In recent days, Afua Asantewaa embarked on an ambitious quest to break the Singing Marathon record, eliciting fervent calls from Ghanaians, especially within the creative arts industry, urging their Nigerian counterparts to rally behind this young Ghanaian woman.
The camaraderie and mutual support between Ghanaians and Nigerians have long been evident across various spheres, be it sports, entertainment, or religion. This bond has been nurtured over the years, fostering a sense of shared admiration and collaboration. Notably, the exchange of ideas and partnerships between Nigerian and Ghanaian televangelists has endured since the era of Arch-Bishop Benson Idahosa, underscoring the longstanding relations between the two nations.
Amidst Asantewaa’s pursuit, a name surfaced from her support system – “Freeman the Voice trainer.” However, for many unfamiliar with his full name, curiosity arose to unravel the enigma behind this figure. While the name Freeman might evoke echoes of influential personalities in Ghana, it didn’t offer enough clues to discern his exact identity. For instance, among Christians and students of religious history, the name Thomas Freeman Birch, a notable Wesleyan Missionary, holds familiarity due to its adoption by several institutions.
The striking physical similarities between Ghanaians and Nigerians often make it challenging for some from other regions, like East Africa, to distinguish between the two. Queries from friends in Kenya and Uganda on the resemblance between Ghanaians and Nigerians underscore this conundrum. Therefore, the reactions sparked by Freeman’s identity were not entirely unexpected.
So, who is Freeman, and why do I choose to shed light on him at this juncture?
Inspired by Chimamanda’s ideology that admiring in silence isn’t enough, I believe it’s time to amplify the admiration for Freeman Daniels.
My acquaintance with Freeman dates back to around 2012. Beyond his meticulous work as a voice trainer, Freeman passionately delved into philanthropy. Our discussions at his East Legon studios frequently centered around strategies to uplift local women within his community.
“Ofori, I simply want to uplift these women,” Freeman often emphasized.
His actions spoke volumes. Freeman offered seed capital to Ghanaian women, offering support to struggling businesses and women on the brink of collapse.
Today, Freeman continues to live out one of his core aspirations – to bolster Ghanaian women. Not only has he provided financial backing to aspiring women entrepreneurs but has played a pivotal role in elevating young and vibrant Ghanaian women to the zenith of their careers.
While I’m aware that several successful Ghanaian female artists owe a significant portion of their success to Freeman’s mentorship, I refrain from mentioning their names without consent.
As we celebrate Asantewaa’s remarkable journey marked by tenacity, resilience, and hard work, it’s equally imperative to commend Freeman Daniels, a Nigerian luminary committed to the empowerment of Ghanaian women. He stands as a beacon behind this trajectory of success.
