Myjoyonline One-on-One with Christopher Opoku
The name Christopher Opoku will easily to come to people as one of Ghana's finest sports commentators and analysts, not a musician.
Unless you know him personally, affiliating him to music is and will always be clearly an odd combination – nothing on him looks like music, he smells sports.
Interestingly, this sports fanatic is a talented musician who released his first album, Mayi Naye in 2003. In his selfless quest to propagate the word of God, he has released a second, Oye Mame last Saturday, May 30 at the Believers House of Worship International in Nungua.
The album launch was graced by Rev. Yawson, Pastor David of Impact Project and Moses OK who thrilled audience with exciting performances and music.
Myjoyonline.com caught up with Chris to unravel the mystery behind this 'multi-purpose' personality.
Myjoyonline.com: How long have you been doing music?
Chris: Well, I have been singing since I was very young, backing my late mother. I have been part of choirs since 1990 and I came out with my first album in 2003. I couldn't promote it well due to lack of funds at the time. So I guess you can say I have been doing music for a long time now.
Myjoyonline.com: What is the title of your first album and how many tracks were on it?
Chris : Mayi Naye (I will praise God) and there were 9 tracks on it.
Myjoyonline.com: This current album, what is the title and how many tracks are on it?
Chris: Oye Mame: 9 tracks as well.
Myjoyonline.com: What has been your inspiration?
Chris: My late mum, Mrs. Dora Opoku who was a great minstrel of the Lord as well and indeed God Himself.
Myjoyonline.com: Your mum - was she a musician and a woman of God?
Chris: Yes...even though she never came out with an album, she was.
Myjoyonline.com: Since 2003 - The challenges that came your way with your first album, why didn't you give up? Do you think this is the right time?
Chris:I did not give up because I believe this is one of the talents God has given to me and I am still working for Him in the music wing at my church and so I have to spread his word through music so it is an obligation that is why I never gave up.
Myjoyonline.com: You are widely known for sports - what type of reaction do you get from people who get to know you equally do music?
Chris: People are surprised, sometimes they express disbelief. I am used to that reaction now.
Myjoyonline.com: Do they ask you to sometimes sing to prove it?
Chris: Some do and I oblige.
Myjoyonline.com: Why gospel music?
Chris: I am a Christian and I love God.
I am ready
Christopher on air doing what he is widely known for - sports
Myjoyonline.com: Considering the music scene today, do you think you are ready now; In terms of doing commercial music?
Chris: Well, it is not really about whether I am ready or not...it is about God's timing only He will determine the commercial viability of this project.
Myjoyonline.com: What if you don't make profit from this album, what happens next?
Chris: Well, my primary aim is to spread the word and not profit, even though that is a secondary objective so I am not really worried about that.
Myjoyonline.com: Kindly run us through the album and some of the songs on it.
Chris: The title track is Oye Mame and it is a highlife track. The song that I expect to carry the album is Me Hwehwe wo and i also have a reggae track entitled Yen Twen Wo.
There is also a bouncy track entitled I no dey deserve which is essentially a medley of three praise songs.
Myjoyonline.com: Why Me Hwehwe Wo? What make(s) that track stand out?
Chris: I was inspired to write that song because at the time, work pressures meant that I wasn't going to church as regularly as I should I felt lost and wrote that song which literally translated means I am looking for you I was looking for God at the time and I am pleased to say that I am more stable now at church and I am the choirmaster at church now.
Myjoyonline.com: What is the name of the church and how long have u been a choirmaster?
Chris: Believers House of Worship International in Nungua and I have been a choirmaster for the last six months.
Myjoyonline.com: This venture (music) is it in any way going to change the Chris we know (The sports man) or u will combine the two?
Chris: Not at all, I will combine the two but I believe my God will give me the grace to see it through.
Myjoyonline.com: What is your perception of the Ghanaian gospel music scene today?
Chris: I think it is growing by the day and it is heartwarming to see so many ministers of God spreading the word.
Myjoyonline.com: Some gospel musicians have over years been criticized for looking at the profit side of music than proclaiming the word of God what is you take on that?
Chris: That is a valid assessment and all I will say is that we all must live lives pleasing in His sight and when we do that, the focus will not be on the money, but on spreading the word.
Myjoyonline.com: What is the future like…any plans?
Chris: Well, among other things I would like to build a mass choir in my area (the Teshie area) and also to help my wife to do her album as well. She is also a singer. All these plans are however long term.
Story by Ernest Dela Aglanu/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana