Kwabena Kwabena and Obaapa Christy
Highlife artist Kwabena Kwabena has revealed that he once faced a disheartening experience while attempting to collaborate with a gospel musician, leaving him feeling like an outsider in the music space.
In an interview on Hitz FM, the award-winning singer, born George Kwabena Adu, recounted how a respected gospel musician treated him dismissively when he reached out for a possible collaboration on his gospel-themed EP, God of Restoration.
“There was one particular gospel artist – for obvious reasons, I won’t mention the name – but I believe it was a bit disrespectful,” Kwabena Kwabena shared. “She made me feel like a worldly person. I called her personally and she told me to speak with her husband.”
The highlife singer, who is celebrated for his soulful vocals and timeless love songs, said the cold reception made him question his place in gospel music despite his genuine spiritual intent for the project. “It made me feel like I didn’t belong, like I was just a highlife artist trying to force my way into gospel,” he added.
However, the narrative took a more positive turn with the involvement of veteran gospel musician Obaapa Christy. Kwabena Kwabena expressed deep appreciation for the singer, who warmly embraced the idea of a collaboration.
“I would like to appreciate Obaapa Christy. When I phoned her to talk about doing a song, she made me feel she was rather honoured to do a song with me,” he said. “It was so humbling, and I say thank you and may God bless her very much. I now understand why she is quite unique.”
Their collaboration features on Kwabena Kwabena’s seventh studio project, God of Restoration, an EP that marks a spiritual chapter in his musical journey.
Fans and industry players have lauded the artist’s openness and his effort to bridge the gap between secular and gospel music, urging more inclusivity and respect across genres within Ghana’s music industry.