“We Praise”, Released on January 10, 2022 by Prince Oti, is a soul-lifting song that reassures us all of the supernatural, who has in His inexplicable abode the power that created the natural. Amarachukwu Oti, known on stage as Prince Oti, is a multifaceted talent passionate about music and ministry, making waves in Gospel music across Nigeria.

A trained lawyer who has just started his MSc programme in Fintech at University of Surrey. Oti’s journey spans over 13 years, marked by his vocal talent and spiritual depth. He has served as a Music Director, Praise and Worship Leader, and Choir Coordinator, enriching the body of Christ.

Prince Oti, who could be likened to a contemporary Psalmist, got his lyrics culled from the Psalms:
“From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised.”

He moves on, quoting the first verse of the thirty-fourth chapter of Psalms: “In good times, I will bless the Lord at all times. The latter connotes that God Himself has no season; in fact, He’s the one who created them, and this,
among other reasons, is why He is to be praised. Oti’s music serves as a reminder of God’s unwavering presence through every season, inspiring listeners to maintain an attitude of praise through life’s ups and downs.

His message resonates with those seeking strength and faith, celebrating the constancy of God’s love and power amidst a changing world. In a succession of another line, Oti opens the listeners to the infiniteness of God. Here, it’s noted that He’s the same, and His years will have no end. The universality of God is also being proclaimed, and all
the earth should see Him as sovereign, spurring praises from all the lips of the earth. Oti, reiterating the rising of the sun and its setting, connotes the untiring showers of praises to the One who is above all other beings. In another verse, Oti uses a style common in religious or folk music traditions—parody.

Here, he writes new lyrics but uses the melody of another old song, “Some have food and cannot eat”. This song is popular in Nigerian Christian communities. It’s sung to give thanks to God before a meal. The song is rooted in oral tradition, passed down from generation to generation with no specific composer.

Oti writes, “Some have lips, they cannot praise… we praise You from our heart. Glory be to Thee, O Lord…”

The song starts with the sekere and the konga, African musical instruments, and later blends in with the drum beat and the keyboard, one of the peculiarities of highlife beats. On the flip side, this could be figuratively interpreted as the infusion of African culture into the Western, which is part of our realities as Nigerians. The style of the song complements the message being passed by Oti. “We Praise” is a song with an euphoric message, which preaches gratitude to God; this is reflected in the melody as well.

Gospel songs are fond of the use of vocal backups. The use of a choir in any gospel song has a myriad of effects. It ranges from supporting the lead, enabling popular participation, and creating a celestial atmosphere, which spurs emotions. Oti makes use of backup vocals in this song, which sets in the emotion and other effects in motion. The tonal strength of the backing vocals is exceptional and should
be commended.

Additionally, how the call and response flow without any glitch is noticeable in the song, which shows the unity among the choristers and the lead.
“We Praise” is also a relatable song to all and sundry, as in a part of the song, Oti covered Bishop TD Jakes and the Potter’s House Mass Choir’s song, “God Be Praised.

” This contemporary gospel song,
released in 2003, is noted for its orchestral arrangement—the vocal backups, strings, percussions, among others—which make it an evocative praise, yet triumphant With its powerful and uplifting
composition, “We Praise” resonates deeply with listeners, evoking both a sense of gratitude and celebration. Its impactful arrangement draws people into a communal experience of worship, bridging generations and cultures, and reinforcing the timeless message of divine reverence and praise.

Prince Oti is the visionary behind the annual “Gratitude” concert, a platform that has showcased top
Gospel artists from Nigeria for Five consecutive years. His musical repertoire includes several singles released on major digital platforms, as well as captivating live performances and covers on his YouTube channel. Throughout his career, Oti has shared the stage with renowned Gospel artists such as Victoria Orenze, Elijah Oyelade, Victor Thompson, and Tonneil Avo. Driven by a desire to inspire and bless both humanity and God, he remains committed to using his music to expand the Kingdom of
God.

In conclusion, “We Praise” by Prince Oti is a powerful testament to the timeless nature of God and the importance of gratitude. Through its seamless blend of African and Western musical influences, heartfelt lyrics, and strong choir support, the song is an expression of reverence that resonates deeply with
listeners. Oti’s ability to connect the divine with the everyday, through melody and message, makes this track a notable addition to the world of gospel music.

The song was produced by Danny Bazuaye Beatz, Additional Producer Slimchi Beatz, Mixed and mastered by Whobaadblood.