As preparations gather momentum for her upcoming Royal Praise concert, gospel musician Obaapa Christy has made it clear that she wants to be appreciated for her contributions now, not remembered only through tributes after her death.
The veteran singer says she finds it troubling that many artistes receive their greatest recognition only when they are no longer alive to witness it. Having spent more than two decades in gospel music and ministry, she believes those who have dedicated their lives to inspiring others deserve to be celebrated while they can still enjoy the honour.
Obaapa Christy shared the sentiments during the launch of Royal Praise, her first headline concert, held at the Alisa Hotel.
“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.
Apart from her personal appeal, the award-winning gospel artiste also weighed in on what she describes as an unhealthy attitude toward veteran performers. She questioned the notion that musicians who have spent years serving audiences should automatically make way simply because they have been around for a long time.
Obaapa Christy believes gospel music is a calling that transcends age and longevity. She argues that experience should be valued rather than used as a reason to sideline artistes who continue to impact lives through their work.
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According to her, recognition, respect and support should not be reserved for memorials and posthumous honours but should be extended to musicians while they remain active and productive.
Her comments come at a significant moment in her career as she prepares to headline Royal Praise, an event she hopes will bring believers together in worship while celebrating another milestone in her ministry journey.
Although the concert is taking place later than originally envisioned, Obaapa Christy says she has embraced the timing, viewing it as part of God’s plan rather than a delay.
“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 20th 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,” the veteran singer indicated.