbabwean born vocalist/musician based in South Africa, electrified the atmosphere with great songs.
Renowned international evangelist, Rev Dr Lawrence Tetteh, delivered the word of exhortation on the night to the audience.
Celestine Donkor did not disappoint the audience, as she wowed them with five of her songs, including ‘Supernatural’ and ‘Turning Around’.
She also gave the audience a piece of her two new songs yet to be released, and did a live recording of a song, in collaboration with the guest artiste, Mkhululi Bhebhe.
The Celestial Mass Choir and Friends of God, Becky Boney and Eugene Zuta also ministered on the night.