Nigeria: ‘Let them sing’: Obaapa Christy says she won’t stop young musicians from performing her songs
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria
Gospel legend Obaapa Christy has said she has no plans to stop young and upcoming musicians from singing her songs, insisting that music is meant to be shared and to inspire the next generation.
The veteran singer made the comments during a recent interview, where she addressed the growing trend of new artists covering, sampling, and performing her hit songs on stage, on social media, and at church events.
Obaapa Christy, known for gospel classics like _Metiase_, _Nkunimdie_, and _Yesu Mogya_, said she sees young musicians building their careers with her music as a blessing, not a threat.
“I won’t stop young musicians from singing my songs,” she said. “When I wrote those songs, I did it for God and for the people. If the younger generation finds strength in them and uses them to minister, then my purpose is being fulfilled.”
She explained that many of today’s upcoming gospel artists grew up listening to her music. For them, performing her songs is both an act of worship and a way to connect with audiences who already know the words.
“If a young singer gets booked for a program and the crowd wants to hear _Metiase_, should I tell them not to sing it? No. Let them sing. Let God’s name be glorified,” she said.
The singer said she has watched with pride as several young musicians have built momentum by performing her songs.
Some have posted covers on TikTok and YouTube that have gone viral. Others have included her songs in their live sets and received standing ovations.
“I see them on stage, full of energy, singing with all their heart, and people are being blessed,” Obaapa Christy said. “That makes me happy. It means the message is still alive.”
She added that she often gets tagged in videos of young artists singing her songs. Instead of being upset, she shares them and encourages the singers.
“Sometimes I even comment and say ‘God bless you.’ Because that’s what we’re here for — to lift each other up.”
While Obaapa Christy is open to covers and performances, she was clear that respect and proper credit still matter.
If you’re recording my song for commercial purposes, then yes, we have to do the right thing. Talk to the publishers, get the license, give credit. That’s just being professional,” she said.
“But if you’re in church, at a crusade, or doing a cover online to bless people, I’m not going to send you a cease and desist. I’m going to pray for you.”
She said the gospel industry in Ghana should be different from the secular space when it comes to competition.
“We are all working for one Kingdom. If my song helps a young person’s ministry grow, then God has used me. Why would I stand in the way of that
Obaapa Christy has been in gospel music for more than two decades. Her songs have become part of Ghanaian church culture — sung at funerals, weddings, Sunday services, and personal devotion times.
These songs have testimonies attached to them,” she said. “People have cried, prayed, and received breakthroughs listening to them. So when a young musician sings them, they’re tapping into something that’s already been anointed.”
She also noted that covering older songs helps keep gospel music rooted. “We can’t forget where we came from. The new generation needs to know the songs that carried us. If they sing them, the legacy continues.”
“Sing with all your heart,” she said. “Don’t just copy the sound. Understand the message. Pray over the song before you minister it. And always give God the glory, not yourself.”
She also advised them to write their own songs in time. “Covers are good to start, but God has given you your own sound too. Don’t be afraid to use it. The church needs new songs with fresh anointing.”
She said her decision comes from a place of faith and experience. She has seen how gospel music travels — from one church to another, from one generation to the next — and she doesn’t want to block that movement.
“I didn’t buy the anointing on these songs,” she said. “God gave it to me freely. So I will also release it freely. When it’s time for business, we’ll handle business properly. But when it’s time for ministry, let ministry happen.”
Her comments have drawn praise online. Many fans said her attitude reflects the heart of gospel music — generosity, humility, and a focus on impact over ownership.
“Obaapa Christy is a real mother in gospel,” one comment read. “She’s raising others instead of fighting them.”
Other musicians have also applauded her. “This is how legends should behave,” a fellow gospel singer posted. “Open the door for the young ones.”
Obaapa Christy said she is not stopping there. She continues to write and record new music, and she hopes the next generation will one day cover those songs too.
“My prayer is that 20 years from now, young people will still be singing my new songs the way they’re singing the old ones,” she said. “That means I did something right.”
She ended with a simple message: “Music is a gift. If God has blessed you with a song, share it. If God has blessed you through someone else’s song, sing it. Just make sure Jesus is at the center.”
For Obaapa Christy, the goal has never been to keep her music to herself. It has always been to see lives changed — whether the voice singing is hers or someone else’s.
