Award-winning gospel musician Ohemaa Mercy has expressed urgent concerns over the declining state of gospel events in Ghana, likening the situation to a patient on life support. In a call to action, she is urging corporate entities to step in with much-needed support to prevent a potential collapse of these crucial events.
During an interview at the launch of this year’s Tehillah Experience, Ohemaa Mercy attributed the difficulties faced by gospel events to a significant lack of corporate sponsorship. She warned that this financial shortfall poses a serious threat to the survival of these events, which play a vital role in promoting spiritual growth and moral values.
Ohemaa Mercy, celebrated for her hits such as “Ote Me Mu,” “Edin Jesus,” and “Wobeye Kese,” expressed her frustration with the perception that gospel music and events are less deserving of corporate backing. She believes that many corporate bodies misunderstand the value of gospel music and are hesitant to engage with religious activities.
“Corporate institutions often don’t understand the business of gospel music and mistakenly believe they shouldn’t engage with religious events,” Ohemaa Mercy said. “This misconception contributes to the dire financial situation of gospel events, which are put on ‘life support’ due to overwhelming financial burdens.”
The difficulties in securing sponsorship are exacerbated by the perception that religious events are less appealing to sponsors compared to secular ones. Despite hosting her Tehillah Experience concert for 11 years, Ohemaa Mercy admitted that financial constraints have increasingly led to the cancellation or postponement of some events.
She noted that other gospel artists, such as Joe Mettle, have encountered similar challenges. Mettle recently disclosed that he had to personally fund his Praiz Reloaded event due to difficulties in securing sponsorship.
Ohemaa Mercy offered words of encouragement to emerging gospel artists, advising them to view challenges as opportunities for growth. “Understanding your purpose and accepting challenges as part of your journey is crucial. Even without sponsorship, continue to pursue your calling with faith and resilience,” she advised.
The Tehillah Experience concert, themed “Tehillah The Bethel Experience,” is scheduled for Sunday, September 8, 2024, at the Oil Dome, Royal House Chapel International in Accra.
