Minister OJ speaks on music lyrics, advises Ghanaians to avoid recycled songs

Minister OJ has expressed worry over the lyrics of today’s music.

He spoke on Journey to Heaven on No. 1 FM, 105.3, hosted by Taller Dee, highlighting what he did to avoid cliché and weak lyricism.

Today’s musicians “have to reach out and go deeper in terms of content,” the celebrated singer-songwriter and composer said.

“It’d appear some have recycled a lot of words: ‘Nobody likes you’, etc. It’s too much. Meanwhile, the bible encourages us to sing a new song unto the Lord,” he admonished.

OJ emphasised the importance of going “deep” into oneself to compose unique songs.

“Music is a ladder. Songs are like ladders. We climb to places that are higher realms. So when you constantly reach deep into yourself, God will provide you with words,” he said.

He urged intensifying one’s spirituality and study of words to the extent that “words will come to you, as I personally experience. When I close my eyes, I can see words. Words are like light. They are sparkles. They come."

"If today’s gospel musicians do not seek earnest inspiration from their intimate relationship with God, our lyrics will be repetitive and empty."

Minister OJ eulogised renowned gospel musicians like Yaw Sarpong and Prof. Mark Abraham.

“They impacted me greatly because of the depth of their music and lyrics. Whenever I wrote, I tried to write as deeply as they did. I reach out deep within me to do that,” he said.

Another important hack to powerful lyrics, he added, was to “learn the language”.

He asserted that there was a difference between casually speaking a language and understanding it.

“Ghanaians speak English but don’t really understand it. When you experience the English natives speaking their language, you’ll notice what we speak is shallow and just for conversations,” he said.

“I learned music at school at Prempeh College and learned Asante Twi, too,” OJ revealed, to explain his commitment to excellence in music and songwriting.

“I also did English literature. Due to this, I am able to deeply appreciate and function in both Twi and English.”

He emphasised the importance of keeping music, arts, and culture as integral parts of senior high school education, as he experienced in his days.

“I studied music at the School of Performing Arts, Theatre Arts, University of Ghana, Legon, also,” he added.