Renowned Ghanaian gospel musician ACP Kofi Sarpong has highlighted the financial challenges many gospel artistes face in the music industry.

Speaking on Prime Morning on Joy Prime on April 22, ACP Kofi Sarpong shared his struggles with the business side of gospel music.

He recounted certain instances where he performed at events without going through the proper channels, driven by his passion for ministry.

However, he pointed out that such arrangements often lead to inadequate compensation, not just for him but also for the instrumentalists who rely on these gigs for their livelihood.

“I even had a problem with my manager over this. Because under normal circumstances, if I'm invited to a programme, it should go through him. And then he tells me we go in here and all that. But before he realises it, I'm somewhere ministering. And after all these ministrations, what I gain out of it is malt and meat pie.

“And then these musicians we work with (the instrumentalists and backup singers) some of them, this is what they do to cater for themselves. So if they follow you, you cannot go take meat pies and tell them that this is what you were given. No, it's not right. So sometimes I had to go into my own account and pay them,” he said.

The musician stressed that while he is willing to invest in his craft, there needs to be a balance between the costs incurred and the earnings from performances.

“I have the passion, but now it's gotten to a situation that is more involving. We spend a lot on projects nowadays so churches should help,” he said.

Sarpong urged churches and event organizers to recognize the value of the artists' contributions and provide fair remuneration.

ID/BB

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