Joe Mettle Reveals He Shelved Debut Album After Encounter With Danny Nettey

Award-winning gospel musician Joe Mettle has revealed that he abandoned plans to release his first album after meeting the late gospel icon Danny Nettey, choosing instead to spend years learning from one of Ghana’s most respected worship leaders.

Speaking on the Big Conversation segment on the Culture Daily morning show on 3Music TV and Pluzz 89.9FM, Joe Mettle said he had already recorded an album and was looking for support to release it when a chance introduction connected him with Danny Nettey.

The singer explained that a producer he had approached for help suggested that the project first be reviewed by Danny Nettey. That meeting would ultimately change the direction of his career.

According to Joe Mettle, Danny Nettey listened to the material and later invited him to join a team of singers he was putting together.

Instead of focusing on releasing the album, the young musician decided to accept the opportunity.

“Once I got into that space, I forgot about the album. I never released it. I never spoke about it again,” he said.

Joe Mettle said spending time around experienced musicians made him realise there was still much he needed to learn about music ministry and production.

I realised that there was so much I still didn’t know,” he said.

He added that comparing the quality of his work with what he encountered convinced him that he was not yet ready.

“I realised the kind of sound that was being created there and the one I had. I said, no, forget that. One day I’ll come back to the music.”

Rather than pursuing a solo career immediately, Mr Mettle immersed himself in service and mentorship.

He later became a close associate and personal assistant to Danny Nettey, describing him as a father figure who played a significant role in shaping his ministry.

“Danny was beyond a brother, more like a father to me,” he said.

The gospel singer said many of the opportunities he enjoys today can be traced back to the years he spent serving under the late musician.

He recalled accompanying Danny Nettey to events and meetings, often without understanding how those experiences would benefit him in the future.

“Many of the places he sent me and many of the people he sent me to, I was creating an opportunity for myself when it was time,” he said.

According to Joe Mettle, the relationships and credibility he built during that period later opened doors as he launched his own ministry.

“There were places I didn’t have to talk too much. They remembered me with Danny and that was enough for them,” he said.

The musician said the experience taught him that success is not only about talent but also about preparation, humility and a willingness to learn.

Today, as one of Africa’s leading gospel artistes, Joe Mettle says his decision to postpone his debut album remains one of the most important choices he made in his career.

“Danny was a great blessing. There were lots he taught me without even knowing that he was teaching me,” he said.