Reacting to recent remarks made by Rev. Abraham Lamptey that gospel events ought to be free, seasoned gospel musician Amy Newman offered her viewpoint on the changing dynamics of the gospel music business.
While acknowledging the noble character of carrying out God’s message, Newman also pointed out that the industry has evolved into a business that supports gospel musicians.
Drawing from her many years of experience in the gospel music industry, Newman highlighted the evolving scene in which gospel musicians—who were formerly compensated with small tokens of appreciation or small amounts—now have to deal with the administrative and incidental expenses of putting on concerts.
She disclosed that in her more than forty years in the business, the most sum of money she has ever gotten as a gospel musician was GHC sixteen thousand, given to her by a man of God who respected and loved her work.
Money has become a valuable commodity in today’s world, and organizing a concert requires money for logistics and other minor expenses, all of which must be forfeited at the end. I’ve received bills for a number of gospel events, but I didn’t used to charge because I enjoyed my job for the ministry and people were pleased to pay me for it.
“My highest appreciation was recently GHC 16, 000 from a man of God who blessed me for the many years of my ministry”
Newman’s remarks highlight the way that the gospel music industry has changed, with money issues now playing a major role in keeping gospel musicians’ ministries and creative endeavors alive.
I don't charge for shows – Amy Newman#UnitedShowbiz pic.twitter.com/ro4nB9nIuf
— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) November 26, 2023
