…. by Kasali Victoria.
Hello Everyone!
Welcome to the song review segment of the MFM Writer’s blog!
I am excited to be here to guide you on this week’s song review, before I was assigned this segment I was pushed to listen to only Gospel music throughout January. I discovered different types of Gospel music and I was impressed to see that different genres and styles of music being used to praise our GOD! Gospel music, a music inspired by God has evolved over the years and is much wider than we think. Psalm 150 comes to mind where the psalmist says we should praise God with different instruments.
When I was given this task in February I felt like it was God telling me the reason why I was pushed to listen to only Gospel in January! Moral of the story; God will prepare you for what He needs you to do!
This week’s song review is Ore Ofe Sha (Live) by Rotimikeys ft Gbenga Akinfenwa and Jumoke Williams. The song is six minutes and twenty-five seconds long (6:25). My favourite parts are from 0:09- 1:19, 3:08- 3:45, and 5:34- end.
The first time I heard the song was during Relationship Sunday through the church speakers, the sound of the symphony of different instruments coming in perfect harmony with the singers’ voices touched my heart and immediately made me bring out my phone and start googling the lyrics to find the song.
“Ore Ofe Sha” means literally “it’s just been grace” but in the context of this song means that “it has just been God’s grace”. This is a highlife song that talks about if it had not been for God’s grace, love, and mercy where would we be?
Rotimi Akinfewa AKA “Rotimikeys” is a Gospel Musician, Award Winning Music Producer, Creative Director, Sound Designer, African Icon, and World Citizen. He has other notable hits such as “Onise Iyanu” (not to be mistaken with the one by Nathaniel Bassey) with Gbenga Akinfewa (his brother), “This year” (a single he dropped on January 26, 2024) and other notable hits.
“Ore Ofe Sha” has a similar title to a Yoruba hymn “Ore Ofe Sha N’igbekele mi” which translates in that context to mean “saved by his grace alone.” The connotation of both of them just shows that God is there helping us each step of the way. A perfect opening song to this segment in the year 2024. Listening to this song brings back memories and tears to my eyes personally to how far God has brought me and I hope it does the same for you too.
If it has not been for your grace
Ore ofe sha ni mo ri gba
If it has not been for your mercy
Anu sha ni mo ri gba
This week I want you to listen to the song smiling and dancing in thanksgiving to what God has done for you so far and in anticipation of what he is still going to do. Remember when you were sick? Remember when you were on your last 2k? Remember how God came through? While in anticipation, imagine yourself at the finish line at what you are working hard for!
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK AHEAD! THIS IS OUR YEAR OF DIVINE SPEED AND OPEN DOORS!