The hand that eagerly penned the lyrics of her hit songs now lies still, but not the angelic voice with which she sang the songs.
Bernice Offei’s strong vocal delivery is as alive as ever, blessing gospel music lovers in Ghana and beyond.
In tribute to her life, radio and TV stations, churches and other Christian gatherings, as well as families and individuals continue to play her songs in remembrance of her achievements in gospel music creation.
Music lovers who have accessed Bernice Offei’s songs on the various social media platforms in the last two weeks since her passing have demonstrated that her voice cannot be silenced.
Her songs
Bernice Offei’s hit songs include “His Love for Me,” “Ade Nyinaa De Boa Wo,” “N’adom Ara Kwa,” “Down Came Christ,” “Nyame Kokroko,” and “Ɔdo a Wodɔ Me Nti.”
Others are “Kaa She Gbeyi,” “First Love,” “He Did It,” “Nyame Ayɛ Bi Ama Yɛn,” “Me Gyefo Te Ase,” “It’s by Grace,” “Hold On,” and “Take Your Glory.”
Then there is the highly prophetic track, “Life Is Short,” which we analysed last week.
The song’s strong message is a counsel to seek our Creator while we have breath.
Besides the warning that life is short, Bernice also presented other robust themes, including the powerful one that proclaims the glory of Almighty God.
Re-echoing Psalm 19, Bernice sang: “The heavens are telling your glory, oh Lord / The skies are proclaiming the works of Your hands / The nations are healed at the sound of Your voice / Oh Alpha Omega, Your praise we declare.”
To declare the praise of God daily is the prerogative of every child of God, and Bernice made it mandatory when she sang, “The skies are proclaiming the works of Your hands.”
Indeed, how can you look into outer space, observe the billions of stars, the moon, and even the clouds gliding by and not be awed by the magnificence of Almighty God?
Hold on fast
Her track, “Hold On,” continues to encourage us in our walk with God when the times are rough.
Recall some lines from the track: “When you are going through trials and it seems God is far away . . . / Hold on fast; don’t let the devil lie to you . . . /
“You have fasted and you have prayed . . . / But the more you fast and pray, the more your problems multiply for you. . . / Just remember God loves you, and He wants the best for you!”
Bernice was insistent: “God sees what we cannot see / And He knows what we do not know . . . / God’s plan for us is for our future and our good . . . / So, hold on fast to your faith . . .”
Such a powerful, relevant message!
Kaa She Gbeyei
Her most danceable track, “Kaa She Gbeyei” (Do not fear), invites all her fans not only to dance “kpanlogo” but, even more, to reflect on the deep message this rhythmic song celebrates—
“I am the Lord who saves you,” Bernice sings in Ga in her track, “Kaa She Gbeyei.”
“If you walk before me in reverence, / I will honour and protect you; / and the enemy will not touch you.”
When your strength is gone, my beloved child, do not be afraid, / for I have fought your battles for you and have won.”
Whatever battles Bernice encountered, the Lord fought for her, and so she is victorious – even in death!
Just like Christ Jesus died for us in victory.
Tears threaten to fall when you hear Bernice declare, “Remember (says the Lord), I will never desert you because my victorious right hand is with you.”
The expression “victorious right hand,” together with the rest of this great song, comes from Isaiah 41:10, which is a most encouraging and comforting Scripture reference.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous (and victorious) right hand.”
This world is not our home
I conclude my reflection on Bernice Offei’s musical legacy by underscoring the message of her prime track: “Life Is Short.”
My favourite American country musician, Jim Reeves, sang his own deeply predictive song, “This world is not my home; I’m just passing through.”
Jim Reeves did pass through this world fast, exiting it rather too quickly.
At 40, he died in a tragic plane crash, leaving behind his family and over 400 memorable country songs.
Reeves’ song begs the question: “Where are you going when you pass through this world?”
As Bernice Offei urges, by remembering your Creator while you have breath and by living for Him, you pass through this world to be with your Creator.
The writer is a publisher, author, writer-trainer and CEO of Step Publishers.
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