- Gospel musician Akesse Brempong says God can use anyone to spread His word
- Nii Ayite Hammond says a song's genre can't be determined by lyrics or featured artists alone
- Debate rages on over what constitutes gospel music, with some emphasizing artist intentions
Gospel musician Akesse Brempong shared his perspective on the matter during an appearance on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z. “God can use anybody, including donkeys, to spread his word,” he said. “Some of the songs that gospel musicians have recorded, if we tell you the writers of the song you would be amazed. And this is what I believe; that if God can use a donkey, God reserves the right to whoever he wants to use.”
Akesse Brempong emphasized that God can inspire anyone to praise and worship Him, even if they do not explicitly mention Jesus Christ in their music. “Even stones! Jesus said if these people shut up, the stones will cry out in their place,” he added.
Nii Ayite Hammond, Channel Manager for Hope TV, also weighed in on the discussion, arguing that a song’s genre cannot be determined solely by its lyrics or featured artists. He cited Kwabena Kwabena’s latest single, “Fakye Me,” as an example, saying that despite its themes of forgiveness and feature of gospel musician Obaapa Christy, it is not a gospel song.
Nii Ayite Hammond also questioned the classification of other songs, such as Mama Esther’s “Kyekyere No” and Sonnie Badu’s “Money Declaration,” as gospel music. He emphasized the importance of considering the artist’s intentions and beliefs when determining a song’s genre.
“For example, King Paluta sang Aseda. I know Paluta as a secular artiste. I don’t know him as a gospel artiste. That is where it ends. I don’t know who he worships. So when he says he is giving thanks to someone, my question is, who is he giving that ‘aseda’ to? I shouldn’t assume that, that ‘aseda’ is to the God I worship,” he said.
