The gospel music duo Tongues of Fire has stated unequivocally that gospel musicians must be compensated for their performances at events.
Mrs. Comfort Boaheng and Mrs. Harriet Owusu-Banahene, a musical duo, have revealed that one of their regrets is not receiving compensation for their performances.
During an interview on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM’s mid-morning show, they revealed that because they did not accept compensation at the beginning of their careers, some people took them for granted.
According to them, talent alone is not enough because it takes a lot of resources to develop, refine, and build the brand.
They told host Sokoohemaa Kukua that some people used meat pie and drinks as payment for their performances, but they will no longer entertain such acts.
Tongues of Fire disclosed that, at a point, they described gospel musicians who charged for their events as a bad idea, but they discovered over the years that it was a terrible mistake for them to have allowed people to take them for granted.
The two argued that gospel musicians must be respected and properly compensated so they can have enough to invest in their music.
” Previously, we took things for granted. Initially, we did not charge for our services. We saw it as an opportunity to spread the gospel through our music, but some people took us for granted. We perform at events, and when we are not paid, we don’t have any problem with that because we felt it was an opportunity to spread the gospel. As a result, they only invited us to events where we had to make a sacrifice without receiving any compensation. But they failed to invite us to the venues where the performers were paid.
This time around, we will no longer entertain that. This is not about pride, but it is the right thing to do. We are not arrogant, but gospel music requires resources and sound investments. We had in the past criticised those who charged, but today we have realised it was a terrible thing we did. The talent is great, and the anointing is also present, but you will require money to transform yourself and improve your craft.
The cost of recording a single track in a studio has risen to over GHC 10,000, so if you are invited to a program and do not charge, how will you invest and pay for your recordings? You will need to dress appropriately, and all of this will cost money, so it is essential to charge for your performances.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
