Gospel singer Obaapa Christy has made a heartfelt appeal to Ghanaians, asking them to celebrate her contributions now rather than waiting until she is no longer around.
After more than 20 years of ministry and music, the celebrated gospel artiste believes recognition should not be delayed until an individual has passed on. In her view, many musicians devote their lives to uplifting and inspiring others, yet the full value of their work is often only acknowledged after death.
Speaking to Graphic Showbiz during the launch of her maiden headline concert, Royal Praise, at Alisa Hotel, Obaapa Christy said she wants to experience the appreciation of her supporters while she is still active in ministry.
“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.
The gospel star also challenged a common perception within the music industry that veteran performers should step aside after spending many years in the spotlight. According to her, gospel music is a divine assignment, not a profession that comes with a retirement age.
She argued that seasoned artistes deserve support, respect and recognition while they remain active, rather than being overlooked because of the length of time they have spent in the industry.
Her remarks come as she gears up for Royal Praise, an event she hopes will draw worshippers together in a powerful atmosphere of praise while marking a significant chapter in her career.
Although the concert arrives later than she and her team initially anticipated, Obaapa Christy said she has no regrets about the timing, insisting that everything has unfolded according to God’s plan.
“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 famous gospel singer further stated.
