Gospel artists often wait for spiritual guidance before collaborating with secular artists.
They consider their music and message as a means to share and promote their Christian beliefs. They want to ensure that the collaboration aligns with their values and doesn’t compromise their faith.
Guarding against potential negative influences, they want to protect themselves from any negative influences or situations that arise during the collaborative process.
Gospel artists have a distinct musical style and a specific message they want to convey. They are cautious about collaborating with secular artists with different artistic visions or lyrical content that might dilute or divert their gospel message.
By seeking spiritual guidance before collaborations, they aim to maintain credibility and build trust with their audience. They want assurance that the collaboration will be authentic and genuine.
Gospel artists ensure that any collaboration they undertake will contribute positively to their ministry, allowing them to reach a wider audience with a message of faith, hope, and love.
Multiple award-winning Ghanaian gospel singer, Joe Mettle has drawn a clear line on collaborating with secular artists, emphasizing his reluctance to explore such prospects.
The ‘Kadosh’ singer shed light on his decision to turn down a collaboration offer from rapper Sarkodie, citing spiritual guidance as his reason.
“This conversation again? Yeah, Sarkodie talked about it. So, I will tell you point blank, collaborating with secular artists is a door I don’t want to open. When the spirit allows you to do certain things, he has a reason for it but until then. And I think by principle … You know I have so many friends that if you do one, you have to do it for everyone.
“Yes, M.anifest. He is my brother but he has been calling me out a lot on the radio because of this. Maybe when the time comes or I get the release, I will do it. But that spirit has to bear witness with mine.”
Joe Mettle
Waiting for spiritual guidance before collaborating with secular artists allows gospel artists to ensure that their music remains true to their beliefs and maintains its intended purpose of spreading the Gospel message.
Secular, Gospel Artists Collaborations
Ghanaian gospel artists have occasionally collaborated with secular artists, blending their gospel messages with different music genres.
Joe Mettle is a renowned Ghanaian gospel artist who has collaborated with secular artists. Notably, he collaborated with Sarkodie, one of Ghana’s most popular hip-hop artists, on the song “Give Love”. The collaboration received positive feedback from fans of both artists.
Cwesi Oteng is another Ghanaian gospel artist who has collaborated with secular artists. He collaborated with M.anifest, a Ghanaian rapper, on the song “God Dey Bless Me (Remix)”. The collaboration showcased the fusion of gospel and hip-hop music styles.
Diana Hamilton, a prominent Ghanaian gospel artist, has also had collaborations with secular artists. She collaborated with Wiyaala, an Afro-pop singer, on the song “The Lord’s Prayer”. The collaboration brought together their unique musical styles and received critical acclaim.
Nacee is a well-known Ghanaian gospel artist who has successfully collaborated with secular artists. He collaborated with Guru, a popular hiplife artist, on the song “Boys Boys”. The collaboration blended gospel and hiplife, creating a unique and catchy tune.
It’s worth noting that these collaborations might not align with the beliefs or preferences of all gospel music listeners.
However, they demonstrate the artists’ efforts to reach a broader audience and spread their gospel messages through different musical genres.
READ ALSO: Mahama Underscores the Importance of Democracy at Christian Service University