GOSPEL musician, Obaapa Christy has a simple but pointed message for Ghanaians: don’t wait until she’s gone to celebrate her.
The multiple award-winning gospel icon, who has spent more than two decades blessing lives through music and ministry, is calling for recognition now — while she’s still here, still active and still very much alive to receive it.
For her, celebration shouldn’t be something saved for memorial services and tribute nights. Give people their flowers while they can still smell them.
Speaking to the Graphic Showbiz at the launch of her maiden headline event, Royal Praise, at the Alisa Hotel on Friday, June 12, Obaapa Christy said musicians dedicated years of their life to serving, inspiring and entertaining people, yet their contributions are often overlooked until they are no longer around to witness the appreciation.
“As for me, don't wait for me to die before celebrating me. It has been a long journey of ups and downs, but we are still here today. So I'm asking Ghanaians to celebrate me now.
“They shouldn't say Obaapa Christy has been here for long so she should retire and then when I'm no more on earth, that is when I will be celebrated,” she stated.
Also, in an industry that too often sidelines its own legends, Obaapa Christy pushes back and challenges the idea that artistes must step aside once they have reached a certain age or status.
According to her, music, especially gospel music isn’t a career you clock out of saying it’s a calling and callings don’t come with expiry dates.
So instead of nudging seasoned artistes toward the exit, she argues, the industry in Ghana should be doing the opposite—honouring them, celebrating their contributions and doing so while they are still here to receive it.
Her call comes as she prepares for Royal Praise, an event she hopes will not only bring believers together in worship but also serve as a celebration of a journey that has seen her remain one of Ghana's most influential gospel voices.
While headlining her own concert after two decades may seem like a milestone that should have come much earlier, Obaapa Christy says she is grateful for God's timing. (Read Obaapa Christy unveils Royal Praise concert)
“Headlining a major event is not about who came first or who started early. As a christian, I strongly believe in the timing of God because my team and I conceived this idea long ago and even planned to launch it right after my 20 years anniversary celebrations.
“But as mortals, our ways and desires are different from God’s so in His own time, He made a way for us to launch and host Royal Praise this year,” she said.
The maiden edition of Royal Praise will be held in both Accra and Kumasi on August 9 and August 16 respectively featuring the likes of Empress Gifty, Uncle Ato, Celestine Donkor, Kwaku Gyasi, Mama Esther, Ernest Opoku and Joyce Blessing.
Having risen to prominence more than two decades ago with a distinctive vocal delivery and stage presence that set her apart from her peers, Obaapa Christy has become one of the most recognisable voices in Ghanaian gospel music.
Her style has inspired many younger artistes, with several of them drawing inspiration from both her vocal technique and performance approach.
For the Hyebre Sesafo hitmaker, the greatest measure of success is not merely the songs she leaves behind but the people she is able to mentor and empower and that inspired the launch of Sing Like Obaapa (SLOPA) in 2024, a competition aimed at discovering and developing emerging gospel music talents across the country.
“I believe my voice is my legacy. God has used it to touch lives and open doors for me, so it is important that I use that same platform to guide and support young people who are coming into the music industry,” she said.
