Do not perform for free – Joyce Blessing to gospel artistes

For years, there have been arguments between gospel artistes and a section of the public over whether it is right or wrong for gospel musicians to charge fees before performing at events, abrantepa.com has observed.

While some believe the gospel should be free because it was given freely by God, others posit that the lack of money would suppress and frustrate Christian missionaries and gospel musicians who are working to propagate the message of Christ, a reason there should be wages.

Joyce Blessing, who has just released her ‘Agyekum’ album has added her voice to the debate, admonishing her colleagues not to perform for free.

Speaking on Showbiz927, the eclectic performer indicated that gospel musicians are into business and should be treated as such.

“It is good. You must charge for performing because everything about music is money. Yes, it is ministry but you exchange money; so it’s business. You pay for the video to be shown on television. If you argue that it is ministry so we should not charge, at the end of the day, how can we continue with the work? Piracy is on the ascendency. So for us to be able to continue with the work, we must charge you. Christians should understand that we have to put in more efforts in spreading the gospel. There should be investment. Why do people sponsor even boxing but are reluctant to sponsor gospel shows?” she queried.




It would be recalled that filmmaker, Socrate Safo once said he is yet to see a gospel musician who is spirit-filled as he contended that, a spirit-filled gospel artiste should not in any way sell the gospel but give it out free of charge.

“I’m yet to see a spirit-filled, God directed gospel artiste in Ghana. All I see are commercial businessmen who are plying their trade using the Word of God. They are pure commercial artistes. The gospel is free, you don’t charge. You are selling it and that means whoever doesn’t have money, cannot get a copy. The moment you decide to negotiate for a fee, then you’re doing commercial business. They are all in for commercial benefits,” he noted. His comment was however described by Celestine Donkor as primitive.

Source: abrantepa.com