Today marks the remembrance of one of Ghana’s most beloved gospel music pioneers, Daniel Tetteh Nettey, known by many as Danny Nettey, who passed away on July 15, 2016. Born on September 19, 1968, we honor not just the music he gave us, but the message he lived by — that praise and worship belong to God and must be treated as such.
Image: Legendary gospel musician , Danny Nettey
He was concerned that too many leaders had made gospel music about themselves. Danny warned that some enjoyed the spotlight and allowed their egos to get in the way of true worship. “We have it all wrong,” he said. “Because I am the one manning the sound, then I can throw my weight around. These are the things that need to be addressed.” For him, it was never about how gifted someone was, but how surrendered they were to God.
He reminded worship leaders that people do not come to church to listen to their voices or admire their talents — they come to encounter God. “People enjoy their egos being rubbed but the people are not there because of you. They are there because of God,” he declared. This truth, though spoken many years ago, still rings loudly in today’s church.
Danny Nettey’s heart for worship was evident not just in his words, but in the way he carried himself. He led with humility and sought to direct all attention to Christ. His life was a reminder that gospel music is a calling, not a performance — a ministry, not a show.
Image: The late Ghanaian Gospel artiste, Danny Nettey
As we honour his memory today, may every worship leader, choir member, instrumentalist, and sound technician reflect on his words. Worship must not revolve around the stage, the lights, or the sound. It must revolve around God. Danny’s message calls us back to the heart of worship — where God is the focus and holiness is the foundation.
Daniel Tetteh Nettey may no longer be with us, but his message lives on: gospel music is God’s work, and when we handle God’s work, we must do it God’s way.