Versatility key to Gospel industry’s growth —Joseph Mathew on growth of Afro gospel

IN 2018, his songs such as Halleluyah, My Story and Nyame Ye did quite well in the UK but it was difficult for Gospel music artiste, Joseph Mathew to get same appreciation back home in Ghana.

Reason? His style of music which he labeled Afro Gospel was perhaps ‘alien’ to the Ghanaian Gospel audience who thought it too worldly to belong to the church.

But about four years later, young Ghanaian Gospel acts such as Evans Scott, Kneeded, Lucky Ekeh, Kingzkid, Fresh Joy Music among others are forcefully driving the Afro Gospel music style and making great strides.

Last year, Evans Scott’s Mapeke was nominated in 3Music Awards Breakthrough Act of the Year category and even won Urban Artiste of the Year at Ghana National Gospel Music Awards the same year.

Talking to Graphic Showbiz, Joseph Mathew said he is excited about the progress of Afro Gospel music and feel fulfilled about its development.

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“I’ve always said that versatility is key to the growth of Gospel industry. The world is fast changing and with it being a global village, we cannot stick to our old ways.

“I remember the stiff opposition when I started promoting my songs in Ghana but now, the style is making waves. This shows that music audience have varied tastes. Different styles appeal to different people and the industry must be mindful of that”,he said.

With his songs such as My Story, Not Alone and The Name now gaining some popularity in Ghana, Joseph was emboldened to host his maiden concert   at the Perez Dome in May 8 last year.

Joseph, who is currently promoting his latest single, Blessed describes his Afro Gospel style as the infusion neotonic Afrobeats, rap and contemporary Highlife.