Minister OJ recently voiced his concerns over the current state of music lyrics, emphasizing the need for deeper, more meaningful content.
Speaking on the program Journey to Heaven on No. 1 FM, 105.3, hosted by Taller Dee, the esteemed singer-songwriter shared insights into how he has avoided falling into the trap of cliché and shallow lyricism in his own work.
OJ observed that many contemporary musicians seem to be recycling phrases like “Nobody likes you,” leading to a lack of freshness in their songs. He urged these artists to explore more profound themes, highlighting that the Bible encourages believers to “sing a new song unto the Lord.” According to him, authentic and impactful songwriting requires delving deep into one’s soul to find unique expressions that resonate.
He likened music to a ladder, suggesting that songs have the potential to elevate listeners to higher realms of experience.
By tapping into the depths of their spirituality, musicians can receive inspiration and words that bring light and life to their lyrics. Without this deeper connection, he warned, the lyrics of gospel music risk becoming repetitive and devoid of meaning.
OJ also paid tribute to legendary gospel musicians such as Yaw Sarpong and Prof. Mark Abraham, who influenced him with the depth of their lyrics. He noted that to achieve similar depth, he too reaches deep within himself when composing.
Another key to writing powerful lyrics, according to OJ, is mastering the language in which one writes. He emphasized the difference between merely speaking a language and truly understanding it, pointing out that many Ghanaians speak English without fully grasping its nuances.
This, he argued, limits the potential for creating rich and layered lyrics.
OJ shared that his own commitment to excellence in songwriting is rooted in his educational background, including his studies in music at Prempeh College, where he also learned Asante Twi, and his English literature education.
This dual linguistic capability allows him to craft lyrics in both Twi and English with depth and precision.
Finally, he stressed the importance of integrating music, arts, and culture into senior high school education, as it was during his time.
His studies at the School of Performing Arts, Theatre Arts, University of Ghana, Legon, further deepened his understanding and appreciation of the arts, shaping his approach to music and songwriting.