Will Praye’s reunion fail without the Choirmaster?

The news of defunct music trio, Praye’s reunion mesmerised some music lovers and industry watchers. Perhaps it was the best decision to take having struggled to remain relevant in the music industry after their breakup.

Interestingly, Praye Tietia and Tenten announced their reunion without a prior discussion with Honeho, now Choirmaster. From all indications, the reunion will be without Choirmaster because he has a five year contract with his current record label.

The journey hence looks unfruitful without the Choirmaster. Yes, there will be a huge vacuum.

Praye was formed during the maiden edition of the Nescafe African Revelations in 2002. The group emerged winner and recorded songs like Shody, Run Run Something, Ka Kyere Me,Angelina, Wohoufe among others.

Anyone who has studied songs by the group will attest to the fact that most of the choruses and verses were done by Choirmaster. His voice texture coupled with his lyrical dexterity would always catch the attention of the listener. Of course, Praye Tietia otherwise known as Big J has a very nice voice, but his delivery on choruses in my estimation will not be as catchy as that of Choirmaster. They may consider featuring someone who is good at choruses; yet, the Choirmaster factor will be missing badly.

I believe strongly in teamwork. And as the saying goes, ‘united we stand; divided we fall’. Their name, Praye is a symbol of unity. Every little contribution by any member of a group is worth acknowledging. But the fact is, there was a clear indication that Choirmaster was the pivot of the group. His role cannot be overemphasized, for which reason the reunion without him makes the future of the group shaky.

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How active was Tenten after the split? He released Kpotor which could not hit. Tietia dropped Mafe wo, Wedding and others but little was heard of those. How strong will the comeback be? Their apparent ‘absence’ from the music scene coupled with the absence of Choirmaster from the ‘revival’ seem to make the journey muddy for their survival.

The difference between Praye and VIP is, the latter was not dissolved. An already established Reggie Rockstone became part of VIP and metamorphosed to VVIP at a time Promzy had left. His brand together with that of VIP at the time led to a solid foundation of the group, releasing a couple of hit tracks from the camp.

When Tenten left, Tietia and Choirmaster could only hold the forth for few years before finally going their separate ways. What then is the guarantee that Tietia and Tenten can stand the ‘heavy wind’ blowing in the industry? Well, it is difficult to respond in the affirmative.

Music groups like R2bees, VVIP and 4X4 have proven to be a force to reckon with in the music scene. Currently, these groups are not relenting on their efforts in any way and I wonder if Tenten and Tietia as the new Praye can survive in such a competitive market.

Perhaps they have something up their sleeves to take Ghana by surprise. Well, it is easy to conceive than to execute. The ‘incomplete’ group would have to get an exceptional management team and perhaps, a good songwriter. That may or may not be enough to sustain them. The Choirmaster factor!

But, hey, groups are not meant to stay forever. Akyeame broke up; Okyeame Kwame and Quophi are shining in their respective fields. Choirmaster has the right to make any decision he thinks will help his brand. Maybe he needs not the Praye group to be make it.

Decisions!