BY Nadia Ntiamoah
Gospel musician Celestine Donkor celebrated two decades of music ministry with a powerful night of worship during the 12th edition of Celestial Praiz, held over the weekend, at Victory Bible Church International, Awoshie in Accra.
The event, dubbed Celestial Praiz XII, brought together hundreds of gospel music lovers, ministers, church groups and industry figures to honour the singer’s 20-year journey in gospel music.
The programme set the tone for an evening of spiritual reflection, worship and thanksgiving. From the opening ministration, the auditorium was filled with praise as patrons joined several gospel musicians and choirs in heartfelt worship sessions.
The gathering blended live music, prayer and testimonies, creating an atmosphere many participants described as a powerful spiritual encounter.
Over the years, Celestial Praiz has evolved into one of the notable gospel worship gatherings, drawing gospel enthusiasts from across the country and beyond.
The night featured a strong lineup of celebrated gospel artistes from Ghana and other parts of Africa. Among the guest ministers who joined the celebration were Piesie Esther, Kofi Peprah, Tembalami from Zimbabwe and Zaza Mokheti from South Africa. Also present were gospel minister Kweku Teye and veteran performer Uncle Ato, who all took turns leading the congregation through popular worship songs and spontaneous praise sessions.
Each ministration reinforced the event’s theme, “Worship Encounter,” as the audience responded with singing, prayer and moments of deep reflection. The diverse lineup of ministers reflected the growing collaboration within the African gospel music community, bringing together voices from different parts of the continent for a shared worship experience.
Celestine Donkor herself delivered an energetic performance, ministering a catalogue of her songs in refreshed arrangements that resonated strongly with the audience. One of the major highlights of the night came when she mounted the stage for an all-star performance alongside Uncle Ato, Piesie Esther, Tembalami and Zaza Mokheti, drawing loud applause from patrons.
