Bernard Amankwah is a gospel singer
Gospel singer Bernard Amankwah has stated that it is time for his colleagues in the gospel fraternity to stop equating success with packed auditoriums and start measuring it by the lives their music actually changes.
According to him, the essence of gospel music is not how packed an auditorium appears, but rather its capacity to transform lives.
In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, he clarified that the spiritual interactions that occur during gospel concerts are a more accurate indicator of success than the size of the crowd.
Don’t go into gospel music with the intention to make money – Bernard Amankwah
“The real success of a gospel concert is not in the numbers. It is when lives are touched, when people encounter Christ and leave renewed and blessed. Huge crowds do not necessarily mean huge impact,” he said.
Amankwah cautioned that the focus on pulling massive audiences is becoming a distraction for many in the gospel industry.
He is worried that it draws away focus from the music’s primary goal, which is to spread the gospel and encourage people to have meaningful encounter with Christ.
He believes that even if only one person makes a genuine decision to follow Christ, that outcome outweighs the presence of thousands who leave unchanged.
The singer also expressed his sentiments about the new trend of gospel musicians collaborating with secular artistes.
Though some gospel musicians believe the practice is a way to expand their reach, Bernard Amankwah described it as spiritually risky.
He explained that the identity of a gospel musician should be centered on Christ, saying that many pursue such collaborations with the hope of gaining mileage, but the foundation of gospel music should never be mixed.
He mentioned that gospel and secular music are built on entirely different purposes and, as such, cannot be merged without undermining the gospel’s mission.
“The brand of a gospel musician should be a Jesus brand and nothing else. Many musicians think collaborating with secular artistes will bring them mileage, but at the end of the day, the Bible says, ‘Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.’ Gospel and secular music operate under different mandates, and you cannot marry the two, no matter what. The mission of gospel music must remain clear and uncompromised,” he stated.
Also catch the latest episode of Talkertainment with Ghana’s most-sought-after MC/Hypeman, Kojo Manuel, below:
AK/EB
