“Don’t run away from challenges”
Obed Osei Amoah Duku, alias the ‘Worshipper’ is the youngest Ghanaian entrepreneur in Italy. Obed, 24, who lives in Brescia, holds a degree in Legal Consultancy and Estate Management.
He owns a consultancy firm and runs a charity organisation. This illustrious and charismatic young man is also a gospel artiste, a motivational speaker and an author. Obed is the third born of his parents. He had his basic education in Ghana before joining his parents in Italy when he was 14 years old. He developed the passion for singing when he was about eight years old.
Obed became a professional musician about four years ago. He is a vibrant and God fearing young man whose passion is to promote the Kingdom of God. In this interview with Reggie Tagoe, he shares about his life, business, music, and charity organization.
Obed, did you ever plan to come to Italy?
It was never part of my plan though I knew I would eventually join my father. You see, God has a way of doing things. I am the 3rd born of my parents and when the opportunity came for my mother to join my father with one of her children, I wasn’t the one supposed to come because there was my youngest sister.
As God will have it, my parents’ decision of bringing me instead was influenced by what happened to me. I was ill most of the time; I had a close encounter with death at the age of 13, when I was struck with a deadly virus. I remember staying away from school for almost a semester. I can recollect it was in those moments as I lay on the hospital bed, slipping in and out of consciousness, that my mother said she wouldn’t come to Italy unless with me, and God made her wish come true.
What was your experience when you just arrived in Italy?
I found myself in a different world altogether, a world of white people, the language was a barrier to me, their way of living, reasoning, thinking and parents’ relationship with their children at home - everything was different. It wasn’t easy adapting to the system here. I remember weeping on my first day at school. A few days later, I had an encounter with some of my classmates. Someone did something wrong in class, the teacher asked who did it and they all pushed the blame on me, I couldn’t defend myself because of the language, I became a defenceless student.
Ministry wise, it was a bit challenging because it wasn’t easy trying to bring out what I had in the inside. They wouldn’t easily give you a platform to explore your abilities. I remember I had to, sometimes, beg at programmes to sing.
Did you ever think of not making it here and considered moving to another country in Europe?
Naturally, I love being exceptional. I have always had this feature right from childhood, I love doing things differently from others. For instance, what people call fashion or the order of the day never inspires me. I am not easily influenced by the norm, no; this is me and I thank God for that. Let me be very frank with you, I have travelled across Europe and never, have I decided to relocate permanently to any of these places because I think, opportunities there are greater.
Life is about how you see it. I am a believer and therefore try possibly to live as one, scripture says: ‘wherever the soul of my feet shall tread, that place, God will give unto me. It can be Italy, Ghana, Iraq, anywhere … it’s all about your attitude towards the situation. I see great opportunities in Italy than any other place, sure it has its own challenges, nevertheless, they are everywhere.
Come to think of it, where do I begin from should I relocate? I will be a failure to initiate something and not live to complete it.
Please share with us some of your achievements so far.
In 2010 and 2011 by the grace of God, together with my Ministry - ‘Worshipper’s Outreach Ministries’ - I organised a Praise and Worship Concert in Italy. There were about 1,000 people. The concert featured great International gospel icons, among them; Minister Atta Boafo, Diana Antwi Hamilton, Minister Allen (all from the UK), Pastor Uche from South Africa, Christiana Love and Ernest Opoku (both from Ghana).
I authored a book titled “Basic Issues of Life” in 2005/2006. I was honoured by the Ghana Ambassador to Italy, Her Excellency Anita Evelyn Stokes-Hayford, when she invited me to pay her a courtesy call at the Embassy in Rome to discuss my activities and issues concerning Ghanaian youth in Italy.
What’s your relationship with the churches in Brescia?
