I won’t invite fetish priests to my shows - OJ

Gospel artiste OJ has said he will not want to set a bad example to his followers by making some decisions that would cast him in a negative light, not least inviting a traditional priest to witness his shows.

He said such action could alienate him from his followers and all others who look up to him in their development as Christians.

The Nipa Hia Moa composer’s remarks come against the backdrop of fellow gospel artiste Piesie Esther’s decision to invite popular fetish priestess Nana Agradaa to her recent album launch at the Alisa Hotel in Accra.

Nana Agradaa was seen sharing money at the event and following the media controversy generated by the unusual sight of a traditionalist at a Christian gospel show, the Agye Won Nsem singer emerged to explain that she threw an invitation to the fetish priestess because she had been her friend for many years and thought it wise to request her presence at her launch.

But asked by Nana Romeo, host of Ayekoo Ayekoo, Accra100.5FM’s mid-morning show, if he would consider extending a similar invitation to a traditional priestess should he be organising a show, he answered: “Me I won’t do it. I won’t condemn that but I won’t do it.”

OJ, who is back in the country to promote the Nipa Hia Moa album, said as a person who is engaged in the ministry of the gospel through music, he would be mindful of his actions in order to portray himself in an unpleasant light to persons who look up to him in their Christian lives.

“There are some things that serve as a hindrance to others who don’t understand what you are doing. They stop following you,” he explained.

“I could have pierced my ear and dyed my hair…and walk with swag. But someone may see you and not buy your songs again. I would have become a stumbling block to that person. So I have to come clean and look simple so that people can identify with what I’m doing.”