Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena,Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Gospel musician Takesure Zamar Ncube has ignited debate on social media after declaring that musicians who minister the word of God should be provided for by the church and consumers of their music.
Zamar’s comments come in the wake of Baba Harare’s recent decision to abandon gospel music and return to his signature Jiti sound. Reports suggest Baba Harare left the gospel scene because churches and crusade organisers were underpaying him, often late, making it difficult to sustain himself and his band.
In a Facebook post, Zamar argued that biblical musicians were never left destitute. Instead, they were intentionally provided for so that they could focus on ministry.
He cited 1 Chronicles 9:33, which states that temple singers were exempt from other duties as “they were on duty day and night”. He further referenced Nehemiah 11, noting that a royal decree ensured daily provisions for the singers, and 2 Chronicles 31:4–5, where tithes and offerings were set aside to sustain Levites, including musicians.
“Based on the scripture, the principle is clear: worship leaders were not left to survive on their own. They were intentionally provided for, so the song of the Lord would never cease. Shouldn’t we do the same today?” asked the Kuregerera in Advance hit-maker.
One of Zamar’s followers, Luke Nashe, backed the musician’s sentiments, stressing that both the Old and New Testaments affirm the principle.
He pointed to 1 Corinthians 9:14, where Paul said, “The Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.”
However, Nashe also warned against turning ministry into pure business.
“Some modern-day music ministers have unfortunately turned ministry into a mere business, where profit becomes more important than worship. The danger is when the heart shifts from glorifying God to commercialising His gifts,” he said, citing Matthew 6:24, which warns against serving both God and money.
On the other side of the debate, Mkhuleko “Church Boy” Maphosa argued that gospel musicians should not rely solely on the church for survival.
“Sometimes gospel artistes are lazy; all they want is to be paid by the church. Why can’t they go find work? If you feel you must be paid because you studied music and the church can’t pay you, you should find a job or run a business that will sustain you,” he said.
Zamar’s remarks have brought to the fore a longstanding issue in gospel music: should churches take full responsibility for sustaining gospel ministers, or should musicians find alternative ways to support themselves while serving in ministry?
For now, the debate rages on, with Zamar’s challenge forcing both musicians and church leaders to re-examine the balance between faith, art, and financial survival.