I’m a son to all the Christian Churches in Brescia. I have ministered in almost all of the Pentecostal Churches around and also have a very good relationship with the Pastors. This is because; though I fellowship with a particular church, I believe I’m fed and natured by almost all of these Pastors around me. I’m actually a product of the body of Christ and therefore try as much as possible to extend my service to the Lord in all Ministries. I have been involved in so many programmes, I can’t mention all but just to mention a few: I co-founded one of the finest Mass choirs in Italy – ‘Harmonic Clarion’.
I also pioneered the birth of the non-denominational Youth Organisation - ‘Youth and the Future’, which is one of the productive youth wings in the northern part of Italy. I also preside and coordinate ‘Festival of Worship and Praise’ - one of the best and finest gospel events organised within the black community. It brings people from far and near under one roof to Worship and Praise God.
I have seen you a couple of times performing with Rev. Dayana Akosua Biney. She is one of the most hard working Ghanaians in Italy you can think of – a pastor, cultural mediator, author, journalist and a gospel artiste. You seem to be walking on the same path with her.
What’s your relationship like with Rev Dayana?
I wasn’t known until one day, when I divinely got in touch with Rev. Dayana of Rete Brescia Television. She was the first in Italy to expose me and brought me to the limelight, by inviting me to join her group, then Afro Gospel Band. Some months later, she began taking me on set, on TV with her and from that time, I have not stopped being a blessing to our community at large.
She discovered me when I was nobody, stirred up most of the gifts in me, gave me an ear and platform to bring the ‘Worshipper’ in me out.
No wonder, she is now a prophetess. My desire and decision to become a Radio Presenter was inspired by her. Out of the many things she taught me, I became an MC at local and national events and now travel outside Italy for events. She also inspired me to become a language mediator. Rev. Dayana, together with others, among them, my parents (Mr. & Mrs. Duku), Pastor Alex Opoku Mansony and his wife Rebecca Opoku, have done so much for me. I have a very good relationship with Rev. Dayana and I know it will continue - I’m her ‘first son’. Let me take this opportunity to thank her for all she has done in my life.
What do you think the future holds for immigrants in Italy?
The future is bright and you can see that from now. Everything we see happening in our generation can tell, compare the Italy of today to that of 15 years back, there has been a drastic change. God used the young people of Israel to possess the Promised Land, the old people laboured for it, some lost their lives for it but guess what, the generation after were the ones to possess it. Italy can become better if we the young ones keep on the good foundation our parents toiled for, educate ourselves and explore Italy to the maximum instead of running and relocating to other places.
Who knows, we might all, maybe one day relocate to another country for various motives, but in the meantime, let’s give our best to where we are now. How long can we run from problems? We need to stick our heads into them and face them, that makes us winners.
What do you think of the difficulties, impediments, frustrations that immigrants face here?
What I can say is, let us as immigrants be the ones to resolve most of these difficulties. Some can be eradicated if we educate our children, if we learn the Italian language very well as it’s the foundation for success in this land. Also if we begin to appreciate the good side of Italians and not always talk about their bad side.
How did you start the Worshipper’s Outreach Ministries Consultancy and what do you?
After our first event with ‘Worshipper’s Outreach Ministries’ which was a success, I decided to register it and have an office. Embarking on that vision, the question of maintaining the office came up, so I had to apply and bring in certain things that could generate money. Before then, I was involved in helping people with services like, renewal of Permits of Stay, visa applications, flight ticketing, etc.
I had also attended a three months course at CISL Trade Union in Brescia. The training was on services such as how to calculate taxes and wages, how to prepare payslips, etc. I was doing several things, some of which I had the license to do and some not, so I decided to officially register and get a license to provide all those services. I also affiliated with some lawyers who handle legal issues. Now, legally, WOM Consultancy provides all these services to immigrants.
What are the challenges you encountered while establishing your business?
Challenges were many, but one thing I know is, each time I face a challenge, it’s simply telling me that there’s room for improvement. You don’t run away from challenges, you stand and face them, and overcome them. Challenges in life are inevitable, love them and make them your friends.
I believe no man can stop a dreamer, except himself. Whatever you wish to do, so long as the purpose is godly it will not only help you but others as well. When the going gets tough, Jesus will show up.
