Ghanaian music icon Gregory Bortey Newman, popularly known as King Promise, has opened up on his life journey and how two Chelsea legends inspired him.
The reigning Ghana Music Award Artiste of the Year, who is currently in London to shoot a video for his upcoming music titled Bad Habits featuring Nigerian singer Davido, in an interview with Chelsea TV revealed how his life was inspired by Michael Essien and Marcel Desailly while growing up on the streets of Accra.
King Promise opted to film visuals for his upcoming song at the iconic Stamford Bridge in London, which has been the home of the two-time UEFA Champions League title holders.
He also shared fond memories of watching the FC Nordsjaelland assistant manager on television during his heir days at Chelsea and recounted how he celebrated Essien’s spectacular goals against Barcelona [in the Champions League] and Arsenal in the English Premier League.
“I always loved football, but my love for Chelsea started because of Michael Essien, because he was a Ghanaian legend and he played for this lovely club. So I was just rallying behind him, having such a great time at such a prestigious club, but even after he left, it remained the club in my heart. This is my family, but it started because of Michael Essien,” King Promise told Chelsea TV.
“He’s Ghanaian royalty. An inspiration, motivation, from nothing to something, from home to global. Michael Essien means a lot because to make it out of nothing to be on the world stage is something that gives the youth hope. It gives the kids the idea that if he can make it, you can make it."
”That’s what I stand for as well. Where I’m from is in Accra, the capital, but it’s on the other side, and you wouldn’t expect someone like me, coming from there, to make it this far in my career and with how my music has travelled across the globe and across continents.”
”It’s similar to what Michael Essien did with Chelsea, where he came from the streets of Accra and ended up on the world stage. For me, just having him play for Chelsea made me think if he can do it on the world stage, then I can do it on the world stage as well.
”He’s a great guy. He was with me at a show I did in Denmark. I got him on stage, and he’s a little bit shy; he doesn’t really like the cameras, but he’s an amazing guy.”
The Terminator hitmaker spoke highly about Ghanaian-born French defender Marcel Desailly, who played an important role in the 1998 World Cup triumph of Les Blues.
”He’s a legend, but on a personal note, as a human being, he’s amazing. He’s always the one who’s having fun, has a good vibe, has a smile, and is ready to dance. And also just share advice, because obviously he’s seen and done it all on the world stage.”
”So, for a young guy like me, also coming up and trying to represent my people to the world, it’s always good to have people who have also achieved high heights to ease you on the right path. He’s someone I look up to and someone I can have conversations with. He’s a great guy."
