Ghanaian gospel icon Esther Smith has revealed the inspiration behind her popular song “Nsuro,” saying it was influenced by Shaggy’s hit track “Angel” featuring Rayvon.
In an interview with blogger Kobby Kyei, the veteran singer explained that although the song was secular, its melody and structure sparked a spiritual idea that eventually became “Nsuro.”
She said the string arrangement in “Angel” served as the foundation for her composition.
“There’s a guy called Shaggy. I got my song from his song ‘Girl, you’re my angel, you’re my darling angel.’ The chord or string of that song motivated my song — ‘Nsuro wai, nsuro wai, nsuro nea otamfo bɛyɛ.’ That’s where I got my song,” she stated.
Esther also attributed her success during the peak of her career to prayer and deep study of the Bible. She noted that she always sought spiritual direction before releasing any song, rather than rushing projects.
According to the “Nyame Aguanma” hitmaker, her songwriting process is divinely inspired. She explained that songs often come to her fully formed in her mind, without being written down. She believes this is the result of a direct encounter with the Holy Spirit, adding that none of the songs across her ten albums were written in the traditional way.
A household name in Ghanaian gospel music, Esther Smith has won several awards, including Gospel Album of the Year, Gospel Artiste of the Year, and Best Female Vocal Performance at the 2003 Ghana Music Awards.
