Gospel music in
Nigeria is currently witnessing a steady rise in popularity and general
acceptance and has also recorded successful accomplishments that were an
‘impossible task’ in past years. A typical example of this is shown in
collaborations between our very own gospel artistes in Nigeria and those in the
foreign scenes.
Sadly,
Gospel Hip Hop (gospel rap to be
precise), have not been so easily accepted due to so many reasons best
known to gospel music lovers. The gospel rap music in Nigeria has
suffered instability, uncertainty and low general acceptance. A quick survey I
conducted among few minister-friends of mine as to why ‘Rap Gospel Music’ is not as accepted as the popular slow-tempo’ed
style of gospel music (that is, if
there is any word like that) shows that we need to stop listening to the high
pitched beats and quickness of the lyrics, and start listening to its message
in the words.
Below
are some of the answers I got, and I think you’ve equally heard some of these
reasons too as to why Gospel Rap is
not spirit
moving.
·
The beat
does not allow us to concentrate on the signs of the Holy Spirit.
·
When
youths start doing their rap, they start dressing indecently.
·
Rap music
is a genre from the pit of hell.
·
Rappers
are very rude, so we don’t allow gospel
rap among our youths.
·
We cannot
hear and understand what they are saying when they rap.
·
It
doesn’t move the Spirit in us.
·
It does
not glorify God.
·
It is a
worldly style of music, so it shouldn’t be used to make gospel music.
In
reality, if Gospel Rap is done
rightly and correctly, it will blow your mind when you settle to listen to its
lyrics word-for-word. Gospel Hip Hop
is a genre that is meant to inspire, motivate, enlighten, bless us and shuns us
away from every violence, drug, cultism, crime, etc.
This
is a call for churches, gospel event planners, pastors, ministers, leaders,
NGO’s and parents to support the Gospel
Hip Hop artistes, as they are also in the battle against the kingdom of
hell with their own crafts and talents. We as Christians can create something
beautiful if we give these hardworking talents the listening ear they so much
crave for. It could also be an avenue to prevent them from falling out of the Heavenly race due to frustrations,
embarrassments and low self-esteem, as well as grooming the younger ones who
believes they are blessed with the ability to make impactful Gospel Hip Hop music.
Just
recently, popular Gospel singer Tasha
Cobbs Leonard featured Nicki Minaj in her latest album in a song titled “I’m getting ready”, and the song came out
pretty well and inspiring. The first time I heard that song, I had goose-bumps
as I was surprised to hear Nicki Minaj giving glory to God. I got inspired to do something of
that nature too, but that is a plan you all are going to wait to see/hear.
The
Church is our home, and it’s the only place most of us can actualize our
dreams. Let me take the liberty to list out a few Nigerian Gospel Hip-Hop musicians.
- RYMSTA RAY
- GAMIE
- GIL JOE
- LIMO BLAZE
- DaBOOMSHA
- GR8MAN TAKITI
- NOLLY
- PROVABS
- YUNG KURT
- 4RUNNER