AEGiS-ST: Teen preacher shares stage with stars Sunday Times (Johannesburg)Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Click here to return to Sunday Times (Johannesburg) main menu
DonateNow
Print this article

Teen preacher shares stage with stars

Sunday Times - Sunday, 7 December, 2003
Lesley Mofokeng


Andrew Bonsu was a star long before last weekend's 46664 concert, where the young preacher captured the audience's hearts with his fervent prayer.

The 14-year-old, who comes from Ghana, had performed with U2 during a tour of the US last year. And Bonsu even has blue blood. His great-great-grandfather Nana Osei Bonsu was a Ghanaian king.

Bonsu delivered a prayer alongside superstars Anastacia, Beyonc Knowles and Bono at the 46664 concert.

Bonsu said he was "very excited and pleased to be at the concert".

"I loved South Africa and even met Nelson Mandela."

But a life in the limelight used to only be a dream for Bonsu, who once filled potholes in Accra, Ghana's capital, to earn a living.

His father fell on hard times and Bonsu and his eight siblings had to fend for themselves. He did odd jobs before he found his way to the Christ Fellowship Church. It was there that he auditioned for a part in a training programme to drum and pray as a member of the Gateway Ambassadors movement for youngsters between five and 18.

Bonsu soon started travelling the world, using his drumming and praying talent to deliver messages about HIV/Aids and to convey a positive image about Africa.

It was during their performance at an Africare concert in October in the US last year that Bono saw the Gateway Ambassadors. He was so taken by their talent that he invited them to join him on his tour.

Bonsu's prayers were recorded by Bono, with the idea of using them in the song Amandla, which was sung at the 46664 concert.

Bonsu attends a Catholic school in Accra, where he is top of his class in many subjects
031207
ST031202


Copyright © 2003 - The Sunday Times. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Sunday Times Permissions Desk.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2003. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .