Referred to by the media variously as �Classic Songstress�, �First Lady of Gospel�, �Angelic Voice�, Naana is disposed towards inspirational and worship music, and her lilting voice cuddles the most convinced unbeliever into glowing with faith.
Born to US based businessman Eric Frimpong and wife Gloria, Naana�s musical ability became evident very early in life, greatly influenced by her beloved maternal grandmother, Victoria Acquah.This God-given talent manifested itself throughout her early years in school and in several churches, including the Presbyterian Church where her parents worshipped, and later Word of Life Christian Centre, where she led the choir.
She was discovered by iconic songwriter, arranger and producer Carlos Sakyi, who featured her on lead vocals on his classic �Thank You Jesus� album in 1992. Carlos later teamed up with business mogul Steve Amoa-Marfo and established the colossal Record and Music Management Company, Megastar Limited, with Naana as one of its pioneering artistes.
Her stable mates included the sensational twins, Tagoe Sisters, highlife giants Jewel Ackah and Amakye Dede, and prolific songwriter Rev. Thomas Yawson. Naana Frimpong�s debut album �He�s Wonderful�, mixed at Monroe Studios in London, UK, and released by Megastar, redefined the boundaries of gospel music in Ghana, with compelling songs like �Odo Pa�, �Power and Glory� (written by producer Carlos Sakyi, who also did the instrumentation).
She left for the UK in 1996, where she recorded her critically acclaimed second album �Nyame Adom�, with hit song �Agyenkwa Nyame�, at Sultan Studios, featuring top session musicians including Osibisa�s Alfred Bannerman on guitar. The album was co-produced by Dave Yowell (who featured on bass guitar) and Carlos Sakyi doing songwriting and keyboards.
In year 2000, she released her third, �Twen Awurade�, garnering a smash hit �Nea Onyame Ahyehye�. An authoritative and inspired voice of God in our time, Naana is a household name in her country, Ghana, West Africa.
She has been featured in all major media (Radio, TV, Print) including the international magazines �Ghana Review� and �Dondo� (Cover Page). Her image has adorned the front pages of practically all the major Ghanaian print media- The Mirror, The Spectator (several editions), Graphic Showbiz and many others.
Naana is not only noted for her exceptional vocal ability, but also for her immense beauty and brains, passing with distinction the GIMPA Certificate in Administration and Management course in 2006.
Outstanding journalist and author, Merari Alomele, editor of The Spectator, one of Ghana�s foremost weeklies has described Naana�s beauty as �mesmerizing�, though she herself is very modest about it and downplays that side of her, rather wishing to focus on how effectively to use her exceptional singing talent to win souls for Jesus.
Naana�s exceptional singing exploits and elegant image on Ghana�s Music landscape has borne fruit in several ways, one of them being the inclusion of the terrific song �Yesu Ye Owura� (jointly written by her and producer/manager Carlos Sakyi) selected as part of a groundbreaking compilation album showcasing contemporary Ghanaian music, a project funded by the French Embassy, Ghana.
The album was launched by the French Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Pierre Jacquemont in 2005, and widely distributed to all French Embassies and other key organizations throughout the world. Naana was the only gospel artiste and female musician on the project, a laudable achievement indeed, and a clear testament to her proficiency and unquestionable stature in Ghana�s Music Industry.
Her terrific �Odo Pa� video was produced and directed by South Africa�s M�Net, and featured extensively on that network. The excellent quality of the clip also set a very high standard for video production in Ghana.
�Adom�, her most recent work, a highly inspiring album, once again produced by Carlos who collaborated on songwriting of all original tracks with Naana, has been described in several media networks as �Timeless�. The album was recorded in Ghana at Aquiatone Studios and mastered at Sound Recording Technology (SRT) in Cambridgeshire, UK.
Adom is on the Galaxee label, with Kofi Oppon (UK) and Carlos Sakyi as Executive Producers. Her breathtaking �Adom� video clip was executed by Ghana�s virtuoso music video director Abraham Ohene-Djan of OM Studios, further earning a nomination in Ghana Music Awards Best Video Category. She was also nominated for Best Female Vocal Performance.
On the live circuit, she has performed several concerts both locally and internationally, particularly in the United States of America, she has toured extensively. Naana also acts as a Resource Person for the Ark Foundation, a women (and children�s) legal and Human Rights Organization and is currently pursuing a degree program in Human Resource Management at Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, GIMPA.
She continues to inspire millions with her silky voice, touching and transforming hearts everywhere she goes. She is slated to release �The Best of Naana�, compilation album on the Galaxee label soon, something her dedicated fans have been waiting expectantly for.
Naana�s music is evergreen, and she�ll continue to �reign� for a long, long time on the music landscape in Ghana and beyond- with music that has crossover appeal; music that rejuvenates the soul; music with class and panache; music that lives forever!!!
Source: pinnaclegh.com
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