Greed, Bane Of Nigeria’s Music Industry – Chikwem

A Nigerian-born UK based Gospel Artist, Columbus Ikeh Chikwem believes Nigeria would be a better place if Gospel Artists whose works are supposed to communicate good morals and God’s messages of peaceful co-existence and love for one another lives up to their callings.

The Imo state born Gospel Artist identified greed as a major factor militating against the growth of the industry after the successes of the pioneers adding that a situation where an artist drops a gospel album and in no time switches to secular music shows that there was no message and call to that effect but a simple urge to sing according to the market and make money.

Despite what he described as a deviation from the ideals where major gospel acts around the world have transformed into notable preachers of the gospel and fishers of men for God, Ikeh was however optimistic on the prospect and abundance of talents in Nigeria.

“Gospel music in my understanding is the message of our Lord Jesus Christ; call it good news, which is musically expressed through praise, worship, hymns, spiritual songs etc. I don’t want to be limited; it is like gospel must follow a pattern or style for which it is known. I think the most important factor is the message. The moment you have good message, then allow the song to find the best way or style it expresses itself. If you listen to my current work you will discover it is mixed genre reggae, hip up, afro beat and high life.

“Gospel in Nigeria has come a long way.  The genre has maintained its path and track record, despite challenges. Nigerians are predominantly God fearing people and so gospel music is readily appreciated. Gospel music is a very powerful tool for the much desired change in Nigeria. We know the country is bedeviled with corruption but with the right attitude gospel musicians can rise up and speak against it and perhaps point the society to the right direction,” he reckoned.