 The gospel music industry in Kenya has diversity but no unity. Deejays have formed alliances that are perceived to promote specific artists. Concerts done in churches without promotion from a certain radio station will only attract members of that assembly. Largely, broadcasting of Gospel music is at the discretion of disbelievers. Scatter brain, discordant, emotional and unskilled “worship leaders” privileged by youth pastors easily dominate youth worship services in Nairobi churches.
Boy groups are a recipe for mediocrity in Kenyan popular music. When several emcees (rappers) lace their lyrics on a four minute track they often enclose diverse themes. The song becomes long in form but short in substance! Collaborations should be limited to three emcees at most so that each emcee has at least a minute of delivery. Unless emcees are doing a cypha (a song with many artists; often without a chorus) they should perform at least a one minute verse solo.
Music may come across as cultural, recreational or artistic. Music may be classified as “aesthetic art” that should be appreciated. The soundtrack is the canvas, lyrics are the paint and the vocalist is the artist. Some musicians have a carefully thought out style, flair, precision and skill without regard for what is in fashion. For this reason, an artist should perform live so as to know what people like and don't like.
The artist is an artistic “hand” reaching out to the listeners; the producer is the “eyes” able to guide the “hand” to reach the fans. Producers should help artists to develop their own identity. They should provide artists with voice training to determine vocal ability and technical superiority, necessary for a commercially viable album. A superior producer provides an artist with market acceptability, market dominance and overall longevity.
Belief, passion and vision will get you to your destiny regardless of the genre you are specializing in. Vision has to be clear to attract momentum from recording label executives. Passion plus ideas and talent should outweigh excuses for lack of money to make an album. In practice, success in the music industry is a combination of strategy (making good decisions) and circumstances.
Success in Christian music ministry and industry is an emotive issue few “angels” would love to tread on. Some have arisen to expose, promote and rate gospel musicians in a bid to reward them. It is the readers’ freedom to study the principles underlying the actions and behavior of these social entrepreneurs.
A music artist should have a specific genre and strong lyrical content. However, music industry success needs a combination of technical and entrepreneurial skills coupled with finances. Feedback should be received through: 1) Listening 2) Non- defense 3) Being open 4) Summarizing pros and cons 5) Counter checking decisions.
Experience, exposure, democracy, clearness, openness, inclusion, accountability and expertise should govern a music award organizer. These will ensure that the public perceives an award ceremony as fair. First- rate creative and performing artists in various Kenyan churches should be validated and motivated by music awards.
Opposition to activities that promote gospel music would be seen by the New Testament authors as divisiveness and a failure to demonstrate the unity of the body of Christ. Hence, with prayer and mature judgment discontented music artists should privately shun events whose organizer has firmly entrenched self- perpetuating unethical behavior that is resistant to correction from believers.
About The Author John Kigada is a freelance writer and columnist. He is a youth minister and graduate of the East Africa School of Theology. » Post Comment
» 1 Comment
1"too true"
at Friday, 31 July 2009 10:42
the focus shd be on spreading gospel and making Christ look good not catching up with secular artists.
go John.
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