Veteran Gospel singer Obaapa Christy has openly addressed her musical partnerships with renowned secular artists Kwabena Kwabena, Kuami Eugene, and most recently, Sarkodie, emphasizing that such collaborations are divinely inspired and aimed at reaching a broader audience.
In an exclusive interview on Okay FM with Nana Romeo, Obaapa Christy explained that her collaborations stem from a belief that God works through all individuals, regardless of their musical genre. “God has blessed these individuals I have mentioned,” she said, underscoring that although these artists may not perform Gospel music, they often produce songs imbued with wisdom and positive messages.
The singer further noted that Sarkodie, a leading figure in Ghanaian hip-hop, respects her Gospel principles, agreeing to collaborate only on spiritually aligned music. “He knows God and understands that we wouldn’t work on any other kind of music but Gospel,” Obaapa Christy said, addressing concerns about her standing within the church community.
Highlighting the importance of engaging the youth, she remarked, “The same people who go to church, go to entertainment events to dance to these same artistes – there’s only one audience.” Her collaborations, she believes, are a strategic effort to bridge the gap and spread Gospel messages where young people are most active.
Obaapa Christy also reflected on the power of music’s message over its messenger. She recounted a humorous personal experience of singing along to a secular song in her mother’s salon, only to realize even her mother was secretly tapping her feet to the tune. This, she argues, shows that lyrics and meaning hold greater significance than the performer’s background.
Regarding her collaboration with Sarkodie on the song Odeneho (“The Sovereign One”), Obaapa Christy shared how she intuitively left space for his contribution during production and reached out to him while abroad. Sarkodie’s quick response and enthusiasm confirmed to her the divine timing and favor surrounding the project. “My heart was calm and gladdened as though they had poured ice on it,” she said with joy.
Addressing critics who might view her partnerships as controversial, she cautioned against judging others superficially, drawing parallels to the biblical figure David, a flawed sinner yet beloved by God. “God loves people uniquely,” she said.
Obaapa Christy’s embrace of collaboration signals a nuanced approach to Gospel music, blending tradition with modern outreach to connect with a diverse and evolving audience, while maintaining a firm spiritual foundation.
