MANY are those who know ace highlife singer, Daasebre Gyamenah as “Ahoofe”, a name his fans gave him after the release of his hit song, “Ahoofe”, which literally means beautiful or the handsome one.

One other name that the singer has in his “portmanteau” that many of his fans may not know is Abubakar Siddiq.

According to the singer’s Manager, Mr. Fred Nuamah, Daasebre is a Muslim and Abubakar Siddiq is his Islamic name, but was quick to add that the musician also reveres Jesus Christ very much.

“Daasebre was born into Islam. His late mother was a Muslim who died when Daasebre was only five years old.

His mother was, what is known in Ghana as, Asante-Kramo,” Fred told The Mirror in a telephone chat.

He added that Daasebre’s wife, Deborah is also now a Muslim and has thus changed her name to Mariama Gyamenah.

Fred explained that at birth Daasebre was christened as Kojo Gyamenah and as a royal he later added “Daasebre” to distinguish himself from others with the same name.

Later on in his life he adopted the Islamic name in line with his faith.

“As a man of the people, Daasebre does not see why Christians and Muslims should be at each other’s throat over doctrinal differences.

And that is why he has separated his work from his religion to enable him to preach peace and morality to people from different religious backgrounds,” Fred pointed out.

“In fact, Daasebre is very religious. He prays at all times and never fails to say special prayers before going on stage to perform at shows,” he added.

According to ace highlife singer, Daasebre “Ahoofe” Gyamenah himself, one name that was on his lips throughout the time that he spent in jail during his cocaine trial was God.

And when he was eventually released after he was found not guilty, GOD was still BOLDLY written on his lips.

In all his press interviews, he attributed his freedom to God.

Many people knew him as very calm and well-mannered but very few knew his religious affiliation.

Indeed when he touched down at the Kotoka International Airport after his release in May, Daasebre told newsmen and his fans, “thank you very much for your prayers and support,” underscoring his belief in prayers.

He also said he prayed all the time while in prison, and even saw a dove perching on a prison window sill.

Now, according to Mr. Nuamah, Daasebre is preparing to release a gospel album to underscore his love for God and also thank the Almighty for seeing him through the difficult times he faced in the London jail.

Fred said Daasebre did not believe in a public show of his faith, “because he believes in establishing a personal relationship with God” but he has had to talk about it because it came up in a recent television interview he, Fred, granted to Showbiz host, Prince Tsegah.