On her Go High album which came out late last year, Philipa Baafi states her gratitude to God, her husband, pastors and entire congregation of Calvary Baptist Church at Adabraka in Accra, and her cherished fans for their support.

She, obviously, did not envisage at the time of release that the title track was going to blare from big loud speakers across the country to accompany ‘kangaroo’ dancing.

This has come about as a result of it being ‘snatched’ by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as a campaign song for the December election. Maybe a future edition of the album would express gratitude to the NPP for the massive exposure and the ‘reasonable goodwill’ paid out for the use of the song.

Though it is mainly the Go High song which has shot to public attention, there are other lovely tracks on the album which had production input from George Forest, Daniel Bassey, Moris Babyface, Ackah Blay and Nana Boateng.

These are experienced, competent recording engineers and instrumentalists and their general contribution add to the delectable offerings on the album.

Probably to counter the jumpy, face-paced Go High, there is the slow, comtemplative Nkwa. It is a piece loaded with wisdom on the futility of trusting in riches instead of the saving grace of God. Ackah Blay’s guitar phrases are tasteful but unobstrusive and Celestine, Owura and Sophia provide soothing backing vocals.

A similar slow tempo is retained on Eyee Den? for Philipa to prove she can go mellow if necessary. She, like several from the ‘Kumasi school’ of gospel, love to get down with serious jama and brisk highlife which audiences find very appropriate for praise sessions at church. On Eyee Den?, Philipa gains some marks for herself for melodious singing, especially on the duet portions with Owura.

Yesu Tease, Okamafo, and W’Dom No are all pieces that apart from relaying Philipa’s staunch Christian faith, allow the backing musicians ample space to embellish the songs with their playing skills.

Guitarist Ackah Blay seems to jell a lot with the songtress and that probably explains why she always has him by her side at her live shows. He knows when to inject his often well-tailored solos.

If you have been following Philipa’s career as a gospel singer, then it would be useful to go beyond the song the NPP has chosen for the 2008 campaign and listen to everything on the Go High album. You are likely to find the lady in good form throughout.

Related: