By Ikenna Obioha
In the opening moments of Osuba Re, a compelling ambience emerges, resonating with communal reverence, gratitude and sincerity towards the creator.
Bukola Bekes leads with strong vocals, accompanied by delicate hi-hats and ethereal synths, harmoniously supported by the mellow singing of a choir of female singers.
Osuba Re, which loosely translates to worship in Yoruba, conveys a deep sense of fellowship with its lyrics rendered in Yoruba as well. Constructed with simplicity in mind, the opening verse is a direct exultation to God and punctuated with emotions of deep gratitude, and sonorous singing. Portions of the verse are translated thus:
God, the almighty and powerful
This is your worship
Everybody gives thanks to God
This is your worship
The mighty and powerful
This is your worship
We lift you high and high in your worship
The most honourable one
This is your worship
The minimalist instrumentation, featuring hi-hats, drums and synths, establishes a compelling tone. Yet, the core of spiritual upliftment resides in the synergy between Bekes’ forceful vocal delivery and the calming presence of the choir. Their harmonies bring vitality to the background instrumentals, creating a resonant and uplifting musical experience.
Bekes’ impassioned delivery and the choir’s harmonious vocals create a dynamic and emotional journey. The call-and-response format adds a layer of communal participation, making it more than a song; it becomes a shared experience of faith and dependence on each other despite being just two minutes and seven seconds long.
To be sure, other gospel artistes have also rendered their versions of the popular tune, and leveraging their artistic depths, were able to hold their own. For instance, Nathaniel Bassey’s ‘Osuba’ incorporates elements of jazz to give a robust presentation. On the other hand, Peterson Okopi delves into the folksy lane for his. But with Bekes, her vocal projection wins.
While language poses a physical barrier to the experience, the Osuba Re overcomes this hurdle by embodying essential elements of a traditional worship song that encapsulates core Christian values like love, compassion, and interconnectedness. In its quest for a divine presence, Osuba Re emerges as a profound expression of faith.