Christian Musician | Fashionista | Philanthropist | Entrepreneur
I am Empress Gifty, a Ghanaian Christian Musician and Fashionista. With a strong passion for music, I have made significant achievements in the industry. One notable milestone is being the first Gospel Artist in Ghana to hit 1 Million Followers on Instagram. My talent and dedication have been recognized through numerous awards, including VGMA Gospel Artiste of the Year 2012 and VGMA Gospel Song of the Year 2012. Born to the Oppong and Annan family, I hail from the Central and Western Regions of Ghana. My educational journey began at Mantey Din Primary School and Oninku Junior Secondary School in Tema. Later, I pursued my interest in fashion by attending a fashion school in Tema, which led me to establish my own fashion school in the same area, where I trained students in fashion and lifestyle. From a young age, I exhibited a passion for singing and joined the choir, which greatly enhanced my vocal abilities. I started composing songs while in high school, and these songs became a significant part of my church's ministrations. With a deep commitment to my faith, I decided to use my singing gift to proclaim the goodness of God and spread the gospel. Over the years, I have released numerous singles and albums that have touched the lives of believers in Ghana and beyond. Songs like "Aseda," "Adom," and "Jesus Over Do" have received widespread acclaim, and their impact has been reflected in their presence on local and global gospel music charts. This success has resulted in several award wins and nominations, including the Best Female Musician award at the 2015 GN Awards and the Gospel Album of the Year for "Aseda" in 2012.
Beyond music, I am also passionate about supporting others, which led to the creation of my initiative called Empress Friday Market Place. Through this platform, I provide opportunities for individuals to advertise their products or services under my social media posts every Friday. Additionally, I host The Empress Show, a web show aired on my Facebook page every Sunday. In terms of personal style, I am known for my distinct fashion sense and have been recognized with nominations for awards such as Stylish Artist of the Year in 2018. Collaborations with artists like Opanka and Zaza Mohkheti from South Africa have further enriched my musical journey. I am married to Hopeson Adorye, a Ghanaian politician, and together we have two children. With each passing day, I continue to strive for excellence in my music career while uplifting and inspiring others through my songs and fashion choices. My latest music video for the hit song "Awiey3 Pa" has captivated audiences and further showcased my artistic vision.
What were the biggest initial hurdles you faced and how did you overcome them?
I faced several initial hurdles in my career as a creative. One of the major challenges I encountered, coming from a humble background. To overcome this, I took the initiative to start my own fashion school and explored various entrepreneurial endeavors to generate income. Gaining recognition and breaking into the music industry was another obstacle I faced. However, I remained determined and used my talent and dedication to establish myself as a renowned gospel artist. From a young age, I composed songs and actively participated in church choirs, which helped me refine my sound and become a better vocalist.
Navigating the competitive music industry and setting myself apart from other artists was also a significant challenge. I tackled this by consistently releasing high-quality singles and albums that resonated with listeners. My songs received airplay on local radio and TV stations, and some even reached the top of gospel music charts.
Throughout these challenges, my positive mindset and unwavering faith in God propelled me forward. I stayed focused on my goals and used my singing gift to proclaim the goodness of God and spread the gospel. Through hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to using my platform to help others, I overcame these initial hurdles and achieved success in my career as a gospel musician.
What advice would you offer to young individuals, both locally and internationally, who are embarking on their careers or pursuing their passions?
As someone who has experienced challenges and achieved success in my career, I would offer the following advice to young individuals embarking on their careers or pursuing their passions:
Believe in God and yourself: Have confidence in God, and your abilities and believe that you have what it takes to succeed. Trust in God and your talents and unique qualities, and let them guide you towards your goals.
Embrace hard work and perseverance: Success rarely comes overnight. Be prepared to put in the effort and work hard towards your dreams. Stay committed, even when faced with obstacles or setbacks, and keep pushing forward.
Seek knowledge and continuous learning: Never stop learning and seeking new knowledge in your chosen field. Be open to new ideas, explore different perspectives, and stay updated with the latest trends and developments. Expand your skills and expertise to stay ahead in your career.
Network and build relationships: Surround yourself with supportive and like-minded individuals who share your passion. Network within your industry, attend events, and connect with professionals who can offer guidance and opportunities. Building strong relationships can open doors and help you grow in your career.
Embrace failure and learn from it: Don't be discouraged by failures or mistakes. Instead, view them as valuable learning experiences. Analyze what went wrong, identify areas for improvement, and use those lessons to grow and become better.
Stay true to yourself and your values: As you pursue your career or passion, always stay true to who you are and what you believe in. Don't compromise your values or change who you are to fit in. Authenticity and staying true to yourself will set you apart and attract the right opportunities.
Embrace a positive mindset: Maintain a positive attitude and believe in the possibilities. Surround yourself with positivity and focus on the opportunities rather than dwelling on the challenges. A positive mindset will not only keep you motivated but also attract positive outcomes.
Embrace mentorship and guidance: Seek out mentors or role models who can offer guidance and support along your journey. Learn from their experiences, seek their advice, and let their wisdom guide you as you navigate your career path.
Remember, success is a journey, and each individual's path is unique. Stay committed, be patient, and never lose sight of your dreams. With passion, dedication, and a willingness to learn and grow, you can achieve great things in your chosen career or pursuit of passion.
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empress_gifty/