Canadian-Ghanaian singer-songwriter Ryan Ofei has released his latest extended play, titled “Jubilate.” The EP, which was the artist’s way of capturing pure joy and thanksgiving and what all that means, was released on July 11.
The project follows Ofei’s 2024 debut album, Restore, which earned him a JUNO Award in April.
“Jubilate” has five songs: “Oluwa Ese,” “Blessed,” “Belong,” the title single, “Jubilate,” and “Jubilate” (Reprise).
In “Oluwa Ese” (“Thank You, Lord”), Ofei sang in the Nigerian Yoruba language, which he said he learned from his friend, a worship artist from the DMV area. The song expressed his gratitude for God’s grace and mercy.
Moreover, in “Blessed,” Ofei featured Nigerian-born Afro-gospel musician Daniel Timi Aiyedogbon (Tjsarx) and sang about being blessed, rather than stressed. “In the space of creativity, it just kind of came out. ‘I’m blessed, not stressed. Praise inside of my chest,’” said Ofei. “I think, you know, we just need more music that’s positive, that just speaks identity and who you are versus the lies of the enemy.”
Additionally, in “Belong,” Ofei and Ghanaian-British singer, rapper, and songwriter, Eugene Entsir (Eugy Official), who also attended Ofei’s 2024 London tour, sang and rapped in the predominant Ghanaian language, Twi. “I think all the collaborations have just been, like, really, honestly, Spirit-led, and it’s just been more than anything … about our friendship, and the fact that it just feels right, and it’s what’s needed for the moment,” Ofei said.
On Ofei’s EP, which incorporated Afro gospel, contemporary sounds, the artist mixed Twi and Yoruba with English. “I was just trying to give elements of our culture in West Africa and just share it with the world, really,” he said.
Looking ahead, Ofei said he has an upcoming album and “a surprise on top of that,” following the EP.
Also, he said he has plans of touring in 2026. “I think on the back of the project, we’ll get another tour and an opportunity just to be out and connecting with people. I really do love it. Because I consider it ministry,” said Ofei. “And I think the most important thing is getting a chance to share the Gospel. And, you know, see people face to face, shake their hand, tell stories. It takes the listening experience to another level when we kind of gather collectively and corporately, so I’m looking forward to that as well.”