Chidinma And Gospel Music
I was glad when I read about and later watched Chidinma Ekile’s Gospel musical video titled Jehovah Overdo. My gladness comes from my understanding that dedicating your life and career to the Gospel of Jesus Christ is always a win-win. But the more I thought about her conversion the more I am moved to share my thoughts. By Saturday morning when I usually make up my mind on what to publish it was already a burden I could not continue to carry. My thoughts are centered around the fact that many Gospel artists or even clergymen do not fully comprehend the magnitude, responsibility, and job description of their calling. Some men of God see themselves as motivational speakers whose toolbox starts and ends with the spoken word without any obligation for holiness. Many Gospel musicians are often found wanting in this regard.
Gospel and secular music are different genres. You could have all the skills and talents to succeed as a secular artiste and yet fail woefully as a Gospel artiste. The requirements for success as a Gospel artiste are far more stringent than that for secular music. For starters, you must have paid your dues in a local church where you can only become a soloist by virtue of your good voice and work ethics. Sinach who is the most successful female musician in Nigeria is a showcase of what it takes to become a successful artist. Others like Mercy Chinwo and Nathaniel Bassey are great examples of the stuff true Gospel artists are made of. These individuals are not just musicians but ministers whose personal conduct is scandal-free. But most importantly these ministers have a real personal relationship with God. And when they write and perform their praise or worship songs, it is obvious they are not entertainers.
The story of Cece Winans as a Gospel artiste with reference to other American secular musicians is a testament to the benefits of being a Gospel musician. So, I congratulate Chidinma for her life-changing decision of becoming a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She must never look back no matter how flavored the offers become. Everything we are looking for in life can be found in Christ. Being a Christian gives you the greatest advantage in life. Some people see becoming a Christian as a burden whereby you cannot enjoy yourself. If you are one of these individuals, my question is, what is your definition of enjoyment? Is it partying, lying, stealing, or infidelity? The so-called burdens of being a child of God are the same things if practiced makes life miserable. It is in this context I enjoin Chidinma to take her new calling and career beyond the ordinary for her to be extraordinary. And this extraordinariness comes from having a great relationship with the Almighty God JEHOVAH.
Ata Ukuta
Editor – www.towncryyers.com