Veteran gospel musician Amy Newman has urged churches in Ghana to stop the growing practice of hiring popular gospel artistes from outside to perform during church programmes, stressing that it denies gifted singers within the church the opportunity to grow and minister.
For Amy Newman, churches must identify, nurture, and celebrate the talents within their congregations rather than outsourcing worship.
“When we build our own people,” she said, “we strengthen the ministry, empower our youth, and glorify God through the gifts He has already placed among us”, she told Graphic Showbiz in an interview on Saturday, November 1.
According to her, many churches overlook talented members who could deliver equally powerful performances, opting instead to pay huge sums to outsiders because of their fame.
“It’s not a good thing to bring outsiders to perform in the church during events while there are many talented ones there.”
“The Bible says a prophet is not accepted in his own country, which means people are often not valued in their own home even though others outside may appreciate them.”
Amy, known for her timeless hit Okamafo Jesus, explained that this trend discourages young musicians in the church who are eager to serve. “The young ones now understand music better, so calling outsiders because they’re popular and paying them isn’t always necessary. Churches can use their own people to bless others,” she said.
When asked if she had personally experienced being overlooked, she smiled and admitted, “Oh, plenty, but I don’t take it to heart.” (Read Fasting keeps me young – Ofori Amponsah)
The seasoned singer, who has ministered for decades, also touched on the increasing similarity between gospel and secular music, describing it as worrying. She believes gospel musicians should stay true to their divine calling rather than imitate popular trends.
“We are all different in our callings. The Bible says He gave to one five talents, to another two, and to another one. If we understand that what we have belongs to God and that we work for Him, we would always seek His counsel first and not rush to copy others,” she explained.
