It was there, amidst the echoes of heartfelt hymns and spirited choruses, that I unearthed my own voice—a fragile yet powerful instrument. 

We sang in both English and Twi, our local dialect, weaving together a tapestry of languages and feelings. Even after the last notes faded, those joyous refrains lingered in my heart, a soulful reminder of the spiritual connection that music can forge.

But so much changed in just one year, when my family moved to Ohio for my dad’s studies. 

I remember my grade one teacher asking us to bring in music to play for the class. I brought a Christian CD that I would listen to every night. She was really kind about it, but told me it wouldn't be appropriate to share it with the class because everyone in the room had different views. It was the first time I encountered the thought that Christian music wasn't widely accepted and that the things I loved weren’t always loved by everyone else.

This was the beginning of a bittersweet relationship with my faith and Christian music. When you’re growing up, you really want to be a part of whatever’s cool. So, your family's traditions and cultures can sometimes come second to the acceptance and values of the society you’re raised in. 

My family moved to Canada when I was 9 years old and I fell in love with the multicultural blend in the greater Toronto area. As a student at Carleton University in Ottawa, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery. I immersed myself in writing and recording R&B songs, connecting with a manager and penning demos for Atlantic Records. My friends and I formed an R&B boy band and won a contest that would allow us to open for Rick Ross.

However, a near-death experience during a snowstorm on my birthday was a wake-up call that underscored my need for faith. In the pursuit of worldly acceptance, I found myself isolated during a time of deep anxiety and depression after moving away from my family. That day marked a turning point; I signed up for a church retreat the following week and recommitted my life to serving God.

We ultimately turned down the opportunity to perform with Rick Ross, which, serendipitously, was later cancelled. I dove deeper into Christian and Gospel music, collaborating with my campus ministry, Campus Rush. It felt like I had awakened from autopilot mode, eager to create music reflecting my faith and life journey. Though I forged deeper connections during this period, I also lost some friends, including my manager.

In 2019, I released my first singles, “No Limits” and “Jehova,” which led to performances in Paris, New York, and my childhood church in Columbus, Ohio. I felt on top of the world—until the pandemic hit in 2020, grounding me like everyone else.

During lockdown, I connected with Maverick City Music through a friend and began writing songs via Zoom. This blossomed into album releases, collaborations with companies like Dove, and a Grammy win as part of Maverick City Music.

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My preconceived notions that Christian music was outdated were shattered. Touring to crowds of over 10,000 people across 26 cities revealed a vibrant space for Christian music within the mainstream landscape. I've been on tours across the globe, including co-leading the Kingdom Tour with stops in major venues like the Barclays Center in New York and the TD Garden in Boston.

In 2023, I embarked on a solo project, assembling a Toronto-based team to blend gospel, R&B, and Afrobeat influences into my album, Restore. This sound is rooted in my upbringing and maintains the gospel message at its core. 

I am aware of the skepticism surrounding the marketability of Christian music, particularly highlighted by the near elimination of the Juno Gospel and Christian category in Canada. As a Christian artist, it often feels like you're at a disadvantage from the outset, facing pressure to compromise your beliefs for collaborations and opportunities.

{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3yLXqzTa7E}

Yet, I’ve chosen to embrace the authenticity of my message while ensuring it remains relatable. I’ve received heartwarming stories from individuals who wouldn’t typically listen to Christian music but found solace in my latest album.

The path of least resistance rarely leads to the greatest impact. I take pride in being genuine in both sound and message, hoping to inspire the next generation of artists. 

A trend is emerging among my peers, breaking molds and redefining how faith is expressed in fresh, innovative ways. I’ve collaborated with artists like Limoblaze, Calledoutmusic, Madison Ryann Ward, Annatoria, and Becca Folkes. Even in the R&B and hip-hop spaces, my work has garnered interest; Rod Wave sampled my song “Keep Praying” for his title track *Last Lap*, while Fridayy incorporated “God” in *Without You*, dedicated to his late father. I’m also working on collaborations with Rodney Jerkins.

Recently, I saw an Instagram video in which a teacher shared my song “New Every Morning” with his class, who joyfully sang along, remarking that he resembled me. This moment brought my journey full circle. I am grateful for the spaces where my music resonates, even as I acknowledge it may not appeal to everyone. I remain committed to crafting uplifting, heartfelt songs, empowering listeners to choose for themselves.

Ryan Ofei’s Restore Tour comes to Toronto on November 29th at The TD Music Hall.