The Nigerian Gospel Music Industry:

Does It Exist?
By

SAMUEL Noah Oluwafemi, Lagos Nigeria

The secular music scene in Nigeria has emerged from a non significant point
to a major industry to be reckoned with. One can easily trace the growth in
the secular music sector to the brave attempt by the Kenny and D1 duo,
both of the Primetime entertainment. Through the then AIT JAMZ, these two
were able to break barriers, penetrate the hearts of many music lovers and
gradually enter into the level of signing artistes (they first signed THE
REMEDIES, a group consisting of Eddie, Tony Tetuila and Idris Abdul Kareem).
The trend is what has resulted into what the music industry is today.

You may ask, ‘what has this got to do with the title’? Don’t be in a hurry, I’m
driving somewhere and I can assure you safety onboard. By the way, do you
know if for real, there is anything like a Nigeria Gospel Music Industry? The
question you may ask is: ‘how do we know if we have one’? I would like to
state here that one single record label or a cluster of individuals who have
money to support their albums does not make up an industry. An industry;
for example the banking industry, comprises several operators who engage
in similar business and are motivated by a common desire for growth in their
subsector of the economy.

The Nigerian movie industry is another industry that has emerged through
determination and hard work even though there is still room for
improvement. However, it is worthy of note that the sector does not consist
of only one company. There are several film production outfits in the country
that form this industry; which have been acclaimed to be the third largest
film industry in the world. There are several companies in the English-film
genre, and other local dialects such as Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa are not left
out as a number of film-making companies major on productions in these
dialects.

You know what the result of my finding is, as regards gospel music in
Nigeria? Ok, I will let you know shortly. The first thing I discovered is that
there are fewer record labels and organizations established solely for signing
on gospel artistes, in comparison to secular artistes. Most gospel artistes
have to save up their earnings if they ever want to think of going to the
studio or basically be at the mercy of secular record labels. In developed
countries like the US, it is done in a more refined manner where the record
company signs on the artistes, and then pays all expenses, including
recording, production, publicity and marketing of the album. Does this
happen within the gospel music genre in Nigeria? Only a few gospel artistes
are that fortunate.

From findings, it has been discovered that most gospel artistes struggle to
produce their albums themselves and afterwards, hire marketers to publicize
their work. The following popular gospel artistes and groups in the gospel
music scene in the country are the executive producers of most of their
works: Sammie Okposo, Wale Adenuga, Gbenga Adenuga, Infinity, Eben,
Midnight crew, Rooftop MCs and the likes. Majority of them however share
the same marketer. For example, Midnight Crew, Rooftop MCs, Infinity, Lara
George all have their products marketed by IYKE THE DON.

But, what is the major argument here? It is necessary we acknowledge the

fact that an industry is not formed without a considerable investment by the
people involved. The Nigerian gospel music industry is one sector of the
economy that requires investment in terms of recognizing talents and
grooming them to become the best they can be. Many excellent singers and
song writers are locked up in churches, and never rise beyond the ‘singing in
the choir’ level due to financial constraints. I have no doubt that if adequate
sponsorship is geared towards this genre of music, the country will witness a
new face of gospel music which will then extend to the other parts of the
world.

It will not be good to conclude this write up without making reference to the
successful gospel music industry in places like Australia and the US. No
country in the world can be said to have a more developed gospel industry
as it exists in the US. It is noteworthy that the gospel industry in the US
grows alongside with the ever growing secular music scene. Integrity Media
is one company that spearheaded the revolution after Maranatha went
under. Integrity Media has sponsored albums recorded by popular music
ministers like Ron Kenoly, Don Moen, Alvin Slaughter, Tommy Walker,
Women of faith, Israel Houghton and several other artistes. Apart from
Integrity Media, a number of other record companies exist which cater for
hundreds of gospel music projects in the States.

It will also be helpful if we consider the relationship that exists among US

gospel artistes. They have overtime developed a cordial relationship which to
a considerable level has helped them. For example, there are usually
platforms created where they all come together in unity. A case study of this
is the WOW music festival; a recording of songs considered to be the best
from albums of several artistes, which is an annual event. Considering
programs like this and creating platforms for gospel artistes in Nigeria to
have rapport will also enhance the growth of the sector. This implies that
there is need for bonding among gospel artistes in Nigeria in other to
achieve effectiveness in the sector. It is also necessary for us to have it
registered in our minds that no matter how ‘nice’ the secular songs may be,
the world is still waiting for the manifestation of God’s Children!

If we don’t take this challenge seriously, most talents that could have been
an asset to the Kingdom of God will continue to find solace in the waiting
arms of the secular world. Let us all come together, as many that are
passionate in this regard and do something for God’s Kingdom. Shalom!
SAMUEL Noah Oluwafemi is a graduate of Communication Technology, Lagos State University
Nigeria. His interest spans the print and electronic media industry as well as the film industry. E-mail:
samnoah2001@yahoo.com
Mobile: +2348027484528