Conversations about Gospel Artistes working with their secular colleagues have sparked outrageous backlashes from many of the Christian faith but Gospel artiste, Joseph Mathew thinks otherwise. He asserts that there is no point having such discussions particularly when the good book, The Holy Bible commissions Christians to show love towards all and sundry. Also he said that Jesus Christ himself sat mostly with sinners during his days because it was them that needed saving.
He maintained the view that Christians should not be ‘unequally yoked’ as defense of critics against gospel and secular music collaborations, was not a demonstration of love.
“I hate to say that religious people, especially people of the Christian faith are the most judgmental. We are always quick to dissaociate ourselves from people who don’t share our beliefs, doctrines and way of life.
But the question is ‘how do you share what you believe in without any relationship with the other party? Most of the time, Gospel artistes are the ones who invite secular acts for features. With such a move, the Gospel musicians are able to preach and share their beliefs and sincerely, I think it is an opportunity to win someone over.
Perhaps, when we look beyond the ‘unequally yoked’ mantra and consider how we can positively impact others with our beliefs, this debate will end”, he expressed.
Joseph Mathew is a Ghanaian-UK based Gospel artiste making steady progress back home.
With songs such as Halleluyah, Nyame Ye, My Story, Not Alone and The Name gaining some popularity in Ghana, Joseph was emboldened to host his maiden concert at the Perez Dome in May last year.
The artiste who is currently promoting his latest song, Blessed identifies himself as an urban artiste but there is more to him.
His style is an infusion of what he says is neotonic Afrobeats, rap and contemporary Highlife.
Joseph Matthew, the proffer of Afro-gospel music in Ghana, also mentioned that there was no point comparing artistes from Ghana to Nigeria because Ghana had proven itself worthy in the affairs of music in the sub region.
“Ghana is like a state in Nigeria. Our population is less than 40 million as compared to Nigeria with over 300 million people. So with this disposition, our present influence and contribution to music in Africa and beyond, we are even doing well,” he said.
Checkout Joseph Matthew’s newest Afro-gospel song he titles “Blessed” from below.
