Ghanaian gospel singer Kofi Peprah has intimated that even though there is a lack of financial support in the gospel music fraternity, the main focus isn’t money but to do the work of God.
Kofi Peprah made this assertion during an interview on an Accra-based radio station, monitored by The Vaultz Media (TVM), where he discussed some of the challenges that gospel artists face. He explained that most organizations find it easy to push their money into the secular music terrain rather than supporting gospel artists.
“There isn’t much money in doing gospel music as compared to secular music. But the truth still remains that we have a bigger calling than money, in as much the people who are not in the Christian faith will like to punch holes into that…you have to pay for promotions and all that and you need money to do that.
“Our corporate Ghana would want to put more money into the secular music than the gospel because the gospel is for a group of people; those who believe in Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, not everyone believes in Him… Ideally, I should have been in this full time but I am working to take care of my family”.
Kofi Peprah
Kofi Peprah who is the son of veteran gospel musician Reverend George Owusu Mensah Peprah, noted that he started music professionally in 2018 and is still serving under Joe Mettle as a backing vocalist.
“It has been innate; the longing has been there, but you need the right advice. You need people to hold your hands and tell you how it is done because the truth of the matter is that this industry is big. So, in 2018, I felt like no there is something that I need to bring out there…so, I spoke to Joe Mettle’s manager, Kwesi Komson. He asked me to serve under Joe Mettle and it gave me great opportunities to meet a lot of people”.
Kofi Peprah
Touching on his service under Joe Mettle he said, it isn’t easy since he had to move long distances to get to rehearsals at Joe Mettle’s studio. However, he averred that it was all needed since every great person needs a success story. When asked if he was going to stop being a backing vocalist for Joe Mettle since he is now going solo and gaining popularity, he answered in the negative noting that “this is more of ministry than the industry”.
“It’s awesome and demanding. But, he is one person who won’t force you to do anything; you have to be ready for it. I live at Dawhennya and I have to travel all the way to Kasoa for recording at Joe Mettle’s studio and back… God is with us and I believe that we always have to pay a price…that is how come I have something to say today, so that you tell people your story”.
Kofi Peprah
When quizzed as to whether he will feature a secular artist someday since he does urban gospel music, he answered that it will all boil down to God. According to him, unless he is instructed by God to do so, if not he will continue with his work as he has started.
Read also: THERE IS NO UNITY IN THE GOSPEL MUSIC INDUSTRY DUE TO COMPETITION – CARL CLOTTEY
