Ghanaian director and filmmaker Socrate Safo has dismissed the notion that Nigerian gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey’s comments urging Ghanaian artists to compose more songs in English were prophetic.
Speaking on the United Showbiz show on UTV, Safo, Socrate Safo who serves as the Director for Creative Arts at the National Commission on Culture, disagreed with gospel artist Celestine Donkor‘s interpretation that Bassey’s remarks held prophetic significance.
According to Safo, Bassey’s advice was more of a common business suggestion than a prophetic message. He emphasized that the decision to switch languages in music is a practical business move, and he would not criticize anyone for making such decisions.
“What Nathaniel Bassey said is not a prophecy, it is just ordinary business advice. Don’t garnish it with the word “Prophetic” it is just common sense.
“In business, there is a primary market and a secondary market. Media houses like UTV or PeaceFM produce their content in Twi because their primary market is Ghanaians who speak Twi. There is nothing bad in satisfying the primary market first.
“I see nothing wrong with someone doing songs solely in Twi because he/she may have studied the market and decided that doing songs in Twi is best. Same way if you want to go international and you
“In the same way, there is nothing wrong if another artiste wants to appeal to the secondary market by doing songs in English. It’s just business,” he said.
Nathaniel Bassey’s advice to Ghanaian gospel artists during the Jesus Christ Encounter event at the Accra Sports Stadium on December 2, advocating for singing in English to reach a global audience, stirred a debate on the use of language in music. Bassey expressed his hope that Ghanaian gospel artists would host concerts in Nigeria and other countries in the future.
The comments sparked discussions about whether singing in English is essential for international success or if artists should prioritize other languages that resonate with local audiences. Opinions varied, with some arguing that singing in English is not necessary and that artists should stay true to their cultural roots. On the other hand, supporters of Bassey’s advice claimed that using English could enhance the international appeal of Ghanaian gospel songs.