DerrickManny Everywhere, the manager for Urban Gospel musician Raf Able, has claimed that traditional gospel music will lose its relevance and prominence in the coming years.
The radio and TV content producer, entertainment critic, and blogger stated categorically that Urban Gospel is poised to take over the space currently occupied by traditional gospel. He made these assertions during an appearance on the mid-morning show on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM with host Eddie Ray.
“I want to throw this into the space. I want the gospel fraternity to understand that in the next five years, traditional gospel music will lose its content,” he declared.
When asked to elaborate, he posited, “Per my analysis and research, I am certain that traditional gospel music will lose its content or it will fade away.”
DerrickManny Everywhere asserted that the foundation of every church is built upon its youth, who have increasingly embraced contemporary and urban gospel music. This preference is being passed down through generations. He further suggested that today’s youth have become discerning regarding church structure, distinguishing between dogma—the principles used by institutional heads to govern the church—and doctrine—the biblically-based instructions and rules for members.
He concluded that young people have realised that contemporary and urban gospel offers a strong connection with God.
The manager opined that many young people have been withdrawing from certain churches due to strict or rigid rules that prohibit contemporary worship styles. Consequently, they are seeking new places where such expressions are accepted.
“Due to this, the youth are going to buy into contemporary and urban gospel, and so I entreat Ghanaians to patronize and appreciate contemporary and urban gospel because it is going to change the narrative,” he urged.
The creative director cited Christ Embassy as a notable example, highlighting how the church successfully introduced contemporary and urban gospel by setting up a record label. This initiative propelled talents such as Ada, Sinach, Eben, and other top musicians into the mainstream, all of whom, he noted, draw people closer to Christ through their music.
DerrickManny Everywhere concluded with a recommendation: “I want to advise traditional musicians to fuse urban gospel into their craft so that they are not left out.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana