Award-winning gospel musician Celestine Donkor has opened up about her journey into full-time music ministry, revealing that her calling was shaped by life experiences rather than a dramatic spiritual encounter.
Speaking in an interview on TheAfternoonShow on TV3, the celebrated singer explained that her path unfolded gradually over time.
“I won’t say I had a direct calling from God saying, ‘This is what you have to do,’ but the events of my life narrowed my understanding to where I am today,” she shared.
Growing up in Abecka, a suburb of Accra, Donkor described herself as a shy and uncertain young girl with little confidence about what the future held. Despite her current bold presence on stage, she admitted that she once struggled with fear and self-doubt.
“The young Celestine Donkor was not this confident. I had fears,” she recalled.
One defining moment from her childhood came in Class 6 when her teacher noted on her report card that she was “highly interested in music.” Although she performed well academically, that comment planted a seed that would later influence her life’s direction.
After completing senior high school, Donkor faced a difficult choice — whether to focus entirely on higher education or fully pursue music. She decided to continue her studies while nurturing her musical talent on the side.
Even in those early stages, music began opening unexpected doors. She received scholarships and other forms of support through her talent. However, she still hesitated to commit to music as a lifelong calling.
Her turning point came after she began recording professionally and released her early songs. The testimonies that followed profoundly impacted her life and ministry. She recounted one particularly emotional testimony from a listener who said her song had stopped them from committing suicide.
“That was the point for me. If this is impacting people and saving lives, then this is what I need to do,” she said.
Following that experience, Donkor began to pray more intentionally about her music ministry. She went on spiritual retreats and sought divine inspiration for songs that would uplift and bless listeners.
Her first official single, Supernatural, marked her debut as a solo artiste after years of providing backing vocals and collaborating with other musicians. The song stood out at a time when many gospel tracks focused heavily on hardship and emotional struggles. Instead, “Supernatural” delivered a message of hope, miracles, and positive expectation.
“It was different. It talked about waking up every day looking forward to miracles, signs, and wonders,” she explained.
The single received strong public reception and went on to win Best Gospel Video, cementing her place in Ghana’s gospel music scene.
As she marks 20 years in ministry, Donkor is preparing to launch a book titled 20 Lessons in My 20 Years Journey, reflecting on the experiences that have shaped her faith, career, and personal growth.
