Mary Ozaraga Releases 'Hallelujah Instead' Feat. Ike Ozaraga
Mary Ozaraga, a singer from Cebu, Philippines, has released 'Hallelujah Instead', a song written at the beginning of the pandemic, when the whole world was put into a standstill. "Amidst the helplessness the world is wrapped in, it is written as a reminder to take comfort that the Father is still in control", explains Mary. "He is always there and He always speaks, if we only take the time to listen.
This song was birthed out of an invitation to untangle from the restlessness and receive His rest in His presence. Joining me in this song is my father, Ike Ozaraga, on the saxophone."
Like setting out into a new adventure, Mary is just beginning to set foot into sharing her music to world. With a passion for music all her life, she learned to play different instruments growing up. After playing for amateur bands as a drummer, God called her to play for His worship and praises shortly after she gave her life to Christ. Since then, she has been leading worship as instrumentalist and singer for her church, Olive Grove Christian Ministries, in Cebu City, Philippines.
She nurtured her songwriting during the lockdowns and released her first single, Come (Broken, Scarred), in January 2021. In April 2021, she released her second single, The Hour of the Son. Her third single, Hallelujah Instead, was released in September 2021. She is currently working on a Christmas EP called Project: Christmas which will be released in November and December of 2021.
Even with varied musical influences, she continues to search for the music of her country's history with a hope to one day raise up worship with music that is now almost completely forgotten.
