Nii Ayite Hammond, Channel Manager for Hope TV, has asserted that Kwabena Kwabena‘s recent single featuring Obaapa Christy, titled ‘Fakye Me,’ should not be classified as a gospel song, despite common belief.
In an interview with Kwame Dadzie on Joy FM’s ‘Showbiz A-Z,’ Hammond argued that the song’s theme of forgiveness and its collaboration with a gospel artist do not necessarily define it as gospel music.
Hammond explained that gospel music is primarily centered around the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
He emphasized that simply mentioning God in a song does not automatically categorize it as gospel, noting that various deities are worshipped by different people.
He questioned the song’s true intent, asking, “When he mentions ‘ode bone kye,’ is he referring to his wife forgiving him, or something else?”
Hammond also cited other songs, such as Mama Esther’s ‘Kyekyere No’ and Sonnie Badu’s ‘Money Declaration,’ as examples of music he believes does not fit the gospel genre.
Hammond, a former Chairman of the Ghana Music Awards Board, further elaborated that the identity of the artist behind a song plays a crucial role in its classification.
He cited King Paluta’s ‘Aseda’ as a case in point, expressing uncertainty about whether the song’s gratitude is directed towards the same God he worships, given Paluta’s secular background.
In contrast, gospel musician Akesse Brempong argued that God can use anyone, including unlikely sources, to convey His message.
Brempong pointed out that even stones could be used to praise God if needed, reinforcing his belief that inspiration and praise can come from various places.
The debate over the definition of gospel music continues to be a point of contention among music industry professionals.
Some distinguish between gospel music, which they define as focusing specifically on Jesus Christ and His teachings, and Christian music, which they view as encompassing broader aspects of the Christian faith.
Kwabena Kwabena’s ‘Fakye Me,’ which is part of his forthcoming gospel EP titled ‘God of Restoration,’ remains a subject of this ongoing discussion.
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