Gospel songs or music have varied definitions. On a broader scope, it is not even recognised as a genre of music. However to the Christian it is a vehicle of religious element meant to worship God and provide aesthetic pleasure for the followers of Christ.
Gospel music is very popular worldwide including Ghana and Nigeria. Lots of gospel music from Nigeria have made hit in this country. Practically every social function in Ghana starts with a gospel music. Nevertheless, the definition of gospel music still remains a mystery, even to those who are gospel musicians. This has created a big gap between gospel musicians and secular artistes. Gospel musicians have been unwilling to collaborate with those at the other side of the music spectrum.
It is probably against this background that Nigeria Gospel singer Tim Godfrey has said that there is nothing like gospel music because as far as he is concerned Gospel is a message. Tim said, “I do not like the separation between Gospel artistes and secular artistes, I think we do the same thing but we have different message.”
This controversy has ranged in Ghana for ages. When the daring Gospel musicians ‘breach this protocol’ and collaborate with any secular act, he or she is somewhat perceived as an outcast by the gospel fraternity.
Lady Prempeh, best known for her hit songs like Onyame ataban and Hearty Borngreat are just the few of the gospel musicians who have collaborated with secular musicians here in Ghana.
