Versatile Ghanaian gospel singer Charles Annan popularly known in music circles as Charley-A has openly shared his exciting sojourn into the world of music.
The sensational singer and songwriter who was born on July 22, 1964, in the city of Accra, Ghana, explained that his love for music was so strong while he was young that he formed a kiddie band, which performed on weekends to neighbors in his community, using empty bottles and cans as instruments.
Charley-A stated further that he started by writing secular songs in the late 80’s after fulfilling his parents’ wish of graduating from the University but he could not record any, as he encountered Jesus just when he was ready to go to the studio in 1987.
He said; ‘‘I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, and joined the Love Tabernacle Church, a.k.a Love T. My passion for music led me to the choir at the time, where I quickly rose to become the praise and worship team leader and music director.
‘‘Between 1992 and 1998,I produced 6 albums before forming Lesline Concepts, an advertising agency through which I produced a lot of songs for radio and TV commercials, along with sound tracks for television drama series. In 2002, I moved to Maryland in the USA with my family. But my love for music continued as I led praise and worship in my new church, Divine Hope Assembly.
On how he came about the stage name, Charley-A, he said; ‘‘The name originated from friends. Charley-A was given to differentiate me from the other friends who were also called Charles. Feeling cool about it, I gave them my permission and here I am.’’
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Charley-A who informed that Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams, and Mary Ghansah inspired him to become a musician noted that the hardest thing about being a musician is that the art demands time and dedication and not being able to make a living off of it or spread it for all to hear is his most difficult challenge.
He also revealed that in 2008, his music career took a rough turn after he was diagnosed with vocal polyp but he was lucky he had a successful surgery after he was diagnosed with the ailment.
Charley-A revealed that he struggled to sing like he used to and had to go on a long hiatus until 2023.
However, Charley-A who has also written songs for many Ghanaian gospel musicians including Helena Rhabbles, Naana Buasin of Naana and Dan fame, Omane Boateng, and Anne-Marie among others is upbeat about his plans for the future.
He said; ‘‘I am currently working on a series of songs, one of which has been released and made available on all music platforms.
’’The world should be ready for the release of my first album by mid 2024.
’’In the next five years, I see myself being used as an instrument to bless, positively impact, and lead people all over the world to God.’’ Charley -A declared.
