Sonnie Badu, the renowned gospel musician, has advised gospel artists not to prioritize the commercialization of gospel music.
Although Sonnie Badu agrees with the commercial aspect of gospel music, recognizing it as a rightful reward for the artist’s craft, he emphasized the importance of balancing it with spiritual elements. In his interview on Star FM on November 13, 2024, the revered worshipper explained that while it’s acceptable to commercialize a spirit-filled ministry, artists must ensure they don’t lose sight of the spiritual core of their work. “It’s good to benefit from your gift and craft,” he said, “but don’t be so focused on commercialization that you forget about the spirituality.” He stressed the need for a harmonious blend of both, advising gospel artists to maintain that delicate balance.
Sonnie Badu, cautioned gospel artists against placing too much emphasis on the commercialization of their music at the expense of its spiritual essence.
He explained that it is perfectly fine to commercialize a spirit-filled ministry, as doing so allows artists to reap the rewards of their talent and work. However, he emphasized the need for a careful balance. “You need that balance there,” he said, advising artists not to become so focused on the financial or commercial aspects that they lose sight of the spiritual foundation of their music.
“Don’t be totally commercialized to forget about the spirituality; you have to blend the two,” he concluded, underscoring the importance of keeping the message of the gospel intact while navigating the business side of the music industry.
According to Sonnie Badu, uploading songs on digital platforms comes with a cost, and gospel artists must be able to reap the financial benefits from their work. He acknowledged that while the commercial aspect is important, it should not overshadow the spiritual purpose of their music.
“It is now recognized that spirit-filled gospel music can be commercialized. Anyone who uploads their music to a digital platform is not doing so without cost” he added.
The gospel musician announced his upcoming “Afro Monty” concert, set to take place at Independence Square on November 29. The event, organized in collaboration with Silicon House, will be free of charge. He urged Ghanaians to come and enjoy a remarkable experience at the concert.