Veteran Ghanaian actress Irene Opare has recently become the focus of public discussion following her unexpected performance of Shatta Wale’s “On God” at her mother’s funeral reception, held on June 29, 2025.
A widely shared video captures Ms. Opare engaging enthusiastically with the song during the after-burial proceedings. Her energetic participation has prompted a range of responses across social media and among the general public. Many supporters have commended her for choosing to honor her late mother’s memory with positivity and celebration, while others have questioned whether such a lively display aligns with the traditional solemnity expected at funerals.
One social media user remarked, “How can someone be so lively at their mother’s funeral? Where are the tears?”—a sentiment echoed by those who feel the performance was out of place.
Defenders of Ms. Opare’s approach have highlighted that funerals in Ghana are often viewed as celebrations of life, especially when the deceased enjoyed a long and fulfilling journey. Some have suggested that her mother may have even requested a joyful send-off.
The song “On God,” widely seen as an anthem of perseverance and strength, has been cited by supporters as an appropriate choice for a moment that calls for resilience.
As the public conversation continues, Ms. Opare has not released a statement. Her actions have reignited broader discussions around the cultural expectations of mourning, healing, and remembrance, particularly for public figures in Ghana.