YƐHWƐ WO
Staff Notation • Anthems, Sacred songs, Lenten Hymns
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YƐHWƐ WO by Osei-Boateng — Lyrics
About YƐHWƐ WO
"YƐHWƐ WO" (We Are Watching You) is a profound and morally urgent choral anthem composed by Osei-Boateng. Deeply rooted in the West African choral tradition, this piece serves as a powerful musical sermon on Christian witness and character. The lyrics remind believers that the entire world—and the angels above—are closely observing their daily walk, their speech, and their actions. It poses a challenging question to the choir and congregation alike: if people look at your life and cannot find Christ, where else will they see the Lord?
Musically, the anthem moves through several expressive sections to drive its message home. It features a striking passage reflecting on the power of the tongue, warning that though it is a small part of the body, it is sharper than a two-edged sword and capable of great destruction. The choir is urged to sing with conviction as the piece calls Christians to be the true light of the world, shining brightly so that others may see their good works.
As the song builds to its climax, it becomes an impassioned plea for transformation, repeatedly urging the listener to "sesa wo suban" (change your character). It calls out behaviors that do not reflect Christ—such as pride, gossip, and greed—demanding that true believers shed these traits. For choirs, this anthem is a staple for times of reflection, Lenten services, or general exhortation, offering both a rhythmic vitality and a deeply sobering message that resonates long after the final note.