Nigerian gospel sensation Nathaniel Bassey recently shared some valuable advice with Ghanaian gospel artists, urging them to expand their horizons and global impact by diversifying their musical repertoire. Speaking passionately at the Jesus Christ Encounter event hosted at the Accra Sports Stadium, Bassey emphasized that although Ghanaian gospel artists possess immense anointing, they often miss out on global recognition due to their preference for singing in the local dialect, Twi.
During his address, Bassey envisioned a future where Ghanaian Psalmists would journey to Nigeria and host their own concerts, propelling their songs from Ghana to the far reaches of the world. He gently instructed Ghanaian music ministers to consider writing songs in English, acknowledging the love for their local dialects but emphasizing the need for the world to hear the anointing within them.
Bassey’s plea sheds light on the challenges faced by Ghanaian gospel artists, such as the relatively low reception of English songs. Notably, Celestine Donkor, the renowned Agbebolo singer, previously addressed this issue in an interview with Graphic Showbiz. Donkor emphasized the importance of embracing songs in English with the same enthusiasm as those in local dialects, as neglecting them could confine gospel artists to a local sphere, impeding their chances of global recognition.
Nathaniel Bassey admonished Ghanaians to write more songs in English. pic.twitter.com/w7y5qv92oE
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According to Donkor, the disparity in reception between English and local-language songs is evident in her own experience. She noted that her English songs, despite being well-received in other African countries, often struggle to gain traction in Ghana. This trend, she believes, hinders the progress of Ghanaian artists on the global stage, as English songs from Nigeria receive widespread acceptance while those from Ghana face challenges in garnering similar recognition.
In essence, Nathaniel Bassey and Celestine Donkor’s insights encourage Ghanaian gospel artists to break free from linguistic constraints, allowing their anointed messages to resonate globally. Embracing English songs may well be the key to unlocking the full potential and international success of these talented musicians.