Cwesi Oteng stated that many Ghanaian gospel musicians struggle to earn decent pay
Ghanaian gospel singer Cwesi Oteng has publicly criticised what he describes as a double standard in how event organisers treat foreign and local gospel artistes.
He has argued that many Ghanaian gospel musicians struggle to earn decent pay while foreign acts are paid handsomely.
In a recent interview with Fiifi Olsen on YouTube, Oteng questioned the idea that local gospel musicians are supposed to work for free due to spirituality, while foreign performers are treated as business acts.
He said that often, local gospel artistes end up spending their own money to perform, hoping things will “work out,” yet many in the church community expect them to accept low or no fees simply because it’s gospel music.
“Which life-changing money have I been paid to go to any place to go and sing? Sometimes we end up using our own money to do things, to make sure that it works. But you come on social media, and people are saying all sorts of things.
“I don’t talk about whether I charge when I go to perform. Sometimes I feel like that’s what the church community likes; when you say you don’t charge. They feel like it means that you are spiritual,’ he bemoaned.
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The singer said organisers are quick to pay foreign artistes in dollars when booked for concerts, but when it comes to Ghanaian gospel musicians, payment is often downplayed.
“When a Ghanaian artiste comes over, the mind shifts to the spiritual. You want to charge, and they will tell you, “Keep quiet there.”
“But the moment they are talking to an American artiste, the mind works like a secular person. But when they want to book a global act, then the mind shifts back into business,” he added.
He described the contrast as unfair and called on event planners to treat local gospel artistes with the same level of professionalism and respect shown to international performers.
Cwesi Oteng’s comments join those of many shared in the gospel music scene. Several other artists have also lamented low performance fees and the undervaluing of gospel music.
Fellow gospel singer Nacee recently said many organisers “underpay” Ghanaian gospel acts, hindering their ability to grow and sustain their ministry.
ID/EB
