In this short video, we see the outflow of such a persuasive gesture riding on the soothing voices of these minstrels as they softly but sweetly articulate the message into the heart. Then slightly higher in tone and forcefulness of the salvation theme, they qualify the specificity of the person whose blood was shed. Observe the slight migration like an invisible hibernation of a dinted crescendo, yet intertwined with a gentle appeal to the unsaved. The words, “Nyia no bɔgyaa kyii ma wo yi (He whose blood was shed for you)” are relayed, well rounded as if to exude the very essence and mood of the composer of the piece. Here, the singers, with linguistic modulation, accentuate a higher reason for consideration of the lost soul – blood has been spilt, blood has been poured, blood has been sacrificed. Here at the brink of prompting the conscience of the hearer, the suffering of the Man behind the blood is presented imperceptibly, yet effectively, until it is reconciled with the great decision of following Jesus. Ekyimzi mbusu Soɛr si n’pi (Dispel all doubt, make up your mind) Due to the gravity and price of the blood and its cost to earth and sky, to time and space, to life and death, these music makers further escalate the diction of the piece into a forceful and articulate declaration, not in the unison of melody but in the unity of Spirit enunciating the power of making up one’s mind. They thunder it out strongly but briefly as if to hit the soul of the hearer of the message, in resonation to the greek word for repentance –“ metanoia” (which means to have a change of mind, a change of direction). That hammering of a verse echoed to shock the mind of the hearer into a state of deep reflection. The conductor Mike Lamptey , successfully brings out that beauty and assertiveness of the discourse in that swift forte. In united harmony, they declare, MAKE UP YOUR MIND. The instrumentalists are careful not to exalt the music above the text at this point. Ao, mo nua retwɛɔn ayɛ dɛn (Ao, my bretheren, why are you hesitant) Softly again, as if to give an awe-inspiring request of consideration and reconsideration within the remits of the coils and coils of the soul’s quietness, where the best decisions are made, Such a soothing blend of Andante is enforced between the tonic and subdominant, and down to the leading note in the lower octave.…d:r:m|r:m:f|t1:d:r|d:-:-. The rising up the scale to the subdominant, enforcing a mixture of hope and gracefulness, and the quick return to the lower notes, sets the heart back to the arena of thoughtfulness and deep introspection. No need for hesitation, just reflections upon a salvation concern. With a compelling and cogent timbre, the hearer is persuaded to rise in praise of God’s wonderful name, as the deity of Jesus is announced. Watch how the conductor brings out the expression and intent of the composer in theological ethos. “Ka no do daa, onnkowie gyan” (Follow Him always, it will not be in vain). The conductor divides this line into two. The first is the urgency. The spirit of “ka no do” is not just to follow, but the urgent desire of not letting go. Follow Him, be on Him, give Him no space, stick to Him, come behind, go after Him, Go at His pace, run if you have to. The conductor speeds up the rhythm in moderato con spirito to express the urgency of following Jesus, as if to say, “hurry up in following Jesus – there is no time”. The second is the word of assurance, assuaging any palpable fear of the unsaved. What happens if I follow Jesus? What am I to gain? Is it really worth it? Such an answer could only vibrate around the epicenter of the soul with a softer tone, a deliberate softness of plea and inward conviction. Finally, the brethren is called to come, for there is indeed every good reason to do so. The lips, facial and body expressions of the minstrels, the enunciation, the articulation of the words well understood and unleashed as a free flow sermon, and the choice of instrumental voices by the keyboardists. This is awesome. DISCLAIMER: PMP will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of PMP.
