Sonnie Badu Biography: Parents, Net Worth, Real Name, Songs, Children, Books, Religion, Height, Wife

Emmanuel Kwaku Deegbe, commonly known as Sonnie Badu, is a Ghanaian-born British gospel singer, songwriter, worship leader, author, producer, and pastor, has become one of Africa’s most influential voices in contemporary Christian music.

Popularly known as “The Worshipper,” he blends intimate worship with energetic Afro-gospel sounds that usher congregations into God’s presence.

Songs such as “Covenant Keeping God,” “Wonder God,” “My Soul Says Yes,” and “Baba” have earned him multiple awards and a global following.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Emmanuel Kwaku Deegbe
• Stage Name: Sonnie Badu
• Born: 9 November 1980s
• Age: 45s
• Birthplace: United Kingdom
• Nationality: Ghanaian
• Occupation: Gospel Singer, Songwriter, Worship Leader, Pastor, Author, Producer, TV Presenter
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Agyeman Prempeh, Julia Agyemang
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Ann-Marie Badu (m. 2014)
• Children: Shadine Badu, Imani Badu, Sonnie Badu Jr., Ayanna Badu
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1.5 million

Early Life and Education

Emmanuel Kwaku Deegbe was born on 9 November in the early 1980s in the United Kingdom though his exact year of birth is not known to the public.

Born to Agyeman Prempeh, a prominent preacher, and Julia Agyemang.

The family soon moved to Accra, Ghana, where he was raised in a strict Christian Ashanti home.

As a child he sang under his father’s guidance but initially showed more interest in football than faith.

At age 18, while attending Ghana Secondary Technical School, he suffered a life-threatening virus that brought him close to death.

During his hospital stay, with his mother singing hymns at his bedside, he vowed to rededicate his life to God if he survived—an experience that marked his turning point.

After recovery, he moved to London, studied music at Lewisham College, and began fulfilling his promise through worship ministry.

His ethnicity is Ghanaian (Ashanti), and his religion is Christianity.

Career

Sonnie Badu started singing and leading worship at a young age in Accra under his father’s influence.

After his near-death experience at 18, he committed fully to gospel music and moved to the UK to pursue ministry.

He released his debut album, Lost in His Glory, on 1 December 2007, which launched his professional career as a worship leader.

His unique style—intimate yet energetic worship with high production values—quickly gained attention across Europe and Africa.

Early breakthroughs came with hits like “Covenant Keeping God,” earning him awards such as Best Gospel Artist in Europe and Best Worship Song at the 2009 Gospel Music Awards Italy, plus Best Gospel Male at the British Gospel Music Awards.

Albums including Colours of Africa (Live in London) and Soundz of Afrika brought further recognition, including Album of the Year and Trailblazer Award at the Africa Gospel Music Awards.

He expanded into authorship with several best-selling books, launched a clothing line called “The Worshipper’s Garment,” and founded an orphanage while serving as a TV presenter.

Later, he relocated to the United States, planted RockHill Church in Atlanta, and continued releasing live worship projects that blend African rhythms with powerful declarations of faith.

Sonnie Badu has ministered in major venues worldwide, received keys to cities in the US, and built a reputation as a consistent live worship leader whose music and ministry have impacted millions.

His work continues to bridge African gospel with global audiences through albums, conferences, and pastoral leadership.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @sonniebaduuk
• Facebook Handle: SONNIE BADU
• Twitter Handle: Unknown

Personal Life

Sonnie Badu married Ann-Marie Davis (now Ann-Marie Badu) on 23 August 2014 in London in a celebrated ceremony.

The couple has built a blended family and together they have six children, including Shadine (born 2002 from Ann-Marie’s previous relationship), Imani (born 2015), Sonnie Jr., Ayanna, and others welcomed in later years.

He and his wife are known for their strong partnership in ministry and family life centered on faith.

Discography

• Lost in His Glory (2007/2009)
• Colours of Africa: Live in London (2012)
• Okokroko (2013)
• Soundz of Afrika (2016)
• Rhythms of Afrika (Live in Atlanta) (2021)

Singles

• “Covenant Keeping God”
• “Wonder God”
• “My Soul Says Yes”
• “Baba”
• “Let It Rain”
• “Olorunfemi”

Net Worth

Sonnie Badu has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million.

His financial success stems from gospel album sales and streams, international tours and worship events, book royalties, his clothing line, production work, pastoral leadership at RockHill Church, and entrepreneurial ventures including philanthropy projects such as his orphanage and day-care.