Obaapa Christy: My voice is a legacy

THANKS to her brash or what others might call pushy or assertive style of presentation and a vocal style that tends to be loud though not unpleasant, there is no doubt Gospel sensation Obaapa Christy was in her element when she hit the limelight some 22 years ago.

The essence of Gospel music is mainly to uplift and encourage followers of the Christian faith. However, Obaapa singing mostly material, yet staying within the realm, faced some criticisms for ‘diluting’ the standard Gospel music at the time.

Unfazed and with determination, the Hyebre Sesa Fo hit-maker rendered her material the best way she could and stayed herself at all times, changing her story to become a household name and one of the best-known Gospel singers in the country, with many of her colleagues not only imitating her style but her voice too.

The fact that many paid attention to her and even loved her songs meant she knew how to connect with her fan base, which is what every artiste really needs to do to stay afloat.

Speaking with Graphic Showbiz on the sidelines at the launch of the grand finale of the maiden edition of Sing Like Obaapa (SLOPA), a competition that seeks to unearth new gospel music talents, in Accra on Friday, October 18, Obaapa said she is speechless with her influence in the gospel industry in the last 22 years since she announced her presence.

According to her, people manifest the blessings of God when they have impacted their generation and she was grateful to have many gospel musicians come after her, being inspired by her voice.

Describing her voice as a legacy, she said, “I don’t mean to be proud or blow my own horn but I know that my voice has been the golden key opening many doors since I started mainstream music.

“It’s not easy to stay relevant in an industry for 22 years and win awards and even get nominations at Ghana Music Awards, which is regarded as the most competitive awards in the industry.

“Thanks to the voice God blessed me with. It has been a great inspiration and even a legacy while I’m still active”.

With the inspiration to sow into the lives of many who have been influenced by her voice and, to a larger extent, her music, in August this year, Obaapa launched the maiden edition of Sing Like Obaapa (SLOPA). (Related article: Grand finale of maiden Sing Like Obaapa (SLOPA) on Nov. 24)

15 contestants selected from hundreds who turned up for the auditions in July were unveiled at the time. However, three finalists, namely Nana Yaw Prince, Nora Brown and Nana Yaa Evelyn, were unveiled at the launch of the grand finale scheduled to take place at Disciples for Christ Ministry, Weija Junction, in Accra on Sunday, November 24.

The 2007 VGMA Gospel Artiste of the Year used the opportunity to encourage her colleagues to invest in young talents.

 “God has used me to bless a lot of people and I want many more to benefit from this gift. That was what inspired me to start SLOPA.

“It’s going to be an annual event to unearth many young talents who have been inspired by my voice and music and invest in their ambitions, just as Osuane Katakyie Afrifa discovered me and supported my dreams,” she stated.