Have you wondered who Joe Mettle is after grabbing the ultimate award at the just ended Vodafone Ghana Music Awards?
Well, the current champion of Ghana music, Joe Mettle, known in real life as Joseph Oscar Nii Armah Mettle was born on July 5 to Florence Addo (trader) and Emmanuel Mettle (trader). Joe is the eldest of six children in his native Korle Gonno neighbourhood.
Joe did a lot of trading during his childhood, selling items like brooms, sponges, canes, recharge cards, and waakye leaves. He disclosed in an interview that he was exposed to a lot of good and bad activities that taught him a lot about taking up early responsibilities as well as being a hard worker.
READ MORE: Joe Mettle makes history at 2017 VGMA
Joe Mettle started his education at the Richard Akwei Memorial School and later to the Kade 1&2 Primary School at Kade where he spent about a year before returning to Accra to the St. Michaels and All Angels.
He had his junior secondary school education at the Korle Gonno 3 Junior High School (JHS) before moving on to the Modesco Technical School at Mataheko where he read draughtsmanship, in a bid to pursue his dream to become an architect.
During his early days of singing, he worked as a backing vocalist for some Ghanaian Gospel greats including Cindy Thompson, late Danny Nettey, and Reverend Tom Bright Davies.
Joe Mettle was the lead singer for the indigenous multicultural music group, Soul Winners. He parted ways with the group after he gained an admission to the Pentecost University College (PUC).
In 2007, Joe Mettle Ministries was founded from the desire to use music, which is undoubtedly a commanding element, to bring people together. The ultimate vision of his ministery is centred on empowering believers and winning souls for Christ through the power of worship. The Ministry has two major annual headline events; Praiz Reloaded, midyear and Lovegift in December every year.
Joe Mettle has performed alongside top international Gospel stars like Donnie McClurkin, Don Moen, among others.
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He has many nationwide hit songs including “Medo Wo”, “Sound of Praise”, “Saved With Amazing Grace” (S.W.A.G), “Akokyem Nyame”, “The Encounter”, “Worship Medley”, “My Gratitude”, “Mensuro” and “Turning Around” to his credit. His latest hit that earned him nominations at this year’s VGMA is titled “Onwanwani” (Wonderful).
He has four albums to his credit. They are “My Gratitude” (2011), “Sound of Praise” (2013), and “The Encounter” (2015).
Joe Mettle has won over 10 local international awards. He has won several awards at Africa Gospel Music Awards, Gospel industry Awards, African Gospel Awards (UK), CCML Ghana Gospel Awards, Bass Awards and RIGA Awards (South Africa).
READ MORE: Joe Mettle wins "Artiste of the Year"; see the complete winners list at 2017 VGMA
Joe is the manager at Reverb Studios. Reverb is a rehearsal and recording studio located in Dansoman, Accra. The company provides musical equipment rental and music and marketing consultancy services. He is a member of the Exhibition Assemblies of God – Dansoman.