Ghanaian gospel music icon Diana Hamilton has opened up about the profound impact her time in nursing school had on both her personal life and her successful music career, describing it as the defining period that “shaped her destiny.” Speaking on JoyNews Personality Profile, Hamilton revealed that her journey in healthcare which began almost by chance brought more than a profession; it became the foundation for the most meaningful relationships and opportunities in her life.
The acclaimed singer, best known for gospel anthems such as Adom and winner of multiple awards including the 2021 VGMA Artiste of the Year, explained that nursing school was where her life took a pivotal turn. It was not only the place she earned her professional training, but also where she met key figures who would support and influence her future, including her husband and her music manager. “That’s where everything turned for me,” Hamilton stated, highlighting how nursing college became much more than a training ground; it became the crossroads of her personal and professional networks.
Hamilton’s path to nursing was unexpected. As a young student with creative talent and an initial interest in technical drawing and architecture, she had not originally intended to pursue healthcare. However, influence from those around her particularly a respected community figure and early life experiences shaped her decision. Long before her professional training, she learned the basics of caregiving when her aunt, a nurse battling breast cancer, lived with her family and taught her how to provide care. Hamilton has credited this personal connection to healthcare as a key factor in her choice to pursue nursing when the opportunity arose.
During her nursing training, Hamilton completed clinical rotations at reputable facilities in Ghana, including Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, where she faced the real challenges of hospital ward work from wound care to the emotional demands of patient care. She has candidly shared that, like many student nurses, she was initially hesitant about some aspects of the job, but over time she grew into the role, developing resilience, compassion and a deeper understanding of service. These qualities, she believes, have also contributed to the emotional depth and empathy reflected in her music ministry.
Even as her music career began to flourish internationally, Hamilton chose to maintain her identity as a registered nurse, practising in the United Kingdom while also rising to prominence as a gospel artist. She described her dual identity as both a health professional and a minister of music, noting that her background in nursing gave her a unique perspective on healing both physical and spiritual. This blend of care and creativity has helped shape her lyrical themes and her approach to ministry on and off the stage.
On the show, Hamilton affectionately referred to her nursing school cohort as the “Nursing School Trinity,” explaining that the early bonds she formed during training became lasting friendships that supported her emotionally and professionally. She recounted meeting her future husband, manager and close friends during this time, underscoring how pivotal this period was in shaping not just her vocation but her community and support system.
Despite achieving global success with her music, Hamilton continues to value her training and the discipline it instilled in her. The skills she acquired in nursing patience, attentive listening, service and care have translated into her ministry, where she connects deeply with congregations and listeners worldwide. These qualities have played a role in her ongoing relevance in gospel music and her continued ability to minister to people’s hearts.
As she prepares for her 2026 concert series themed Dwell, which will touch audiences in Accra and Kumasi, Hamilton remains grateful for the foundation her nursing education provided. She often speaks about how her healthcare journey and spiritual journey are interlinked, reinforcing her belief that nursing school did not just prepare her for a job; it shaped her destiny in ways she could never have anticipated.