NAIROBI - The Buzz Magazine of the Sunday Nation Newspaper published a critic of the current state of the urban gospel industry in its publication on Sunday May 16th 2010. The lengthy article highlighted the rift most gospel artists have with 'the outside world', and the church. Worth noting is that after the hugely popular Groove Awards where the organizers spent Kshs 22 Million (with some coming from sponsorship), attacks on gospel artists from the mainstream have elevated to an uncomfortable level. With the immense popularity of Gospel music in the country, Gospel artists have taken over tufts traditionally held by other mainstream artists from corporate endorsements and functions to clubs. Some conservative churches are also not ready to endorse gospel artists into these new territories even as others back the artists. It will be interesting to see how this plays out now that gospel artists have been placed under greater scrutiny. Below is the article from Buzz Magazine.

By George Madiangi
Several years ago, top gospel artiste then DNG (now backslidden) was in the news for all the wrong reasons. His photos were splashed in the press, showing him drunk, wasted and with women.

The gospel world woke up to shock as one of their highly regarded artistes had been ‘Kanyaguad’ by the devil. DNG had no choice but to own up to sin and fully bounce back to the world of ‘darkness’. He opted out of salvation and till today lives a worldly life.

That was just one case. Then came Neema Ntalel, who also left many of her adoring fans in shock after she fell pregnant despite being a born again Christian.

This trend could soon follow some of the well known names in the faith-based music industry.

Already there are unconfirmed reports doing rounds about a popular gospel artiste having an intimate affair with a mystery woman. According to the sources that sought anonymity, the singer spends his nights with the woman.

“He’s having an affair with this particular lady. And we know he claims his saved,” added the source. The source further said that the singer, who also won several awards in the CHAT Awards and Groove Awards, also frequents night clubs to party.

There’s a revolution, or a rebellion, in the gospel world, depending on how one looks at it.

Things are not rosy, as many musicians owned up to fighting battles that they never revealed. “It’s a tough world. If only people knew what battles we’re fight, they wouldn’t query a thing,” said musician Juliani. Battles or no battles, they’re supposed to be overcomers.

Gospel musicians clubbing and performing in night clubs has raised many eyebrows on their faith and commitment to God.

The trend has now taken centre stage as artistes who once performed at exclusively organised gospel concerts (read crusades, conventions and church) are a big threat to mainstream secular acts as they invade night clubs and many secular gatherings to entertain.

Gospel acts like Ringtone, Ekko Dydda, Bantu, Juliani and M.O.G are some of the musicians who would not turn down a club gig, and feel nothing about it.

They all claim they are reaching out to unbelievers. M.O.G, Ekko Dydda and Juliani were among opening acts at the Easter Beach Party at Mombasa Beach Hotel last month while Ringtone has been to several clubs entertaining.

Tony of M.O.G agrees that night clubs and other hang out joints are platforms for the ministry that should be explored.

“There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s the best platform for the ministry. Only artistes can go these places by reason of their music enjoying airplay, but not pastors,” he notes.

Bantu concurs with M.O.G and adds that time has come when the gospel should not be restricted.