Prominent Ghanaian gospel musician Philipa Baafi has thrown her weight behind the growing calls for instrumentalists and musicians who serve in churches to be properly remunerated for their dedication and hard work.
Speaking on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM’s midmorning drive with Eddie Ray, Ms. Baafi strongly asserted that while gospel music is a divine calling dedicated to evangelism, the principle of earning a living must apply.
“I acknowledge that music is a calling and meant to edify Christ; however, whoever works in the house of the Lord should be appreciated,” she stressed. Citing the scripture, she added that “the good book states that a man would have to eat from his sweat.”
She pointed out that many critics fail to recognise the significant investment musicians make in their craft, including recording, promotion, and hiring a crew and instrumentalists who must be paid.
She noted that while things were different in the past, today’s landscape requires recognising this investment, stating, “we cannot ask them to do things for free.”
Philipa Baafi revealed that she personally avoids making monetary demands on churches, preferring to ask only that they appreciate her crew.
She lamented, however, that some churches have taken advantage of gospel musicians over the years, leading to the necessity of having managers to handle these issues.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
