BERNARD Amankwah has called on his colleagues in the music industry, especially those in the gospel fraternity, to rethink how they measure success, urging them not to equate the value of their concerts with the size of the audience.
Bernard, whose annual Celebration of His Grace concert hasn’t enjoyed huge patronage since its inception 18 years ago, believes the true essence of gospel music lies in its ability to transform lives spiritually and not the number of seats filled at a venue.
In an interview with Graphic Showbiz on Monday, September 1, 2025, the I’m Redeemed singer stressed that the heart of a gospel concert is spiritual transformation, not headcounts.
“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 emphasised.
Amankwah warned that the growing obsession with pulling massive audiences risks shifting the focus of gospel music away from its central mission, which is to spread the message of Christ and inspire life-changing encounters.
For him, a single person making a genuine decision for Christ carries more weight than thousands attending without being moved.
Beyond the numbers at concerts, Bernard Amankwah also expressed unease about the increasing trend of gospel musicians collaborating with secular ones.
While some see it as a way to gain visibility or expand their reach, he described the practice as spiritually risky and inconsistent with the calling of gospel music.
“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 added.
Since 2007, Bernard Amankwah has marked every September with his annual Celebration of His Grace concert, a platform dedicated to thanksgiving and worship.
This year’s edition, which comes off at the National Theatre on Sunday, September 21, will feature a powerful line-up of gospel ministers, including Rev. Thomas Yawson, Dave de Musicbox, Roderrick Agyekum, Gina Bancram, La Famille, E’N Praise Incorporated and the Presence Ministry Band. (Read Resist the urge for instant fame- Bernard Amankwah to young gospel acts)
Unlike previous years, the 2025 concert will not carry a specific theme. Instead, Amankwah says the focus will be on renewing faith and reinforcing hope in God’s continued protection over individuals, families and the nation.
Sharing what patrons can expect, he said, “We believe this year’s concert will strengthen people’s faith in the God who has preserved us as a nation.
“It will be a spirit-filled night of gratitude, hope and renewed faith. It will be a night where burdens will be lifted, lives will be transformed and people will leave assured of God’s unfailing love and protection,” he disclosed.
