Colourful, stylish clothes characterise her videos and live television shows and gospel singer Ophelia Nyantakyi says the modish appearance is all part of propagating God’s might and goodness.
The Kwahu Obomeng-born songstress is out with her second solo album titled Yesu Betumi Aye which features her husband, Collins and Martinson Larbi as guest performers. The two men wrote all the 12 songs on the album. Watch video: Mekamfo by Ophelia Nyantachie
Though Ophelia had been part of her husband’s Joyful Saints gospel band for years, her debut solo outing in 2005, Tumi Wura, showed her off as capable of hugging the limelight on her own.
Collins has, however, been around for the needed support and encouragement as his multi-role on this well-produced album indicates.
Ophelia admits that God has been her precious guide and provider over the years and she encapsulates her gratitude and adoration in the title track, Yesu Betumi Aye.
Recorded at Nacy Studioz in Accra, the slow-paced, well-arranged song is an absolute expression of faith in God’s ability to see His children through every kind of troubling situation.
“That song means a lot to me because my experiences as a Christian confirm the lyrics. I do not have any doubt at all that God is the absolute problem-solver,” the fashionable singer says.
The album contains a variety of approaches, with Ophelia and her production team incorporating some danceable reggae and highlife pieces like Ebenezer, Otwen and Jesus Is a Winner as well as moving worship tracks like Obrefo Bra and Dasebre.
Instrumentalists that assembled and made effective contributions to the Yesu Betumi Aye album included guitarist Ackablay, bassist Phillip Acquah, trombonist Richard Ayitey and percussionist Francis Osei.
Aside of singing, Ophelia owns and designs for the ABS Collections fashion house at Dansoman in Accra. She gleefully makes costumes for presenters on some of the television stations but it is what she wears herself in her videos and for live television appearances that create an impression in the minds of some people, of her being overly obssessed with trendy cuts.
“The Christ we follow requires us to strive and shine in whatever we do. If I have been blessed with the gift of design, then I must appear smart at all times for people to see the hand of blessing at work,” she says. “I also wear clothes to attract potential customers to ABS.”
Ophelia has observed, somehow surprisingly, that the availability of Yesu Betumi Aye has triggered renewed interest in her earlier Tumi Wura song. She says the track was a favourite worship song in several churches and the new material has reminded people of it.
“We have had calls from people testifying to the positive effect Yesu Betumi Aye is having on their faith and we are thankful to God for the impact,” Ophelia says.
The album is, on the whole, a well-thought out one and coupled with the heartening lyrics, Ophelia leaves listeners in no doubt as to the total honesty of her message.
