Celestine Donkor - Okronkronhene Lyrics

Okronkronhene

Okronkronhene Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Celestine Donkor's song "Okronkronhene," released on August 8, 2017, is a profound worship anthem rooted deeply in Ghanaian gospel traditions while incorporating elements accessible to a broader audience. The title itself, a Twi phrase meaning "Holy King," immediately establishes the central theme of the song: the worship and adoration of God in His supreme holiness and sovereignty. The lyrics consistently return to this declaration, exalting the divine ruler above all else.

The core message revolves around God's inherent worthiness of all praise and worship. The opening lines repeatedly declare "Ɔkronkron, Ɔkronkron hene eh" (Holy, Holy King) and "Meresanten, Meresanten hene eh" (King of the Universe/Eternal King), emphasizing His unique position. The response from creation is explicitly stated: "Wo nwuma nyinaa ara pagya Wo" (All Your works lift You up/praise You) and "W'abɔdeɛ nyina ara koto Wo" (All Your creation bows before You). This reflects a common biblical theme found in passages like Psalm 148 and Revelation 5, where all creation joins in praising the Creator.

A significant portion of the song focuses on the title "Oguama Wofata," translating to "Lamb, You are worthy," often followed by "Ayeyi sɛ no" (Praise is fitting for Him/You). This directly echoes the powerful declaration in Revelation 5:12, where the Lamb who was slain is declared worthy to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise. This section, often repeated with increasing intensity, serves as a central act of worship within the song, acknowledging Christ's sacrificial work and His subsequent exaltation.

The song transitions into English briefly with lines like "We give You glory, Jesus, We worship You today, You are worthy of our praise," broadening its reach and reinforcing the universal nature of God's worthiness. It then returns to Twi, delving into the source of life and freedom: "Ne mu na nkwa wɔ, Nkwa yi ne nipa han" (In Him is life, This life is the light of men), a phrase reminiscent of John 1:4. The lyrics also highlight the practical reality of dependence on God's grace: "Adeakye me a, ɛyɛ W'adom, Metease a, ɛyɛ W'adom..." (When I wake up, it is Your grace, When I am alive, it is Your grace...), attributing daily survival, work, and blessings ("Nhyira yi bu me so a, ɛyɛ W'adom oo") solely to God's undeserved favor, aligning with scriptures like Ephesians 2:8-9.

A strong statement of exclusive devotion is made in the lines "Nti menfa m'aseda, ɛnkɔma onipa bia anaa sɛ nsuo... Ɛyɛ Wo" (So I will not give my thanks to any man or water... It is You). This passage firmly directs all gratitude and worship towards God alone, rejecting the idea of giving credit or thanks to anything or anyone else, reinforcing the theme of God's unique sovereignty and the response due to Him. The song structure, with its repetitive declarations and calls to worship, builds an atmosphere conducive to corporate and personal adoration, emphasizing the unchanging truth of God's holiness, worthiness, and the all-encompassing nature of His grace.