WHOEVER MIGHT have thought that Ghana gospel music artists are genuinely up to the task of advancing the cause of the Christian faith through the airing of their respective lyrical compositions has fallen victim to a deceptive impression, the Ashanti regional Welfare Officer for Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Rev Talented Stephen Arthur has said.
The status quo that artists serve as one of the reliable alternatives for gospel outreach to the masses appears shaky as Rev Talented Arthur has spilled the bean to the effect that almost 90% of Ghanaian gospel artists with or without stardom status have become money conscious and pride oriented. These he underlined have for long marred the original impact of their true calling and for that matter the industry.
Artists, he disclosed have characteristically switched to a new mode of operation for survival consequent to the challenges meted to them in the industry.
He placed on record that there are scores of gospel musicians who place fix charges on performances made at various functions with some ranging from GH�600.00,GH�1,000.00, GH�1,500.00 and GH�2,000.00 among others even to the point of negotiation if necessary based on the height of artist�s distinction in the industry. "This is totally wide-of the mark so long as their spiritual gifts are concerned," he noted.
Rev Arthur in an interview with the DAILY HERITAGE after launching his new album titled �Wako Awie�, a composition of praises and worship lamented that there even exist within the industry some gospel stars who demand hefty payments from young and upcoming musicians at the request by the latter that the former performs at the premiering of their album.
�They sometimes hide behind the scene and entrust their instrumental crew or producers to do the charging so as to save their image and also to maintain their relationship with you,� he bemoaned.
In a Biblical allusion to Matthew 10:8 ��freely you have received, freely give,� Rev Arthur underlined the foregoing materialistic posture assumed by some gospel artists as unfitting since they are not called by God to commercialize their talents but to utilize it in accordance with the requirement of the scriptures, assuring that a labourer is worthy of his hire.
Rev. Arthur who has been in the music industry since 1970 with several tracks to his credit and also holding the position as the Public Relations Officer for Halleluyah Voices brought to light that unlike the good old days, the gospel music world is now deficient of characteristic traits like humility, trust, commitment, care and unity, hence the forgoing in-actions among players.
�I am so much worried to say that some gospel stars think themselves too big for certain occasions that they arrive at the time of their own choice. They should understand that no matter how talented they are, they can never match the talent of David the Psalmist or Solomon,� he averred.
He, however, challenged all to be acquainted with the fact that they shall all give accounts for the way they utilize their gifts whether it was through fair or foul means.
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