Esther Smith – Okum Yesu ft Emens & Paa Sammy

Esther Smith – Okum Yesu

Esther Smith – Okum Yesu ft Emens & Paa Sammy

Okum Yesu is another spiritually stirring release from the iconic Ghanaian gospel singer Esther Smith, featuring Emens and Paa Sammy. Known for her emotionally rich voice and deeply reflective lyrics, Esther Smith once again draws listeners into a solemn yet hopeful journey of faith, sacrifice, and redemption.

Translated from Twi, Okum Yesu means “They killed Jesus”—a title that immediately evokes reflection on the suffering, crucifixion, and ultimate purpose of Christ’s death on the cross. This song is not just a lament; it’s a powerful remembrance of the price Jesus paid for humanity and a call to acknowledge His sacrifice with reverence and gratitude.

Opening with soft yet haunting chords from a live keyboard, the song begins in a solemn, worshipful atmosphere. The instrumental arrangement—featuring mellow drums, emotional strings, and acoustic guitars—is intentionally gentle, allowing the weight of the message to shine through. The production keeps the spotlight on the vocals, which deliver a narrative of pain, sacrifice, and divine love.

Esther Smith sets the tone with her opening lines, which speak to the sorrow and mystery of Christ’s death. Her voice, filled with emotional depth, paints the picture of a sinless Savior who bore the punishment for the world. Her lyrics mourn the cruelty of mankind’s rejection of Jesus, yet also uplift the listener with the promise of salvation that came through His suffering.

“Okum Yesu, wɔn de no kɔɔ Golgotha / N’ankasa na ɔyɛɛ bɔne biara anka”
(“They killed Jesus, they led Him to Golgotha / But He Himself committed no sin at all.”)

Emens follows with a heartfelt verse, blending melodic delivery with spoken-word intensity. He reflects on the human tendency to forget the cost of grace, reminding listeners that Jesus’s death was not only an act of sacrifice but also an expression of deep love. His verse is raw and reflective, drawing a direct line between Jesus’s crucifixion and the personal redemption of each believer.

Paa Sammy adds emotional weight to the second half of the track with a soft, prayerful tone. His voice almost trembles as he recounts the agony of the cross and the shame Jesus bore. Yet, he quickly pivots to offer hope—reminding the faithful that the death was not the end, but a necessary step in God’s plan for resurrection and eternal life.

The chorus becomes a meditative chant:
“Okum Yesu, ɔdɔ nti na ɔgyee y’abrɛ / W’ani so, yɛda wo ase, Yesu”
(“They killed Jesus, but it was out of love He bore the pain / In Your presence, we thank You, Jesus.”)

This refrain anchors the entire track, drawing worshippers into a space of both mourning and gratitude. It serves as a reminder during Lent, Easter, or any moment of reflection on Christ’s passion.

The lyrics throughout are deeply scriptural, referencing Christ’s suffering at Calvary and echoing verses like Isaiah 53:5 (“He was pierced for our transgressions… and by His wounds we are healed”) and Luke 23:34 (“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”). These scriptural allusions elevate the song from just a musical experience to a spiritual devotion.

The instrumentation is minimalistic yet effective, never overpowering the vocals. The production style leans toward live performance, with rich backing vocals that swell during the chorus, emphasizing communal worship. The background singers echo the main message, as though representing the voice of the Church in unified reverence.

Since its release, Okum Yesu has resonated deeply with fans of gospel music. Listeners have taken to social media and church platforms to express how the song moved them to tears, stirred reflection, and renewed their appreciation for Christ’s sacrifice. It’s being embraced not only in churches but also by solo worshippers looking for deeper spiritual connection through music.

This song marks yet another milestone in Esther Smith’s celebrated career. Known for her timeless classics and bold lyrical themes, she proves once again that her music continues to be a source of healing, truth, and transformation. Collaborations with Emens and Paa Sammy bring generational depth to the song, making it accessible to both the youth and older gospel enthusiasts.

In conclusion, Okum Yesu is a song of sacred remembrance. It doesn’t shy away from the brutality of Christ’s death, but rather invites believers to embrace the depth of God’s love shown through the cross. Through poignant lyrics, powerful vocals, and heartfelt delivery, Esther Smith and her collaborators deliver a gospel masterpiece that is both sobering and life-affirming.

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