Some Ghanaian Churches Don’t Support Gospel Artistes – Abena Ruthy

Gospel musician, Abena Ruthy has bemoaned the difficulty in producing and working as a gospel musician in Ghana adding the failure of the churches to reward their various hardwork.

It has been observed that unlike secular musicians, who get a lot of support and encouragement from sponsors and event organizers by way of remuneration whenever they perform, gospel musicians who put up shows in the churches often go empty-handed as pastors and their congregations fail to reward them appropriately.

In an interview with The Publisher, the gospel songstress recounted the major problems facing the music industry particularly gospel music

”“Pastors and churches are not helping us the gospel artistes at all, as compared to other artistes who get paid after performing in discos and other entertainment spots. As for us the churches often do not support us and this can be heartbreaking sometimes.” – she said.

According to her, because their songs are gospel, many pastors and their congregations are of the view that the songs should be done voluntarily, ”which shouldn’t be so because we invested in the songs before they came out for people to buy and listen to; therefore we must also reap back some benefits to enable us give of our best”.

Sharing her view on whether it is appropriate for Ghanaian gospel artistes to demand for remuneration from church leaders after their performances, Abena said it is the right of the artistes to request for what is due them but that must be done decorously.

According to her, it is unfortunate how these Men of God are swift to pay for all expenses to bring foreign artistes to the country but are unable to remunerate their own stars.

She further spoke about the remarkable support churches in other countries like Nigeria, South Africa, and the USA bestow upon the members in the music industry , which she believes should be emulated by churches in Ghana, as well as the establishment of Christian Publishing Companies.

That, she believes will go a long way to motivate artistes in churches and also prevent them from being swayed to doing unacceptable things just to gain fame.