Mrs. Nana Yaa Frimpomah Otchere is popularly known in showbiz and social media circles as Mz. Nana.
Early Life: Born in the vibrant city of Accra, Ghana, Mz Nana discovered her passion for music early on. Growing up in a family with a rich cultural and religious background, she was exposed to the soul-stirring rhythms of gospel music that would later become the cornerstone of her artistic expression. As a little girl raised by her paternal grandmother, Madam Mercy Akosua Oguabea Plange, of blessed memory, she was never allowed to stay home on Sundays without attending church services. She always followed her grandmother to the Church of Pentecost, Kpehe branch, where she started singing at Sunday school. At such a tender age, Mz Nana always had a special admiration for gospel music ministers when she saw them on stage at church, ministering at regular Sunday services and at regional and national conventions grounds. She, therefore, desired to be a gospel singer one day.
At teenage, Mz Nana left the Church of Pentecost to join Kings Chapel Vine Yard at Madina, and with her passion for singing, she ultimately became a member of the praise and worship team, where she continued to sing and perfected her craft. She sang at the church’s various crusades and outreach programs in and around Accra.
Journey to the United States: Mz Nana’s journey to becoming a prominent gospel artist took an international turn when she married Dr. Francis Otchere and joined her lovely husband in the United States in 2003. The transition to a new culture and environment deepened her connection to her roots, inspiring her to blend traditional Ghanaian sounds with contemporary gospel music. In the United States, Mz Nana joined her husband’s local Assembly of God’s Church in Silver Spring, Maryland, and became a praise and worship team member.
Musical Influences: Her music is a fusion of her Ghanaian heritage and the diverse musical influences she encountered in the United States. Mz Nana draws inspiration from Ghana’s gospel music legends like Abaapa Christie, Jane & Bennis, Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Tagoe Sisters, Madam Comfort Annor, and contemporary artists like Diana Hamilton and Piesie Esther, creating a unique sound that resonates with audiences across cultural boundaries.
Single Releases: In September of the year 2022, Mz Nana debuted her first gospel single, “Oma Ne Nsa So,” which means “The Mighty Hand of God,” which was released in July 2022 and launched on Sept. 24, 2022. She aimed to inspire and uplift listeners, drawing them closer to their faith. A few months later, Mz Nana again released her second single, “Aseda Ka,” which means “Thanksgiving of praise.” The two singles caused a sensation in the social media sphere, which garnered widespread acclaim for their uplifting lyrics, soulful melodies, and the infusion of African rhythms. The album’s success marked her as a rising star in Ghana, the United States, and internationally in the gospel music scene. Mz Nana’s song lyrics convey gratitude, praise, and worship to God. Her gospel music often celebrates the goodness of God, expresses thanksgiving, and encourages believers in their faith journey.
In November 2023, Mz Nana again released a hattrick of singles, which she dubbed “PRAISE THE LORD.” It consists of a Praise Medley, Live Worship (Wo Ye Onyame), and Praise the Lord.
Impactful Ministry: Beyond her musical endeavors, Mz Nana is known for her impactful ministry. She actively engages in community outreach programs, using her platform to spread messages of hope, faith, and unity. Her commitment to positively impacting society has endeared her to fans and communities. Mz Nana and her husband, Dr. Otchere, have been instrumental in forming the “ENO BAATANPA” Foundation for needy children and young adults in Asamankese. They regularly provide financial and logistics support to the founder, Mrs. Madam Rosemond Owusu-Boadi, for the smooth running of the foundation. The foundation supports 85 poor and underprivileged children and young adults to learn dressmaking and tailoring, hair-dressing and salon management, auto mechanics, etc.
Global Recognition: Mz Nana’s music has transcended borders, earning her invitations to perform at significant gospel events and conferences worldwide. Her dynamic stage presence and heartfelt performances have left an indelible mark on audiences, reinforcing her status as a beacon of inspiration in gospel music. Mz Nana has performed on stage at the following events:
GMA-USA 2023 Nominees Announcements at Springfield, Virginia in the U.S, The 2023 Afro Unity Festival concert held at Alexandra, Virginia, the 2023 Royals Praise concert at Severn Maryland, and the GMA-USA @5 Press Soiree, which was held at SOHO Restaurant, here in Accra.
Awards and Nominations: In 2023, Mz Nana received nominations in two categories from the Ghana Music Awards (GMA–U.S.A) for Gospel Song of the Year and New Artiste of the Year for U.S.-based artists. During the awards night in the Lincoln Theater at Columbus Ohio, Mz Nana’s maiden single “Oma Ne Nsa So” won the Gospel Song of the Year Award for U.S.-based artistes. She’s filled nominations in several categories in the upcoming 2024 and the 5th year edition of the GMA-U.S.A. nominees announcement event scheduled to be held in New Jersey and is hoping to receive nominations in the selected categories.
Family Life: Mz Nana is a wife and mother of two young adult men, Darwin Amoah Otchere and Darius Baffour Otchere. She is one hundred supported by her husband, Dr. Francis Otchere, who also writes most of her songs.
Mz Nana continues to evolve as an artist, using her talent and platform to inspire and uplift people from all walks of life. As she navigates the intersection of her Ghanaian roots and American experiences, her music remains a testament to the power of faith, cultural diversity, and the universal language of gospel music.
