Jonathan McReynolds’ Grammy win marks a milestone for Ghana
American-Ghanaian gospel musician, Jonathan McReynolds won his second Grammy, at the 67th Grammy Awards, celebrating it as a win for his new home, Ghana. He was featured in “One Hallelujah” with Tasha Leonard, Erica Campbell, Jekalyn Carr, and Israel Houghton, which won Best Gospel Performance/Song in 2025.
Known as Nana Kwasi in Ghana, he is a member of the Ocansey Royal Family of Ada in Ghana, and was recently sworn-in as a dual citizen of the country. “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, 2024, the day the Grammy nominations were first announced.
“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 and his sister, Naana Dina McReynolds.
Additionally, DOE won Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for “Heart of a Human” at the 2025 Grammy. She is signed to McReynolds’ record label for Christian music, Life Room Label in partnership with RCA Inspiration, a premier label in gospel and inspirational music.
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 Life Room Label. She is also featured on McReynolds’ popular single “Cycles” from his Make Room album in 2018.
“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 Ocansey of the Ocansey Royal Family of Ada shared in a Facebook post.
Nekotech Center Board members, HE Rev. Dr. Princess Asie Ocansey and Ara Serwa Funmi Babalola, hosted and facilitated Jonathan and his family’s Ghanaian citizenship. The organisation was co-founded by the late US Grammy and Oscar award-winning Isaac Hayes, and HE Rev. Dr. Princess Ocansey. Nekotech is a holistic human capital development institution focused on STEM-AI-MBA, soft skills, spiritual development, international high-income job placement, and worker-to-homeowner real estate initiatives for the underserved.
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.
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.
McReynolds’ Grammy win is 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. The organization is dedicated to supporting and promoting the growth of the music industry in Ghana. Its Pro membership provides resources and networking opportunities for professional musicians.
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, facilitated by MUSIGA’s Daddy Bosco – Ahuma Ocansey—made McReynolds an official member of the prestigious 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.
Source: Nekotech Center of Excellence
Oral Ofori is Founder and Publisher at www.TheAfricanDream.net, a digital storyteller and producer, and also an information and research consultant.
