Gospel musician Obaapa Christy has urged Ghanaians to appreciate and honour her while she is still alive, instead of waiting until after her death.
The award-winning musician, who has spent over two decades in gospel music and ministry, said recognition should come in real time and not be reserved for tributes after she is gone.
According to her, many musicians dedicate their lives to serving and inspiring people, yet their efforts are often fully acknowledged only after they pass away.
Speaking to Graphic Showbiz at the launch of her first headline concert, Royal Praise, at the Alisa Hotel, she stressed the need for people to show appreciation now.
“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.
She also addressed a wider issue in the music industry, where veteran artistes are often expected to step aside after many years of service. Obaapa Christy pushed back against that mindset, arguing that gospel music is a calling rather than a job with an expiry date.
In her view, instead of pushing experienced artistes out, the industry should honour and celebrate them while they are still active and able to enjoy the recognition.
Her comments come as she prepares for Royal Praise, a concert she hopes will unite believers in worship while also marking another milestone in her journey as one of Ghana’s leading gospel voices.
Although she admits that headlining such a major event comes later than expected, she said she is grateful, attributing the timing to divine direction.
“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,” she said.