Urban gospel artists in Ghana showcase incredible talent across genres like gospel hip hop, gospel afrobeat, and gospel R&B. However, these artists often remain unknown outside of the industry, with many of them either giving up or not fully relying on their musical talents.
In Luke 9:61, Jesus responded to a man who wanted to follow Him but wished to bid farewell to his family first, stating, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
During Jesus’ time, plowing fields required guiding a plow fixed over two oxen. Once you began working by placing your hand on the plow, it was crucial to stay focused, directing its course and ensuring the oxen moved as intended. Diverting your attention would cause the oxen to veer off course. This analogy serves as a reminder to urban gospel artists that to succeed in their music ministry, they must avoid distractions and not look back.
While many urban gospel artists abandon their music due to a lack of expected acceptance, secular artists devote themselves entirely to their careers. Some even sacrifice education or leave their homes against their parents’ wishes to pursue their musical visions. These secular artists demonstrate remarkable faith and determination, making sacrifices that eventually pay off. In contrast, urban gospel artists often undervalue their music careers when they don’t perceive the possibility of substantial success. Although financial gain should not solely determine the impact of their music ministry, this illustration highlights the correlation between how they value their talents and their actual worth.
So, how can Christian artists sustain their music careers? Firstly, they must carefully calculate the cost involved, considering Jesus’ wisdom in Luke: “Who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you.”
Christian artists aspiring to make significant strides in their music must determine the precise sacrifices required. Will it entail sleepless nights spent on songwriting and rehearsals? Should they pursue various music courses to enhance their skills? Will certain aspects of their lives need to be sacrificed? By considering the true cost and recognizing the value that can arise from wholehearted dedication to their vision and relationship with God, artists can give their unwavering hundred percent.
If every urban gospel artist counts their cost and dedicates themselves fully, urban gospel music has the potential to become mainstream within a year.
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Author
Derrick Blebo – SoundSpace PR
