Rev. Yabs Counts

Rev. Yaw Agyeman-Benjamin Rev. Yaw Agyeman-Benjamin popularly known as Rev Yabs certainly needs no introduction in local gospel music and the release of his eighth album, Hyira Me only confirms his consistency since he announced his presence in 1989.

A member of the recently formed award winning group, Gospel All Stars, Rev. Yabs has himself swept various awards in recognition of his efforts over the years. Frankly, he is one artiste who ought to be commended, not just for his consistency but for the fact that he has been able to maintain his style.

Rev Yabs has endeared himself to many with his works, most of which will remain fresh in the minds of gospel music lovers for a long time. Remember hits like Emmanuel, Onyame Asem Nti Ebeye Yie and Ne Mu Na Nkwa Wo.

Hyira Me, sub-titled A song of Prayer is the title of his latest and it does not look like Rev Yabs has gone stale one bit.

In his usual calm manner, Rev Yabs sings Hyira Me, with a call on the good Lord to bless him in his every endeavour, and save him from any kind of disgrace. It is done in a mid-tempo vein.

Thought-provoking best describes Opatafoo, which has a reggae kind of flavour. What Rev Yabs says here is when one wrongs another, God intervenes, who then will plead on our behalf when we wrong God? He sings praises to God for giving us Jesus Christ as a redeemer.

Tekyerema Apem, a medley completes side A of the album made up of Moma Yenyi Awurade Aye, Wo Ye Kese and Momma Yenyi Ni Aye. As the titles imply, the song praises God, asking all to praise him for his greatness.

The songs on the flip side are not different in terms of pace. Yesu Asore opens the side. Here, Rev sings about how Christ?s death and resurrection has redeemed the world.

? Majesty is your name, Prince of Peace, You are the mighty God, Majesty is your name,? is the chorus that runs through Majesty, another medley that closes Side B of the album. A personal favourite, this song is extremely danceable, to listen to it and not be moved is almost impossible.

Higher and Hallelujah Yesu Asore are segments of Majesty making it a very delightful song and fit to conclude the album.

For being very supportive of him, Rev Yabs dedicates this album to his wife Rosemary Agyeman-Benjamin and his late mother Margaret Sarfo(Maame Akua Adebi) of Sekyedumasi. Undoubtedly another good piece of work from the talented musician. Rev Yabs says the journey has not been an easy one, especially in the field of production, ?once you are blessed, you definitely will succeed.?