I dedicate this post to Bernice Offei, a neighbor at Legon for more than a decade, and a fellow worshipper at Legon Interdenominational Church.
The Offei family was part of a warm and friendly neighborhood along with the Dovlo’s, the Pebi’s etc.
As a writer, I particularly took interest in artists in the Lower Hill corridor; and was thrilled with the incidental presence of one of Ghana’s greatest singers: Bernice Offei.
You could call our neighborhood the artist’s enclave. Here was Ebow Daniel my neighbor opposite; he became my literary mentor and counselor. Down the lane was Atukwei Okai of immeasurable warmth and depth. The Offei’s were special.
While I collaborated with Kwame Offei as a fellow academic and administrator, we relied on the silky voice of Bernice on ceremonial occasions when we needed a gospel talent.
Bernice sang to mark my 60th birthday, walking across with Kwame to the house reception, where she was stunned to hear my Yankah Youth Band perform one of her songs, ‘Life is so Short.’
For Bernice the most memorable encounter was when, as Vice Chancellor of Central University, I invited her as a special guest artist for the University’s thanksgiving service to celebrate our new presidential charter 2016.
The captivating voice of Bernice Offei lit the horizon and warmed the 2000-capacity Faith Auditorium, lifting our Christian University to the high heavens.
‘Hold On’ was an inspiration to abide by faith in our quest for academic excellence, and brought the entire congregation to its feet. Gracing the occasion were the Founder of Central University, Pastor Mensa Otabil, past university presidents, and special guests including Dr Mahmoud and Samira Bawumia.
Within an hour, Bernice, through song and grace, had registered herself warmly in people’s hearts, particularly among students experiencing her for the very first time.
Bernice belonged to a small class of gospel artists rarely seen but deeply felt in moments of quiet contemplation: early morning and late night hours. That’s where her lyrics find their niche: Mogya, Life is Short, N’adom compel listening, lifting our dear friend miles above pedestrian gospel. Her maiden hit, Hold On, has a timeless tenacity that explains the abiding faith that kept her star shining through life.
But there goes Bernice so soon, leaving behind lyrics that linger forever in our hearts.
Our condolences to the Offei Family.
TO BERNICE WE SAY FAREWELL
AS YOU SING ALONG WITH ANGELS.
Kwesi Yankah
