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Sunday, 24 April 2016

MUSIC REVIEW:Right or wrong, the jury is still out on gospel crossovers, writes Manuel Ntoyai


It all started when Bahati dropped the hit Kuchu Kuchu featuring King Kaka and Wyre. 
While some applauded the move, others were I appaled. As this vybe simmered, 
another gospel star made a move, yet again and reached out to secular artistes and
forged another collabo.

This is none other than controversial gospel singer Willy Paul. He has released his
collabo with Sauti Sol getting many tongues wagging.

While this phenomenal factor is still a grey matter (in some areas), people have mixed
emotions for concocting both genres together on the same line. Critics have it that since
gospel artistes have seen the light, they should not mix with their secular counterparts.
Some have gone to the extent of quoting the Bible, saying matters of the light do not
mix with darkness.

Others have made it clear that the gospel ministry is primarily for the unsaved and that there is
more good than harm when gospel artistes work with secular artistes.They perceive it as a way 
to reach the ‘people of the world’.

While we may be able to infer conclusions from a person’s dress, language, attitudes, and actions,
it can be difficult to judge when it comes to matters spirituality.

Five times Groove Awards winner Eva Mwalili of Milele FM’s has this to say on the matter.

“God is precious and as a person, you can’t serve two masters. As an individual there is personal 
conviction when it comes to the gospel. If as a person you feel there is nothing wrong with you
working with secular artistes, then go ahead and do it. 
But if you feel that it is wrong for you to do so,then you should not.
Personally, I don’t support it.” she says.

Gospel artiste Mr T says gospel musicians should strive to maintain a positive image so that
they don’t confuse those with ‘weak’ faith.

“Those who have weak faith may not understand why you are doing the collaboration,
 therefore Christian musicians shouldn’t engage in cross-genre collabos,” he said.

But does being a gospel artiste carry more weight on the shoulders or the yoke is heavy
as men of cloth would put it? Sometime back, rapper Juliani made an astonishing statement
when he allegedly said that he is not a gospel artiste, but a conscious one.

Popular US hip-hoper Lecrae has stated in several interviews that he does not want to be
considered a“Christian rapper.” “I am a Christian. I am a rapper. But Christian is my faith,
not my genre.”

Biblia Husema radio host Captain Tjemo, thinks that the new groove by gospel artistes,
should be looked at from both ways.

“Some of these songs carry positive messages to the youth. For example,
Take It Slow by Willy Paul is a good song for the youth because of the reality in life. 
However, I wouldn’t encourage gospel artistes who are ministers to take on this trend
because it is slippery,” he added.

Controversial gospel star Willy Paul, also added his voice to the unending debate.

“...I was supposed to release Take It Slow song ft Sauti Sol last week Wednesday. 
But that never happened. I was threatened that if I release the song, 
then my name would be badly damaged. Then the word of God encouraged me that
the good work that the Lord started in me, He will remain faithful to finish it.

Because many are afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. 
I have made up my mind and I’m not turning back.

I’m releasing the video tomorrow... Whoever wants to put dirt on me can carry on... 
The God I serve never sleeps. I will forever remain faithful to my heavenly Father.
Many might be against me because the Lord chose me. You can’t kill what you never built....
” he wrote on his Facebook page.

When Bahati released his song Kuchi Kuchu, he also shared his thoughts on social media.

“I know many will ask questions why secular guys but let’s all remember Christ came for the sick!
 And no one is Holy but Him! And that’s why I believe this is Wyre and King Kaka’s time to tell
 God their hearts.”

While the discussion goes back and forth (depending on which side of the fence are sitting on),
the reality is the walls are coming down between the two fronts.

Review:
Published on Apr 21, 2016
Willy Paul feat Sauti Sol Take It Slow Official YWC Video
Audio: Teddy B (Signature Scope) / Savara (Sauti Sol)
Video: Young Wallace
You-tube link: https://youtu.be/6a-QYBqbxNs

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