Award-winning Ghanaian gospel artist Christiana Adwoa Twene, better known by her stage name Obaapa Christy, has explained in detail why she is unable to play at events for free. She emphasizes that it is quite expensive to prepare for performances.
The ‘W’agye’ crooner claims that because of the costs associated with planning for events and concerts, she is compelled to charge for her appearances.
On Saturday, April 22, 2023, the gospel singer made this claim during a discussion on the United Showbiz Show. The cost of makeup and costumes alone, according to Obaapa Christy, may be high, and both show producers and those outside the industry sometimes underestimate these costs.
In the singer’s words, “From Day 1, when I began singing and granting interviews, I was asked if I charge before performing at shows…’And I said Yes, I charge, they ask, as a Christian why do you charge?’ Makeup is expensive, a costume to look and appear good is also expensive because I can’t wear it anywhere after today and I also have to eat. This is our work and even the bible says he who works for the lord eats from their gains.”
She further said to the host, ‘’Sister, when you are done, you will receive your monthly remuneration right? So as a Christian, if a pastor calls me to perform, I charge because God bless you is not enough.
The minister of God to a greater alleged that other musicians in the past had taken that line of action of not charging after performing and are currently afraid to charge for their services. She explained by saying, “Initially, people used to say that they’ll perform for free but now when they want to charge, they’ll be referred to the comments they made on this subject. I think we should be honest with ourselves especially if doesn’t offend God.”
