Collaboration with Mercy Chinwo wasn’t for Attention
2 min read
Diana Hamilton
Renowned and award-winning UK-based Ghanaian gospel singer Diana Hamilton rarely features other artists, especially her Ghanaian colleagues. So when she featured Nigeria‘s gospel powerhouse Mercy Chinwo on her song The Doing of the Lord, some wondered if the move was to get more exposure.
However, the 2021 Telecel Ghana Music Awards Artiste of the Year set the record straight, explaining that her collaborations are never about chasing attention or leveraging another artiste‘s fame.
Instead, Diana said her decisions are informed by spiritual direction and a determination to find people with whom her music shares purpose and meaning. “Every song has its own purpose and message,” she said. “I strongly believe that whoever I work with must connect to that purpose; it is not just making music but touching and ministering to people.
To Diana, it’s more about authenticity and impact than hype. Let’s put it this way: “It‘s never about who can bring the most attention to the song. It‘s about finding the right artiste who can genuinely convey the message and emotion behind the lyrics. I want someone who shares my passion and is committed to inspiring others through the song, as directed by the Holy Spirit.”
Even though she collaborated with Chinwo, Diana was asked several times why she does not often work with other Ghanaian gospel musicians. She said it is because of logistics, like time and living outside the country, and not because she has grudges against her colleagues.
“I would want to do more work with my people, but I‘m not always in town. I remember I once did a song that had another artiste. I sent my part to producer Kaywa; he refused and said it wouldn’t work, so I needed to fly back from the UK to re-record it, and thankfully it became a masterpiece,” she recounted beaming with smiles.
To Diana Hamilton, collaboration is not about seeking the headlines but about touching lives with a meaningful, spirit-led track, irrespective of the background of persons she collaborates with.
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