Language is not a barrier to spreading God’s message -Joseph Matthew responds to Nathaniel Bassey

UK-based Ghanaian Afro-Gospel musician, Joseph Matthew says language is not a barrier to spreading God’s word through music and so Ghanaian musicians shouldn’t be forced to sing in English.

In a video posted on his Instagram page yesterday, the artiste who is known for songs such as Halleluyah, Nyame Ye, My Story, Not Alone and The Name explained that the power of music goes beyond language and racial backgrounds.

Joseph Matthew pointed out that musicians needed conscious efforts to grow their songs globally and not necessarily singing in English. 

“Any Ghanaian supporting Nathaniel Bassey’s comments is ignorant. To go global you need the right plugs. It’s not just about language, there are so many factors that work together so we shouldn’t encourage this narrative,” he stated.

Joseph Matthew’s comments add up to the growing conversation about the choice of language by Ghanaian gospel musicians following a passionate appeal by Nigeria’s Nathaniel Bassey for the latter to sing in English to grow their global audience. (Related article: You are annointed, sing in English for the world to hear you - Nathaniel Bassey to GH gospel acts)

Bassey urged Ghanaian gospel musicians to write songs in English, asserting that the world needed to hear their songs and was very optimistic that Ghanaians will be able to hold concerts in Nigeria in future.

“Yes, I know you love your local dialect, Twi, but there is an anointing on you and the world needs to hear your songs,” Nathaniel Bassey said at Jesus Christ Encounter event held at the Accra Sports Stadium recently.