“Celebrate Me Now, Not When I’m Gone”: Obaapa Christy Calls for Recognition Ahead of Royal Praise Concert
Award‑winning Ghanaian gospel musician Obaapa Christy is urging Ghanaians to celebrate and appreciate her contributions to the music industry while she is still alive, rather than waiting until after her passing to acknowledge her impact.
Speaking at the launch of her maiden headline concert, Royal Praise, held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, the celebrated gospel minister said artistes deserve recognition during their lifetime so they can experience the appreciation they have worked hard to earn.
“People should celebrate me now. They shouldn’t wait until I retire or leave this world before appreciating what I have done,” she said.
Obaapa Christy noted that many musicians dedicate their lives to inspiring others through their craft, yet their efforts often go unnoticed until they are no longer here to witness the honour.
She also pushed back against the notion that veteran musicians should step aside for younger talents, insisting that gospel music is a divine calling—not a career with an expiry date. She emphasized that seasoned gospel ministers still play a vital role and deserve to be honoured while actively serving.
Her remarks come ahead of the inaugural Royal Praise concert, which she hopes will unite believers in worship and thanksgiving while marking another milestone in her more than two decades of ministry.
Although she acknowledged that headlining such a major concert has come later than expected, Obaapa Christy said the timing reflects God’s perfect plan. She revealed that Royal Praise was conceived years ago and was initially intended to follow her 20th anniversary celebration, but circumstances delayed the event until now.
“As Christians, we believe in God’s timing. Even though we planned this long ago, God has made a way for us to launch and host Royal Praise this year,” she said.
With the maiden edition now set, Obaapa Christy says she looks forward to creating an atmosphere of worship—and reminding Ghanaians of the importance of celebrating those who dedicate their lives to serving society through music before it is too late.
— Attractive Mustapha Nii Okai Inusah