Ryan Ofei (Maverick City Music) Celebrates Identity And Faith In Afrobeats & R&B Single ‘Abba’

Rising star Ryan Ofei has firmly established himself in the contemporary Christian music scene, captivating audiences with his soul-stirring vocals and profound lyricism. As a member of the multi-GRAMMY award-winning collective Maverick City Music, Ofei has solidified his reputation as a moving performer and spirit-led artist. Outside of his ground-breaking work with Maverick City Music, Ofei has a blossoming solo career, with a unique blend of his many musical and cultural influences.

In 2019, Ofei made his solo debut with the release of two powerful singles, “No Limits” and “Jehova,” paving the way for his much-anticipated debut solo project, “David’s Heart.” The project, released later that year, showcased Ofei’s raw talent and deeply emotive storytelling, captivating audiences and earning him accolades from fans and critics alike.

However, it was during the pandemic that Ofei’s journey took a remarkable turn. While attending a virtual writing camp, fate intervened as he caught the attention of none other than Maverick City Music founders, Jonathan Jay and Tony Brown.

Ofei’s association with Maverick City Music marked a turning point in his career. He made an unforgettable debut on their 2021 album “Jubilee” with a mesmerising performance of “Blood is Still the Blood.” The world took notice of his powerhouse vocals and his ability to infuse each note with raw emotion. His journey with Maverick City Music continued with “Keep Praying” on the GRAMMY-nominated album “Jubilee: Juneteenth Edition,” further solidifying his presence in the contemporary Christian music landscape.

He now turns into 2023 with a brand new EP on the horizon, ‘Celebrate’, with the first instalment being the empowering ‘Abba’. Drawing inspiration from his experiences growing up in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) as a Ghanaian-Canadian, Ofei masterfully weaves together elements of afro/dancehall, R&B, and worship to create a soul-stirring and introspective mashup.

 

Ofei’s commanding and raspy vocals hold an immediate presence, paired with Ajhah’s captivating vocals that add an extra layer of depth to the track, guiding listeners through the heartfelt narrative of self-discovery and spirituality. ‘Abba’ is more than just a song; it’s a profound reflection of personal growth and finding solace in faith.

Reflecting on the challenges of adjusting to a new life, Ofei’s humorous recollection of his dad’s haircut brings to light the complexities of family relationships and human imperfections. “Abba” embraces the idea that even though a father cares deeply for his child, mistakes can be made, as every human is bound by their humanity.

It’s dynamic and transcends beyond the norm of Christian music, and Ryan Ofei is leading the way in this genre, blending subtle and luscious nuances of other genres to create a truly resonating sound that captures the spirit and imagination of his craft.

“When I was 10 years old, my family moved to Canada, and it was a massive change adjusting to a new country, school, church, and friends,” Ofei recalls. “My worst and funniest memory was with my dad. The day before school started, he decided to be my barber, and the haircut he gave me left me BALD.”

“This song is about me realizing how God mirrors this relationship, but with perfection,” Ofei explains. “It’s a beautiful revelation of faith, forgiveness, and finding strength in the understanding that we are unconditionally loved and cared for, just as we are.”

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