Enough of ‘emotional complaints’ - Gospel artistes told

Ghanaian Gospel artistes have been challenged to work harder to compete globally because laziness and complaints were not solutions to the mission for global recognition.

The call, made by Kwame OB Nartey of Vision 1 FM and Kofi Donkor, manager and husband of Gospel artiste Celestine Donkor, has come a time when some Gospel artistes have raised concerns about the influx of foreign Gospel songs in Ghana.

Speaking with Graphic Showbiz in separate interviews on Tuesday, February 1, Kwame OB Nartey and Kofi Donkor pointed out that Ghanaian Gospel artistes were apathetic in catching up to current trends.

According to OB Nartey, they were best at what he describes as “emotional complaints” and quick to label constructive criticisms as hatred for their works. In his opinion, this perception stemmed from years of pampering Gospel artistes who have not been challenged to move from their comfort zones.

“Now the question is ‘why are all our churches; the orthodox, pentecostal and charismatic singing these foreign songs?’ Have our people asked themselves what is doing the magic for others, while they are not making any significant inroads into other countries?

“Do they pay attention to the content they produce? The production quality, marketing strategy and even publicity for the songs? It seems our artistes are not paying attention to the process.

Read also: I have nothing against secular artistes – OB Nartey
 
“What they do is, they release the songs and expect the songs to generate figures, conversations and make waves on their own but it doesn’t work like that.

“It is the responsibility of every artiste to make sure the lyrics or content that they are providing is marketable. You don’t just pick anything and expect the same mileage and results as others who have painstakingly gone through the process.

“Our artistes must get up and work since, without that, they can’t generate positive discussions about their work and prevent others from taking over their space.
 
“These foreigners are aggressive and hardworking so you don’t expect to be hailed and pampered for doing less than what they are,” he said.

He pointed out that the “noise” over the dominance of foreign music was an “agenda” instigated by some artistes who have decided to follow new trends without acquiring the requisite knowledge of that system.

“I have not heard Tagoe Sisters, Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Helena Rhabbles, Hannah Marfo and the oldies complaining about any dominance or foreign penetration.

“So if you are an artiste and you want to expand your tentacles without the limitation of being a ‘local champion’, then you should be ready to learn and practice what is required,” he said.

Read also: Enough of the thank you - Celestine Donkor tells churches
 
Despite his objections, Kwame OB Nartey blamed lack of investors and poor regulation as major factors stalling the progress of Ghanaian Gospel music.

Kofi Donkor is manager of Gospel artiste Celestine Donkor

Confirming most of the assertions by OB Nartey, Kofi Donkor didn’t mince words, describing some of the Gospel acts as lazy people who want good results for no work done.

Also, in his opinion, the church and event organisers have been stifling the creativity of Gospel artistes with “rules” that don’t augur well for them.

“The system of using carpet band at events where Gospel artistes don’t have the privilege of playing with their own bands is not the best but more interesting is Gospel artistes who don’t have bands.

“There have been instances when some Gospel artistes have gone to events and are like, ‘can you let me play with your band after you?’ This is quite interesting because if you are really serious about your craft, why will you play with a band you have never rehearsed with?”

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As Africa’s representative for Trace Gospel, Kofi Donkor mentioned that he has been disappointed at how Ghanaian Gospel acts are not taking advantage of such digital platforms to push their brands.

“Being on Trace Gospel has exposed me to how our people are not aggressive to get their music outside the borders of this country. I have had calls from people in Nigeria and other African countries, yet our people are not bothered about it because they don’t even see its value.

“I remember there was a time when one prominent Ghanaian Gospel artiste questioned me about the benefits of putting their music on Trace TV? Like seriously? Times have changed and the days of taking cassettes to Kantamonto to sell are over.

 “Our people must learn the new system if they want to penetrate other markets and that comes with hard work and not laziness. We have been in our comfort zone for long and need to move out to conquer new territories,” he stated.