Celebrate me today not when I die – Obaapa Christy

GOSPEL 
 musician, Obaapa Christy has a simple but pointed message for Ghanaians: don’t wait until she’s gone to celebrate her.

The multiple award-winning gospel icon, who has spent more than two decades blessing lives through  music and ministry, is calling for recognition now — while she’s still here, still active and still very much alive to receive it. 

For her, celebration shouldn’t be something saved for memorial services and tribute nights. Give people their flowers while they can still smell them.

Speaking to the Graphic Showbiz at the launch of her maiden headline event, Royal Praise, at the Alisa Hotel on Friday, June 12, Obaapa Christy said  musicians dedicated years of their life to serving, inspiring and entertaining people, yet their contributions are often overlooked until they are no longer around to witness the appreciation.

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“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.

Also, in an industry that too often sidelines its own legends, Obaapa Christy pushes back and challenges the idea that artistes must step aside once they have reached a certain age or status.

Christian & Gospel Music

According to her, music, especially gospel music isn’t a career you clock out of saying  it’s a calling and callings don’t come with expiry dates.

So instead of nudging seasoned artistes toward the exit, she argues, the industry in Ghana should be doing the opposite—honouring them, celebrating their contributions and doing so while they are still here to receive it.