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1st August 2025 6:18:47 PM
5 mins readBy: Amanda Cartey
Ghanaian gospel musician, Obaapa Christy, has opened up about growing up underprivileged.
She told Andy Dosty on Hitz FM, July 31, that she was not raised by parents who were well-to-do, as she had to sell ice water on the streets to survive.
“I’m a poor man’s child. I’m a shoemaker’s daughter and I used to be a hawker. My mother used to sell thrift clothes, I move from one village to another to sell them. I even sold ice water and ice-kenkey."
“When I close from school, I used to peddle oranges’ and I’ve sold a lot of things. We used to live in a single room” she said.
She added, “My parents gave birth to nine children, and I was the second born. I’ve really suffered but I’m not a lazy woman. I worked so hard to get to where I am today.”
Gospel artist Celestine Donkor recently opened up about her upbringing during the ‘Grass to Grace’ edition of Just Being Us.
She recounted the challenges of growing up in a compound house alongside 11 neighbors, where her parents raised a total of 15 children in a single hall and chamber.
In a heartfelt tribute to her mother, Celestine shared how her mom worked tirelessly to provide for the family, ensuring that all her children were well-fed despite their limited resources.
She fondly recalled a particular pot that her mother used for cooking, which her siblings affectionately dubbed the "miracle pot."
“It was not easy for parents like mine to take care of 15 siblings. I remember how we all had to eat from one pot. There is a particular pot my mom cooked in. At a point, we all agreed it was a miracle pot because when she had 7 kids, the pot was full and enough for everyone. We were 15, and the same pot was full and was enough for everyone, so we called it a miracle pot.”
Celestine also discussed the financial struggles her family faced, noting that her mother engaged in various forms of petty trading to support them.
“My mom did everything to make sure we were fed, like selling everything. I do not know what my mom hasn’t sold in this life.”
Reflecting on her childhood memories, she described the experience of sleeping on a couch in their cramped living situation.
“I grew up in a compound house. It was like 12 different families in one compound at Flat Top, Abeka. I remember very well, it was a chamber and hall, so I grew up sleeping on a couch. I thought the couch was actually the bed. It was strange for me, later in life, to have my own bed.”
The gospel musician also recounted her upbringing in a crowded compound house where she lived alongside 11 neighbors while her parents raised a total of 15 children.
Reflecting on the challenges of her childhood, she praised her mother for her unwavering dedication to ensuring that her family was well-fed despite their difficult circumstances.
She recalled how her siblings and she were amazed at how one particular pot seemed to have miraculous qualities.
“It was not easy for parents like mine to take care of 15 siblings. I remember how we all had to eat from one pot. There is a particular pot my mom cooked in. At a point, we all agreed it was a miracle pot because when she had 7 kids, the pot was full and enough for everyone. We were 15, and the same pot was full and was enough for everyone, so we called it a miracle pot.” she shared.
Celestine also highlighted the financial struggles her family faced, which compelled her mother to take on various small trading ventures to support the household.
“My mom did everything to make sure we were fed, like selling everything. I do not know what my mom hasn’t sold in this life.”
Nostalgically, she recalled the crowded living conditions in their home, where sleeping arrangements were quite limited.
“I grew up in a compound house. It was like 12 different families in one compound at Flat Top, Abeka. I remember very well, it was a chamber and hall, so I grew up sleeping on a couch. I thought the couch was the bed. It was strange for me, later in life, to have my own bed.”
Renowned musician King Paluta shared insights into his upbringing during an interview on The Delay Show aired on March 23, 2024.
He was raised by his mother for the nineteen years (19) in the absence of his father.
He humorously likened his family dynamics to biblical figures, jestingly referring to himself as 'Jesus.'
Drawing parallels, he highlighted his mother's name, Mary, and his father's name, Joseph, alongside his birth out of wedlock.
“I didn’t see my father often,” he said. “I think I was raised by a single mother. Before I was born, my parents weren't married. When I came into the world, my dad was away. He was in Ghana, but we had no idea of his whereabouts.”
The musician recalled his first encounter with his father when he visited their home, revealing that he was approximately nineteen years old at the time.
“It wasn't until I was 19 or 20 years old that I met him,” said King Paluta. “He came to my mother, and she discussed marriage with him. My father was the only man my mother had.”
He recounted that throughout this period, his mother consciously chose not to pursue relationships with other men. However, he remained uncertain about her specific reasons, speculating that "her interest in men dwindled after the separation, leading her to prioritize her children."
King Paluta shared that his father passed away in 2022, but before his death, there had been a reconciliation between his parents.
Reflecting on his musical journey, King Paluta disclosed that he penned his debut song in 2004, demonstrating his dedication to music by investing his school fees in studio sessions.
Today, he has emerged as a respected musician, with his tracks amassing significant views. His notable works include 'Aha Akye,' featuring Samini, 'Sika Aba Fie,' 'YaHitte,' and 'Aseda.'
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