Ghanaian music sensation AratheJay has opened up about the challenges he faced breaking into the music industry as a man from traditionally strict African household.
He described some challenges in his journey, like not being able to perform at major stages and being locked out of the house.
“If you have to go out and you come late, you have to sleep outside because no one will come to open the gate for you. You’ll end up going to your friend’s place. Your folks would be thinking that you are with your friends, having a good time.
“I remember Promiseland 2022 or 23. I couldn’t perform. I needed to go and I couldn’t go. There were so many things preventing me from going. So many things. These are the prices you had to pay. Yes, there was a time they had to send a message to everyone on my contact list that ‘No one should call me’.”
AratheJay
He disclosed that there were times he had to go against the wishes of his loved ones in pursuit of his dreams, sometimes resulting in consequences.
“As time goes on, as you believe that this is the purpose. I mean, there are some things you need to sacrifice.”
AratheJay
Despite the interference, AratheJay said he holds no grudges.
He emphasised that every “no” from his loved ones was never meant to hurt, but to protect.
“I don’t want it to be like, when someone says no, it means they are bad. I don’t want it to be like it was a problem. Maybe they saw it as an issue. But I want you to see it as an issue. I want you to take everything as ‘This is the price you have to pay for what you believe as a purpose’.”
AratheJay
Reflecting on sacrifices, AratheJay urged young talents to view obstacles as part of the journey.
“Everything is a sacrifice. You choose what you want to sacrifice. Choose your heart and you go hard for it.”
AratheJay
According to him, these were all prices paid in pursuit of a higher purpose. “But it wasn’t anything. We dey,” he said.
AratheJay on Gospel Music
The Ghanaian musician stated that not every inspirational or spiritual song should be called gospel music, especially if it does not mention the name of Jesus Christ.
The ‘Jesus Christ’ hitmaker explained that gospel music is supposed to be specifically about Jesus Christ, and not just about God, encouragement, or positive messages.
“Anybody who does anything and talks about God, positive message, encouragement, and inspiration that doesn’t mention Jesus is not gospel. Many people that you may classify as gospel artistes are not even doing gospel because gospel has to do with Jesus Christ.”
AratheJay
He added that even though he personally talks about Jesus in his music, he classifies his songs as spiritual music, not gospel.
He believes there is a wide range of topics to explore when making spiritual music, and that God gives different people different ways of sharing his message.
“I base my music as spiritual music because I believe that there are variety of things to talk about and God has placed us in this world and has given us various mantras. I believe mine is to be able to convey his message in the various things that he causes me to experience, in the various things he causes me to hear in my times of silence, in my time of conversation… I believe that is my mantra aside from other things.”
AratheJay
He also shared an unpleasant situation where he wasn’t allowed to show up at an event because of his mask.
AratheJay mentioned that the event was a big dinner, and he was told that he couldn’t be there in his mask.
According to him, inasmuch as he wasn’t happy with what was said to him, he knows what the mask symbolises to him, so he didn’t bother attending.
He mentioned this when talking about some of the interesting things someone has said about his look.
AratheJay confirmed that he is often stereotyped because of the mask he wears, as it is commonly associated with hooligans.
However, he added that he isn’t the kind of person who lets others’ opinions affect him.
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