Gospel musician Florence Obinim has hit back at critics who believe she is living a lifestyle contrary to the message in her song, Osoro Ne Me Fie.

Background 

Recently, many critics have argued that although she preaches repentance and modesty, her lifestyle appears to contradict the message of the song. This follows narratives shared by some netizens about her appearance and the numerous properties she and her husband have acquired, which they claim go against what the song preaches.

Speaking on Max morning show on Max TV, the host Akosua Takyiwaa asked what her response would be to netizens who believe she is overly focused on worldly possessions, contrary to the message in her song.

Mrs. Obinim stated that people who are wise and knowledgeable in the Word of God understand the true meaning of the song and would not condemn it.

“Excuse my words, those who are shallow thinkers in the Word of God may not understand you, so I’m careful with how I speak. That ‘Osoro Ne Me Fie’ song is based on the words of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Bible, which I used to create the song. When Jesus came, He often spoke in parables. In Matthew 6:19, He said something from which I drew inspiration for the song.

She continued to argue that the song does not condemn wealth or property acquisition, but rather cautions people against placing worldly possessions above God. According to her, the message of Osoro Ne Me Fie is rooted in seeking God first before everything else.

“I’m saying this for people watching me to understand. I know that pastors who are wise and knowledgeable will never condemn ‘Osoro Ne Me Fie’ because they understand its message. They even know more than what I am about to say. The song advises people not to chase properties and rely solely on them, making them more important than God. Rather, seek ye first the kingdom of God, and He will add the rest, including all your needs. That is the message the song conveys.

Addressing concerns about her family’s wealth and properties, Mrs. Obinim maintained that their success came as a result of remaining faithful to God despite life’s hardships. She stressed that their possessions are a testimony of seeking God first, not a contradiction of the song’s message.

“Regarding the property aspect, I went through life’s struggles and never compromised my faith. God has now blessed us with all the properties we have because we sought the kingdom of God first.”

Concerns are being raised over the current state of two of Ghana’s most culturally significant events PANAFEST and Emancipation Day, as cultural advocate and Founding President of PanaAfrica Ghana Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi openly criticises what he describes as a gradual loss of purpose and impact.

In a candid reflection on the evolution of these historic commemorations, Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi expressed disappointment over what he believes is a shift away from the original vision that once made the events powerful symbols of African unity, heritage, and remembrance.

“PANAFEST and Emancipation Day were not just celebrations; they were moments of deep reflection, reconnection, and cultural awakening,” he noted. “Today, much of that depth appears to have been diluted.”

PANAFEST, established to reconnect Africans and the diaspora to their roots, has long been a cornerstone of Ghana’s cultural calendar. Similarly, Emancipation Day serves as a solemn reminder of the abolition of slavery and the resilience of African ancestors. Together, the events have historically attracted global attention, particularly from the African diaspora.

However, according to Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi, recent editions have leaned more toward surface-level festivities rather than meaningful engagement. He points to reduced educational content, limited community involvement, and a lack of intentional storytelling as factors contributing to the perceived decline.

Stakeholders within the cultural space have echoed similar sentiments in recent years, calling for a re-evaluation of how these events are organised and presented. Many believe that restoring their essence will require a renewed focus on historical education, cultural authenticity, and diaspora participation.

There are also concerns about consistency in planning, funding challenges, and the need for stronger institutional support to elevate the events to their former stature. Without deliberate efforts to preserve their core purpose, critics warn that these important commemorations risk losing their relevance among younger generations.

Despite the criticism, Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi remains hopeful that a reset is possible. He is urging policymakers, cultural institutions, and creatives to revisit the foundational goals of both PANAFEST and Emancipation Day, emphasising the need to make them more impactful, educational, and globally engaging.

As Ghana continues to position itself as a cultural and heritage hub, the future of these iconic events may depend on how well their original essence can be preserved and reimagined for a new era.

Organizers of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards have officially announced a change of venue for the 27th edition of the prestigious ceremony. In a press release issued on Tuesday, May 5, Charterhouse Productions confirmed that the event will now take place at the Grand Arena inside the Accra International Conference Centre.

Originally scheduled to be held at the Palms Convention Centre, the awards ceremony is now set for Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the new location. According to the organizers, the decision reflects the growing scale and ambition of the event, which continues to evolve as Ghana’s biggest music awards platform.

The Grand Arena, which has served as the home of the TGMA since 2019, was selected for its large capacity, advanced technical capabilities, and flexibility for high-level production. Organizers say the venue is better suited to deliver the world-class experience audiences have come to expect, particularly in staging, broadcasting, and audience engagement.

Charterhouse also expressed appreciation to key stakeholders, including headline sponsor Telecel Ghana and government institutions, for their continuous support. Special mention was made of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other partners whose collaboration has contributed to hosting this year’s event and advancing Ghana’s creative industry.

The organizers assured nominees, industry players, and fans of an unforgettable night celebrating Ghanaian music, culture, and global influence. The 27th TGMA is expected to bring together top talents and key figures in the entertainment space for a grand showcase of excellence.