Please tell me something about your charity organization.
To whom much is given, much is required from. This is simply the beginning of a journey of 1,000 miles. For Obed, it is an honour and privilege to stand and lead God’s children in the art of spiritual intimacy. My Ministry houses the presence of God and where God’s heart is, His hand will be. Testimonies of healing and breakthrough follow wherever I set up to praise Him. I have performed in several places alongside gospel music stalwarts such as Minister Atta Boafo, Diana Antwi Hamilton, Minister Allen (all from the UK), Pastor Uche – South Africa, Christiana Love, Ernest Opoku (all from Ghana), Dsp Kofi Sarpong, Minister Anne Marie, Rev. Dayana Biney and others.
But guess what, none of these gives me all the satisfaction or joy, none of these makes me accomplished than showing love to the needy, rejected and orphans. What will it profit me if I do all this and don’t have love? Pure and undefiled religion, the Bible says: “is to visit the fatherless and motherless in affliction.” At the moment, my main task is to help improve the lives of those less privileged in Africa and indeed other parts of the world. In this regard I have stepped up my Ministry Charity Project - WOM Second Chance Foundation.
You are one of the few immigrants in Italy at your age who seem to have overcome the impediments and frustrations to make it in this country. What is the secret of your success?
God first and the last in all I do. Many begin with Him but leave him along the way. Secondly, hard work and persistency - when I am bent on doing something, no matter the cost involved, I see to it till I finish. Humility - the way to the top is from down.
And then of course, teamwork, I can never do all this if not with the support of others, especially, in the area of my Ministry. I won’t mention names here because there are many people who have been behind my success story.
You were given an Award at the recent Ghana-Italy Excellence Awards Night, hosted in Brescia. You were recognised as the Best Rising Star within the Ghanaian community in Italy. What’s your take on the event and how did you feel on that night?
Being nominated under four categories, I managed to pick up one and guess what, it was the most voted and aimed category among all. This Award makes me feel so humbled. It doesn’t make me the best among my contemporaries, certainly not, but I believe, life is about time, season and turn. This is my time, season and turn. It tells me that God and the people appreciate what I’m doing.
Though I see it as an honour, I also view it as a challenge thrown on my life, the entire Ghanaian community in Italy and even Europe are looking up to me, I can’t fail them.
Unlike many people of your age, you are fluent in English and Italian. How comes?
Well I think my fluency in English also has to do with the fact that I had my Junior Secondary School (JSS) education in Ghana. I often speak it with friends, I am not a frequent reader but I’d like to advise young Africans in Italy to read more of English literature and also make it their first language after school hours, it will help them a lot.
What are your plans for the future?
I have many plans. The best I can say at this stage is: Italy and the world should watch out. I am currently working on my album which should be out this year. I also look forward to taking my Ministry to the next level where I can affect a lot of lives with the things I do. I am also an upcoming preacher and a motivational speaker. I wish to take all of these things to the next level with the support of God. Oh Yes I Can!!!
What’s your advice to African youth abroad?
Don’t be influenced to think you can’t do it. You can make it. Let me be very frank with you, it doesn’t take so much to become what you want to be, all you need to do is to be ready for the task, position yourself and watch God as He takes you through step by step. It may take long but you will certainly get there. Be the common person that does the uncommon things. God first and all other things shall follow.
It’s a pleasure talking to you Obed. I appreciate your time for this interview
Thank you instead for this honour and for your time. Hope you’ll give me this opportunity again?
Certainly!
CONTACTS
Obed Osei Amoah Duku (de Worshipper),
President of Worshipper’s Outreach Ministries,
Director of WOM Second Chance Foundation,
C.E.O of WOM Consultancy,
Via Matteotti 180,
25063 Gardone Val-Trompia
Brescia - Italy
Tel: +39 388 697 7978
E-mail:
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Skype: www.skype.com/obeddeworshipper
By Reggie Tagoe
