Ghana’s Niiella selected for BET’s Sunday Best

The 10th season of the series, which premieres on 5 July, will award the winner $50 000 and a recording contract with RCA Inspiration.

Speaking to Music In Africa, the singer, who took to social media to announce her selection for the show, expressed what an honour this milestone is in her quest to "represent the UK [where she is currently based] and Africa on a platform like this.”

“Also, at this particular point in my career as a musician, I think it’s very key and a great opportunity for exposure, have fun and connect,” she said.

Niiella, who is hopeful that her appearance on a show of this magnitude would inspire others, said that Sunday Best would provide her with a bigger stage to share her message.

“A musician is not worth much listening to their music all by themselves. The more people you can reach and the more people you and touch with the message of Christ, the better. That’s what I’m hoping for, and I believe it’s going to happen.

“I don’t think a Ghanaian has been on a stage like this before. I don’t mind being the first one breaking particular boundaries or doing things a bit differently so that other people can also do it."

Sunday Best is hosted by American gospel icon and multiple Grammy-winning artist Kirk Franklin. Erica Campbell, Kelly Price and Jonathan McReynolds have been named as judges for this season, which will feature guest performances by Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp, Mali Music, and Sunday Best alumnus Melvin Crispell III.

In 2015, Niiella, born Daniella Dankwah-Coffie, emerged as the first runner-up of the Stars of the Future music reality show in Ghana. She is a 2013 4syte Gospel Music Video of the Year nominee, and the author of 2015’s Beautiful EP and 2017's Shades of Mercy LP.