Ghanaian gospel musician Joseph Matthew, who is residing in the UK, revealed that there seems to be division in the gospel sector, which is causing a lack of togetherness among artists.
He said that although he doesn’t live here and does his music business in Ghana, he periodically travels back to the country to promote his music and has observed the regrettable events that are seriously damaging the sector.
Joseph Matthew clarified in an interview with Graphic Showbiz that his viewpoint wasn’t just conjecture and that he wasn’t trying to draw unwarranted attention to himself, but that he didn’t think the expanding trend should be supported.
“From where I sit, I can confidently say that secular artistes show more love to each other and there is unity among them than our gospel artistes. There are some supposed gatekeepers promoting some artistes in the name of being managers and it appears when you are not part of their team, it is difficult pushing your works.
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“Some gospel artistes have been boldly talking about these gatekeepers and factions but no one is paying attention to their concerns.
“I don’t live here but I have experienced it and that is why I’m bringing the industry’s attention to it. It will only breed disunity and slow the industry’s progress,” he stated.
Gospel musician Patience Nyarko accused members of the Table of Men and artiste manager Nii Noi, among others, of undermining gospel performers who weren’t part of their group in December.
However, Joseph Matthew thinks that a communal approach is necessary to address the issue rather than just placing the blame on a small number of individuals in the industry.
“This shouldn’t be a blame game at all but a time for reflection. We can learn something from our secular artistes and how they even collaborate among themselves. Do we have such high collaborations among gospel musicians? Let’s ask ourselves.” he queried.
After songs like “Halleluyah,” “Nyame Ye,” “My Story,” “Not Alone,” and “The Name” began to acquire traction in Ghana, Joseph felt confident enough to organize his first performance at the Perez Dome in 2022.
Right now, he’s promoting Promise Land, the music video for his most recent song.
