Pastors ‘killing’ gospel music - Ohemaa Mercy

It has been observed that unlike secular musicians, who get a lot of support and encouragement from sponsors and event organizers by way of remuneration whenever they perform, gospel musicians who put up shows in the churches often go empty-handed as pastors and their congregations fail to reward them appropriately. Watch Menwu Da by Ohemaa Mercy

In an interaction with The Saturday Statesman in Accra about the major problems facing the music industry - particularly gospel music - Ohemaa Mercy, one of Ghana’s most popular gospel artistes, replied, “Pastors and churches are not helping us the gospel artistes at all, as compared to other artistes who get paid after performing in discos and other entertainment spots. As for us the churches don’t support us and this is really making our work difficult.

She explained that because their songs are gospel, many pastors and their congregations are of the view that the songs should be done voluntarily, “which shouldn’t be so because we invested in the songs before they came out for people to buy and listen to; therefore we must also reap back some benefits to enable us give of our best”.

According to her, they always raised this issue whenever MUSICA met but there hadn’t been any positive changes.

Other sentiments she expressed were that due to pirating and financial constraints, the Ghanaian music industry is still ‘very poor’, and cannot compete in the international market as compared to other countries like Nigeria which are making it up there. She was also worried that “Ghanaians don’t value the work we are doing”.

She appealed to the government and other donor agencies to come to their aid and push the music industry forward “so that royalties will be well paid as well”,.

The beautiful singer with a powerful voice had some further chats with The Saturday Statesman about her background.

Who is Ohemaa Mercy?

Ohemaa Mercy is a 100% Fanti, raised in the Central Region and the third born of five children. I attended St. Peters Anglican Primary and JSS (now JHS), and then to Ghana Secondary School, Koforidua. From there I moved to SDA Training College where I graduated as a professional teacher; and I’m now teaching in my former school thus - St. Peter’s Anglican Primary. JHS, then some years later, I got married.

How long have you been into the teaching profession?

Seven years now.

Were you a teacher before you came into the music industry?

Yes.

So how did you get into the music industry?

When I was a kid, I used to sing in church. I was born into the Church of Pentecost so I always attended conventions and crusades. Elder Mireku, the renowned gospel singer, always advised me to pray very hard and work harder because there was something in me which would make me a big musician in future. I followed his advice and I later joined a band called Golden Bells, headed by Rev. Obed Owusu. After leading a song ‘Yesu Wo Ye Barima’, he took me to a studio, that was when it all began. Initially when I was going to the studio, I didn’t have enough songs in my mind but as I entered and started singing the songs started coming like something. “In fact, I was amazed”.



What was the title of the first album?

‘Adanfo Papa’, It has ten songs on it and it was out in 2005.

Did you write them on your own?

Yes, I wrote eight on my own, but the two were written by my husband, Isaac Tsum Ampofo and one Martinson Larbi.

Why? Is your husband also into music?

Yes.

And has he come out with any album?

No, normally he backs me when I perform on stage.

Did your first album sell well in the market?

It wasn’t that bad but I will say by His grace, it went well and we were able to get something out of it.

Did you encounter some challenges?

As for challenges, I went through a lot but what I will say is because it was my first time, when I went out to perform and I met the big stars I sometimes shivered.

What will you say about the second album?

The second album came out just last year. The title is ‘Adin Jesus’. It consists of ten songs, out of which I wrote eight own my own, and the two by Osei of Vine Praise and Martinson Larbi.

Who produces your music?

Big Ben Production. They do everything for me in terms of distribution and marketing.

What does one gain in being a musician?

You will be financially ok. You get to know a lot of people and travel to different places. Morally, it checks your life because you no longer go out as you used to.

Have you so far helped the society in any way?

Yes. In my school I provide uniforms and pay school fees for children who are intelligent but come from poor homes. I sometimes give money to certain parents for their up-keep. I’ve also adopted three children, and I also help widows in my church.

Aside these two careers what else do you do?

I deal in ladies’ dresses, shoes and others.

Do you have any children?

Yes. I have two kids, Kofi Nyamekye and Kofi Nhyira.

So how do you cope with taking care of your family and all these activities?

By His grace I’m coping with all. My husband understands me and wherever I go he accompanies me and sings with me,

How many awards have you received so far?

I’ve received five awards; the first was in 2006 - the Discovery of The Year, a Ceveal Gospel Awards organized by a private organization. The second, third and fourth were the recent MTN Music Awards during which I won 3 out of the 9 Awards - Gospel Artiste, Gospel Album and Album of The Year. The fifth was last month’s Presidential Award.

Does every gospel song come from God?

No, not every song. I’m saying this because there are people who have the notion that people get rich out of it and so they rush with albums. That is why these days there Are a whole lot of gospel artistes in town.

So what advice do you have for the u- coming ones?

I will advise them not to rush but wait for God to direct them.