Joseph OmoEbhodaghe popularly known as Joe Praize is a gifted, creative and talented Nigerian Gospel Praise and Worship leader, Songwriter and Music Director.
Well known as an energetic and passionate Artiste, he is a graduate of Social Work and Administration from the University of Jos, Plateau State. The household name you know now did not have it easy while growing up.
He was born in Edo State, Nigeria, into a family of nine on the 20th of June 1979. Things were difficult for his family so much that he had to hawk to survive. He often referred to as not being born with a spoon at all, talk less of a silver spoon.
In the midst of all the hardship, he got born again in 1991. As if that wasn't enough, he lost both parents in 1999 but he was purposeful and hopeful that his situation would change. Still struggling and trying to make ends meet, he decided to move to Lagos in 2001.
While in Lagos, he decided to explore the music industry because his passion for music was second to none. He started attending Christ Embassy and this led to the beginning of his musical career. As a committed member, he soon became involved in the Music Ministry of Christ Embassy leading Praise and Worship at the Church. He began to create music in 2005. Joe Praize gained popularity after the release of the song “Great and Mighty God" in 2007. He then released his first album “My Praise” in November 2009.
According to him: “I love to lead God’s people in praise and worship, because to me, it is one of the biggest opportunities I have received from God. I do other genre of music though, but I love to praise and worship Jesus all the time. It’s a blessing to be in a position where God can trust you to lead his people in songs of praise and worship to him. So, in all, I can say I do songs that bless and reach the spirit, soul and bodies of my listeners".
He has performed in Christ Embassy's events and programmes within and outside the country and ministered in several countries including South Africa, Canada, United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Cyprus and Ghana. He has collaborated with Sinach at her music concerts. His songs has gained so much recognition within and outside Nigeria and this paved way for invitations and winning of several awards.
Some of the awards include the Song of the Year Award (2010), at the prestigious Love World Award with the song, “Mighty God”, He was also nominated for "Best African Gospel" by SABC, Crown Gospel Awards (2010), he won the Africa Gospel Music Awards, UK (2011), Worship Song of the Year, Love World Awards (2011), Best Artiste of the Year, Crystal Award Nigeria, Best Gospel Song at the Coson Awards Nigeria, Lifetime Achievement Award at the Gospel Music Awards, Italy and Special Recognition Award, Believers Loveworld Australia (2014).
He married his wife Joana in June 2017, and they had their first child, a baby boy, on August 26, 2018.
JoePraize's story reminds us that even though your beginning may be small, you will rise with God by your side.
Like and Share 👇
