Eugene Zuta Shares His My Music Ministry Journey (Part 3)

MY MUSIC MINISTRY JOURNEY( Part 3)

Read Part1, Part2, Part4, Part5

#Helloooo to Song Writing…

I have never been a bad student but even good students have their moments of madness. Mine came in the form of failing elective Chemistry at WASSCE in 1997. My whole carefully thought out plan came to an abrupt end and with it the bursting of my prideful bubble, because I had my life all planned out in a selfish and self confident way. I read the entire book of Job for consolation.

Between late 1997 and 2001, when I wrote my remedials and was admitted in the University of Cape Coast, my life was given to only one thing, Music Ministry. Looking back, I am convinced God used that period to prepare me.

By the end of 1998, I had learnt how to sing most of the songs of the time. We had learnt songs from Ron Kenoly, Don Moen, Alvin Slaughter. Those times you were a celebrity if you could sing their songs ooo. Locally, I had fallen in love with the songs of Rev. Yawson and really wanted to compose like he does.

That same year, I was introduced to WORD OF FAITH BIBLE INSTITUTE ( WOFBI), organized by Winners Chapel International, when they were opening their branch in Ghana. It was during our week of fasting prior to graduation from the institute, that Mrs Bamboye (hope I got the name right), herself a composer, taught us to ask God for any gift we desire and believe we will receive and operate in it. My God !!! I prayed that prayer with all my heart, among others, I remember asking God for the grace to compose songs.

After the Winners experience I started making attempts to compose. Strangely enough, I was more inclined to compose in the akan language, though I am a pure breed Dangme boy, who can barely speak Twi without biting my tongue…I bought myself an Akuapem Twi Bible and learnt how to read with the help of the Holy Spirit. Since I could not play any musical instrument, I would imagine melodies( don’t know how possible that was mpo) and then attempt to put the scriptures I read into the progression. You can imagine how interesting the first song sounded!! It actually sounded like a song in a Hindi movie.

During this period , I came across this scripture in Mark 1 : 22.

“And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.”

This scripture made such a strong impression on that I made it my prayer topic for about a year. I fasted very often. These were my topics.

1. Lord I don’t care about how beautiful my voice is or not, all I ask for, is that anywhere I stand to sing, let it be backed by your authority.

2. Grant me grace to compose songs, that will draw people close to you whenever they are sang.

Over time I realized the Lord answered that prayer. There were days I actually hear songs in my ears as I perform mundane activities. Other times I get songs when I hear people play musical instruments.

Some of the songs come in complete forms, others are just bits of melodies and phrases here and there. I usually would ask some of my more gifted friends to help.

Let me say here that, song writing is

By the year 2000, I realized I was desiring something more than just doing a couple of songs at church. So when I had the opportunity, I joined “The Olivet Voices” of the Mt. Olivet Methodist Church, Dansoman. The choir operated as a semi-denominational music outreach ministry…. This is where I was first introduced to the use of music as a medium for ministry. We were taught the discipline of prayer, fasting and the study of the Word of God…and went for outreach in villages and schools. Courtesy of my then music director, Mr Emmanuel Quarm, a group of us…(call us the “shebo” squad ), were the toast of Full Gospel Breakfast Meetings, Outdooring ceremonies, funerals and even parties in and around Accra.

I use to go for first service at Mt. Olivet Methodist Church, lead the praise and worship time ..then run back to Trinity Presby to perform same duties.

Overtime, I had to choose to commit to one…and I chose the ministry which gave me the opportunity to grow. That is how I joined the Wesleyan!!

My days as an active member of Olivet Voices were such dream come true. I was so consumed by ministry there, I would usually be the first at rehearsal and carry all the instruments to the third floor where we rehearse and set up before everyone came.

Around that time a group of us in the DC area, formed an all male music ministry called Tabernacle of Praise(TOP), with the intention of recording an album. We composed over 20 songs amongst us and pulled off some brilliant performances back then. We abandoned our plans when life took each of us in different directions. However, the time spent together really was a blessing paaahhhnnn. I learnt so much from Nii Scott Okyne, Nathaniel Akuetteh and Pas. Emmanuel Nixon.

It was in Olivet Voices, I was allocated a new ethnicity as a FA-ADANGME( Fante Adangme), and unofficially called by my day name “Kwame” It’s a group from which I received so much love and support . The wonderful relationships we developed ensured that members had a a good environment to grow in the Lord. Till date several “big brothers” and sisters who look out for me and support my ministry actively. Auntie Dorothy Clark, Bro Richmond, Vera Adjoa Koomson, Ben Arthur, Emma Afum and Mrs. Esther Gordon-Mensah. To God oooooooo!

At Mt. Olivet Methodist Church, I had the platform to explore new things.. Make mistakes and correct them in an enabling atmosphere… There were challenges…but there were many opportunities to grow. And boy, I took them. Overtime I become the assistant music director of the group and also facilitated the activities of the area Methodist Praise Mass Choir, and also assisted other choirs in the area.

Whiles there I had the privilege of being pastored by the current Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana, Bishop Titus Awotwi Pratt, a man of great conviction and faith. He was a great source of encouragement. We call him Daddy. A real Daddy!

Finally in 2002, I had the opportunity to enter University of Cape Coast to pursue tertiary education… Little did I know it was also a set up for advanced music ministry training.

As I bring this part to an end…I can hear the chorus of the UCC anthem, playing from ATL Fm.

UCC! UCC! Let us rise to the call, to the call let us r-i-s-e.! Veritas Nobis Lumen!!

We just got to Pedu Junction. To be continued

Read Part1, Part2, Part4, Part5