Ghanaian gospel artist, Carl Clottey has revealed that there is an unhealthy competition among gospel musicians in Ghana and that is what is leading to the division amongst them.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Vaultz Media (TVM), he disclosed that some gospel artists deem themselves as the big shots in the gospel music industry, and therefore wouldn’t like to rub shoulders or even support other artists who equally have their potentials, since, according to Carl, they are scared of losing their audience to the other artists.
“Yes, there is no unity in the gospel fraternity. There is this competition between gospel artists, everyone wants to be on top. There are some people in the gospel industry that see themselves as the custodians of the industry. They are the people who see themselves as the ones who call the shot in the industry and when these people don’t like you, then they make it look like you don’t even matter. They know the effort you are putting in but will never mention your name. I know a couple of gospel artists who will support you but others will not even share your flyer or post it because they feel you will become famous than them. Meanwhile, our aim is one, that is; to spread the word of God”.
Defining what gospel music is, Carl intimated that there are certain key things to look out for before calling a song, ‘gospel music’. He further added that in recording gospel music, you don’t have to pick out just any scripture from the Bible and think that is gospel music since it has to carry a spiritual unction.
“Any music that doesn’t carry the word of salvation is not gospel music. There has to be some sort of anointing carrying the music. So, simply put it; gospel music is anointed music that is inspired by the word of God. No matter the style in which it is sung, it has to carry a message of salvation”.
When asked if a secular artist can also be called a gospel artist per his definition of what gospel music is, he explained that the person must first check all the requirements needed before being touted as a gospel artist.
“Is the person singing under the anointing? Is the person portraying what Christ is like? The first testimony that Jesus lives in you is how you appear, and how you portray yourself… imbibing the word of God, wholly inside of you. Gospel music is a calling, if you are not called then you can’t do it. It doesn’t require you only singing but long-suffering, denying yourself a free life that a worldly person might freely want to live”.
Meanwhile, some secular artists have come out to say that they are not dissimilar from gospel artists since they also sing about love. Reacting to that, Carl asserted that if their songs are inspiring and can bring positive change in the society then “we should let them be”. He further revealed that if directed by God to collaborate with any secular artist, he will do it.
“If they are making songs based on love, and it carries a message and can cause a change in society, then we shouldn’t be hard on them. If the music edifies society, if it advises people, even though they are secular artists, it doesn’t make them bad, unless they are living a lifestyle that will lead people away from living moral lives because morality brings peace in society, and if we don’t keep that moral standard then we destroy our society”.
“If I pray and God says I should do a song with a secular artist why not I’ll do it. But if I pray and I don’t get that message then I wouldn’t do it, especially, for selfish reasons like trending. I will have to do it according to instructions and that is how we Christians are supposed to live, according to the will of God and not because we want hype… I don’t want to trend cheaply, I want my music to trend for the right reasons”.
He concluded by advising Ghanaian gospel artists to come together and support each other like their Nigerian colleagues are doing.
“Let’s not be seeing ourselves as competition, because, it’s not helping. Look at our Nigerian brothers and sisters, they are together. They are always sharing their songs and posting them on each other’s platforms and that is the way to go”.
Speaking about his latest song,’Ngboooda’ (I will never die), he noted that it was the best time to release such a song putting into consideration the pandemic, COVID-19. He later extended an invitation to all and sundry to join him in a virtual concert dubbed, ‘Love Divine’, on Facebook or YouTube on the 14th of February 2021.
“My latest song, ‘Ngbooda,’ it should be something that people should be declaring now especially looking at the time in which we are in”.
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