Pastor G blasts gospel artists

Takudzwa Chihambakwe
Religion Correspondent
Award-winning songwriter and vocalist, Pastor G has castigated his peers in the gospel music industry for their wayward behaviour and encouraged them to go back to the basic fundamentals of the gospel.
Several gospel musicians have been caught up in marital and serial dating scandals.
The ‘G Factor’, as his fans call him, recently released his album, “Legacy 1610: A Rhythm, Worship & Praise Experience” and he lamented over the state of the gospel music industry when The Sunday Mail Religion caught up with him.
“Gospel music has grown over the years in Zimbabwe. We are seeing more and more artistes rising and singing praises, worshipping the Lord. That is something we did not have a decade ago, only a few artists recorded such music back then,” he said.
“Now that the artistes and the music in circulation has increased, there comes an issue of balancing between quantity and quality. The music must be capable of transforming lives.
“I believe that gospel musicians must have a calling from God, not just anyone who can sing. That way, when one faces challenges, God will sustain them. We have seen so many one hit wonders over the years because of that.
“One also needs to do it (gospel music) with a clear purpose, with God at the centre of it all.
“I believe that a lot of young artistes nowadays are doing gospel because of the fame and the fortunes that come with it.
“That is why a number of them will just pick up old-time choruses and remix them. There is no originality and clearly no seeking of God’s intent, as some of the remixes actually kill the spirit of the hymns.
“I want to encourage the youngsters to be original, have your own DNA.
“One needs to be able to tap into what God intends them to do and stop copying from everyone and everything. It’s very easy to be like someone else, however, you will be missing what God intends you to be,” he lamented.
Pastor G said that most gospel music artistes are now prioritising money at the expense of saving souls.
“Pari kuitwa gospel music ye Maths. One focuses on how they can make their music commercial instead of making it come from the heart after speaking to God.
“There is need to strike a balance between ministry and the industry. But as gospel music artistes, we have to always keep in mind that we are here to minister to people’s hearts. That should be our major priority.
“There is also need for a sense of character, integrity and testimony from gospel artists.
“Recently, one popular artist was seen drinking alcohol before a show and by the time they got on stage, they were drunk. How does that compute? How can you be singing about Christ and do things contrary to God’s word?
“Others are sleeping around with girls using their influence and one wonders, how do we do that as gospel artistes? Nobody is perfect, but we need to have a good testimony and be accountable as artistes.
“I don’t mind even if I don’t win awards or get to sing on big stages. What is important is that when my day comes, I will stand before the King with joy, knowing I have run my race well.
Pastor G also said that artistes need to come up with quality productions so that the corporate world can invest in the industry.