Popular gospel music producer Kwesi Ernest has called for an end to the payment disparity between gospel and secular artistes in the Ghanaian music industry.

In an interview with GhanaWeb’s Isaac Dadzie, Ernest pointed out that while secular artistes like Sarkodie can command performance fees of up to GH¢100,000, gospel artistes often receive far less, sometimes as low as GH¢20,000.

Ernest described this disparity as "rascality" and emphasised that it must come to an end.

“We want to fight against that. That kind of rascality must stop. It’s all about bargaining power, belief, and the confidence to put our feet down and demand what we deserve. Gospel artistes need to be empowered to demand what they want, and that’s exactly what we are doing now,” he said.

Kwesi Ernest also touched on the growing recognition of gospel music in Ghana, acknowledging the efforts of industry stakeholders who have worked to elevate the genre.

“We rose up together and decided to give gospel music the kind of push it requires. You can see that things are changing, from platforms like this one to the Ghana Music Awards. Everywhere you look, gospel music is now properly represented,” he added.

Kwesi Ernest made his comments at the 2024 Praise Achievement Awards, held on November 24, 2024, at the Perez Dome in Accra.

The third edition of the awards saw Nacee as the biggest winner of the night, taking home five awards, including Most Engaged Song of the Year, Song of the Year, Male Artiste of the Year, and Artiste of the Year.

Other notable winners included Joe Mettle, who was named Worship Artiste of the Year, and Piesie Esther, who took home Female Artiste of the Year.

Scott Evans won Urban Gospel Artiste of the Year, while Queendalyn Yurglee was named New Artiste of the Year. Piesie Esther also claimed the Best Music Video of the Year award for her song "Mo."

In the vocal categories, Lordina the Soprano and Siisi Baidoo were honored as Female Vocalist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year, respectively.

The event celebrated the exceptional talent and contributions of gospel artistes and industry figures who continue to shape the future of gospel music in Ghana.

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