Gospel artistes must sit up

The column by Arnold Asamoah Baidoo in last week’s edition of the Graphic Showbiz concerning the activity or lack thereof of the reigning Artiste of the Year, Joe Mettle, generated a lot of debate in the public space and among entertainment pundits.

Regardless of what the public thinks about the points raised in the article, the column did touch on issues Showbiz has talked about on countless occasions in the past. This has to do with the lacklustre approach many in the gospel fraternity attach to their craft or profession.

It seems the attitude by many in the gospel fraternity is that gospel music is a calling and not a business. This explains why many gospel artistes and musicians seem to lack the critical business element required to take their craft to the next level.

Showbiz respects the decision of artistes who choose to place emphasis on soul-winning rather than business but for those who actually want to make a living out of their talent, it is obvious that they are not doing enough.

It is important that artistes invest in improving their craft and surrounding themselves with a competent team who actually know what they are about.

Essential elements such as standard of music production, promotion, publishing and back-up dancers and singers all cost money to come out with quality products but without investing in these, the returns to the musician would be abysmal.

In the coming months, Showbiz hopes to see a significant change in the way things are handled in the gospel fraternity.