Catholic Priest, Ofere Drops Album

After 15 years of serving in the Lord’s vineyard, Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Albert Owie Ofere recently released an album entitled Every Day of My Life. The six-track work has songs such as God Dey My Side, When I Think, Where Were You, Jesus Lamb of God, God You are Good and Oghene me do, featuring popular Nollywood actor Nkem Owoh (Osuofia).

Launched at the Ojez Restaurant, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, the Delta State-born United Kingdom-based priest said the album is a blend of Afro pop and gospel.

“I know it’s unique and new coming from a priest, but I have come to realise that praising God is a powerful way of connecting with God; it releases a great deal of power into our lives. No wonder Psalm 149.3 says, ‘Let them praise His name with dancing, and make music with drums and harp,” he said.

One of the tracks, God Dey My Side, according to Fr. Ofere, is written in praise of God and reminds us that the Almighty God is on our side.

“Because He is on our side, we have nothing to be afraid of. Indeed, if God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31). Realising this fact, we cannot but dance for joy,” he enthused.

Meanwhile, Fr. Ofere has enlisted the services of award –winning director, Obi Emelonye and renowned comedian, Nkem Owoh, who made appearance in the video of one of the tracks currently gaining momentum on air and online. The video, which captures the essence of the sing-along tune, was shot on locations in London. Speaking on the gospel music scene in Africa, Father Ofere said, “Gospel music in Nigeria and Africa is wonderful and awesome. On the world stage, we are doing well. But we can do more by seeking the face of God more and allowing God to speak through our music.”

On how he developed interest in music, Ofere informed that, though music has been a part of his life, working in the UK as the Chaplain to the Nigerian Catholics in England and Wales greatly increased his love for music.

“Music runs in my family; my dad was once a choirmaster and his younger brother, Rev. Fr. Richard Ofere, who is of the Archdiocese of Benin, sings a lot too. In fact, he was a choirmaster in the seminary. I never joined the choir, but I was occasionally invited to lead some songs or choruses in my seminary choir. As a deacon, I sang a lot at Sacred Heart Cathedral Warri,” he said.

On his roles as priest a priest in the UK, the one time alter boy said, “My role is to set up a Chaplaincy for the Nigerian Catholics in England & Wales; I’m the Chaplain to the Nigerian Catholics in England & Wales. My role is to lead all Nigerian Catholics in England, pastoring them in a culturally sensitive way. Anybody, who loves good music, while it has good message of hope and assurances, the songs will also appeal to people who love good music in the strict sense of the word.”