When she started singing at church as a child,
Ohemaa Mercy
only considered it a hobby and was content with the happiness that came
with it when she ministered to people. She did not ever think about
taking it to a bigger stage.
It appeared, however, that God had His own plans, for when the time
came, Ohemaa said, she was “arrested and God has used her since as a
vessel for his kingdom”.
Just like the story of Jonah told in the bible, Ohemaa said she tried
to “run” away from God’s assignment but unlike Jonas who was swallowed
by the whale for his disobedience to God’s purpose, Ohemaa was rather
lucky to escape from that “destiny”.
Speaking with Showbiz last Monday at the Accra Mall, Ohemaa Mercy said,
“When God chooses to use you as a vessel, you cannot run away when the
time comes.
You have no control over your life because He had a reason for picking
you from the millions of people in the world to fulfill that task”.
For a performer who reflects a lot of energy on stage, that trait was
virtually missing during this one-on-one interview. Her explanation? “I
am a very quiet person but when I get on stage, it is a different ball
game.
I think I am empowered by the Holy Spirit and sometimes, don’t have control over what I do.
“As a mortal, I underestimated my gift and the ability for God to use
me as a vessel for his kingdom. I was really stubborn till God decided
to teach me a lesson of my life. I learnt that it is important for man
to seek the welfare of the Kingdom of God first before other things.
“I wanted material things that will make me comfortable in life but
hard as my husband and I worked hard to improve our living standards,
our condition got worse.
It was not until I was humble enough to commit myself to work for the Christendom before things turned out for good.
“When I came out of teacher training college as a professional teacher,
I never thought that it will get to a time that my name would be a
household name on the gospel music scene.”
Ohemaa Mercy who will be celebrating her tenth anniversary in Ministry
this year said that her current album, His Word is a testimony of her
life story remarking “His word has been our guide in this journey of
life”.
For one who is passionate about the less privileged, a reason for
establishing the Ohemaa Mercy Foundation which visits the various
prisons to evangelise and worship with them, it is not surprising that
the gospel diva is ready to use half of the proceeds from the sale of
the new album at the launch for such charitable works.
“Those who know me have always wondered how passionate I am about this
prison project and why not? It is really heart breaking to hear stories
of some of the inmates in the house and it is surprising that, for some,
their families do not even know that they are in prison.
The prisoners are the same people who come back to the society after
being released so it is important to win them for God. Teach them the
right moral lessons to settle easily in society” she said.
Apart from having a voice that is full of character, Ohemaa’s head gear
which she wraps in a particular style has always been a point of
attraction anytime she mounts the stage.
“People have come to identify Ohemaa with headgears but I want to bring
in a new look to appeal to my different audiences who enjoy my music.
Anyone who has seen the cover of my new album will see the new Ohemaa
Mercy. It is a hybrid of African and corporate style” she said.
How true is it that your marriage almost crashed sometime ago? Ohemaa
who was obviously hit by the question took in a deep breath and looked
at her husband who was seated next to her “This man here has been with
me all these years.
He really understands me and I don’t know who can love and understand me better. It was just a speculation”.
Real name, Mercy Twum Boafo, Ohemaa Mercy whose credentials in the
gospel industry has earned her the “the Queen of Gospel” is a mother of
two boys.
She has five albums to her credit namely, Adanfo papa, Edin Jesus, Wobe ye Kese, Prophecy and His Word.
“I can’t mention everybody’s name but I want to use this opportunity to
thank all those who have been instrumental in my life and career.
My story and life has been victorious and I want to celebrate that in a
grand style at the album launch on March 8. Come and praise and worship
with great gospel icons like Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Tagoe sisters
and Mary Ghansah.
The dress code is strictly white and it is to signify victory” she said.
