Jonathan McReynolds (aka Nana Kwasi) and DOE secure Grammy wins, marking a milestone for MUSIGA

Accra, Ghana – February 5, 2025 – Grammy award-winning American Gospel musician, Jonathan McReynolds, has won his second Grammy award. A member of the Ocansey Royal Family of Ada, Ghana, and a recently sworn in dual citizen of Ghana, Nana Kwasi has claimed a victory for his new home, Ghana. “God shows out whenever I come home, #Grammys”, he shared with a Ghana flag and a joyful video of his arrival in Ghana on November 8, the very day the nominations were first announced.

McReynolds was part of a collaboration with Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Erica Campbell, Jekalyn Carr, and Israel Houghton, which won Best Gospel Performance/Song for “One Hallelujah”. Additionally, DOE, signed to McReynolds’ Life Room Label in partnership with RCA Inspiration, won Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for “Heart of a Human”.

DOE, who first gained attention as the lead singer of the group Forever Jones, offers a refreshing sound with uplifting and introspective messages. Her debut single, “Brighter,” was released in October 2020 under McReynolds’ Life Room Label in partnership with RCA Inspiration. She is also featured on McReynolds’ popular single “Cycles” from his Make Room album in 2018.

“We give glory to God for this amazing achievement! I kept the first Grammy in my home, so Jonathan can now have a Grammy for his home,” shared on Facebook by an elated Naa Ara Janis McReynolds, proud mother of Jonathan McReynolds, now a dual citizen of Ghana.

“Congrats and Ayekoo to our beloved Nana Kwasi (Jonathan McReynolds)! A second Grammy and by the Grace of God, more coming! God is Good indeed! Nana, you have caused two continents to praise God because of your spirit of excellence!”, HE Rev. Dr. Princess Asie Ocansey shared in a Facebook post.

Adding to his accomplishments, McReynolds is set to release his new book, “Before You Climb Any Higher: Valley Wisdom for Mountain Dreams,” on February 18, 2025. The book explores the importance of rest and renewal in the “valley” moments of life, emphasizing that these times are crucial for personal and spiritual growth.

McReynolds’ Grammy win is also a triumph for the Ghanaian music scene as he was granted professional membership in the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) at the Ghanaian citizenship Ceremony in November 2024. Former MUSIGA president Diana Hopeson read a citation that was presented by MUSIGA’s First Vice President Rev. Dr. Thomas Yawson. MUSIGA’s Pro membership aims to enhance support and resources for professional musicians nationwide and is designed to empower artists and provide them with the tools they need to succeed.

This membership made McReynolds an official member of the Ghanaian music community. He expressed his willingness to help MUSIGA and the Ghanaian music business, promising “to assist in elevating Ghana music to the highest pinnacle”.

In addition to his recent win for “One Hallelujah”, McReynolds has had eight Grammy nominations, three NAACP Image Award nominations, two No. 1 Billboard Gospel Albums, fifteen Stellar Awards, and four GMA Dove Awards. He received the BMI Champion Award in 2024 at the BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. The award recognized his impact on the Gospel community and genre.

About Nekotech:
The Nekotech Center of Excellence was co-founded by the late US Grammy and Oscar award winning Isaac Hayes and HE Rev. Dr. Princess Ocansey of the Ocansey Royal Family of Ada. Nekotech is a holistic human capital development institution focused on STEM-AI-MBA, soft skills, spiritual development, international high income job placement and worker2homeowner real estate initiatives for the underserved. Nekotech hosted and facilitated Jonathan and his family’s Ghanaian citizenship.

About MUSIGA:
The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) is an organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the growth of the music industry in Ghana. The Pro membership provides resources and networking opportunities for professional musicians.

About Life Room Label
Life Room Label is Jonathan McReynolds’ record label, committed to fostering a new generation of Christian expression.

About RCA Inspiration
RCA Inspiration is a premiere label in Gospel and inspirational music.

For more information contact:
Media Team
Nekotech Center of Excellence
Ada, Ghana
Info@nekotechcenter.org
+233549109797