Gospel music group, Alabaster Box
A founding member of the renowned Ghanaian gospel group Alabaster Box, Samuel Nii Narku Dowuona, has revealed that the group has never demanded payment for performing in churches.
In an interview with Kwame Dadzie on Joy FM, Dowuona shared that the group, formed in the early 2000s, initially rejected any form of payment for church performances.
“Payment or taking money for singing was not on our minds. Even when we formed Alabaster Box, we were just happy going around singing. There were times when churches tried to give us money, but we rejected it,” he said.
He recalled a turning point in 2003 when a church offered them money after a performance.
“The first time we were ever paid was somewhere around 2003. We had gone to perform at a friend’s father’s church. When he gave us money, we told him we didn’t do that. That’s not how we operate.
“The man invited us into his office and told us what we were doing wasn’t biblical. He said, ‘When you come and sing and you don’t charge, that’s fine, that’s your policy. But when we give you something, just take it. That’s how blessings work. Just take it and go,’” Dowuona explained.
Since then, the group has accepted voluntary offerings but still does not set performance fees for churches.
“Even today, as Alabaster Box, when we are invited to churches, we don’t charge. People usually ask, ‘How much do you charge?’ We say, ‘No, we don’t charge. But how can you support our ministry so it can continue?’” he added.
However, Dowuona clarified that for corporate or non-church events, Alabaster Box negotiates fees as part of a professional engagement.
“But if it’s not a church event, maybe a paid event or a corporate function, then we can talk business,” he said.
ID/MA
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