Friday, 13 June

Mabel Okyere on how 'Gospel is free' perception cripples Gospel musicians

Entertainment
Gospel singer Mabel Okyere

Gospel singer Mabel Okyere has called for the reversal of the strong belief that Gospel musicians should work for free.

She told Nana Romeo on Okay FM that this attitude from the church and general public failed to take into account the heavy cost of producing and promoting music, consequently hurting Gospel musicians.

Mabel grieved the aforementioned had left Gospel musicians financially disempowered.

“In this world, you’d notice Gospel musicians couldn’t even charge [for their service] in the beginning,” she said, noting the opposition she and her colleagues face from Christian leaders over payment for their services.

“The perception of the society is a Gospel musician shouldn’t have a fee, so if you’re with a secular act on a programme, they will give them more money than you. This perception must be dropped, and it’d take the effort of the veterans and contemporary singers,” she added.

She lamented the plight of many a talented Gospel act who had wonderful music but could not cut records because of the lack of executive producers or sponsors.

She refused to disclose the highest amount she had received from a church leader for her service. However, she said around the time she released her first album, Ewurade Biribi Hia Me (Lord, I’m In Need) in 2013, she was given GHS100 in an envelope – the smallest amount she had received for a gig.

“When I opened the envelope at home, as is my custom, I was torn between tears and laughter,” she recalled, refusing to namedrop the church pastor who had given her the money.

So Far So Good is Mabel Okyere's latest offering.

Source: classfmonline.com