Gospel music, known for its messages of love, unity and faith, has a darker side many hesitate to address.
Kumasi-based Angel FM Drive Time host, Ike De Unpredictable, revealed a troubling reality. Some gospel artists refuse to participate in his events if other artists they don’t get along with are on the lineup.
In an open conversation with gospel artist Piesie Esther, Ike shared his frustrations as an event organizer. “It’s frustrating,” he said. “Some gospel artists will flat out refuse to perform if they know that another artist they have issues with is also on the bill.
This doesn’t happen in secular music. Even if two secular artists have beef, they can still perform together for the sake of the show. But with gospel artists, it’s a different story.”
Ike’s comments shed light on the internal conflicts that plague the gospel music industry.
Gospel artists, meant to embody unity and goodwill, are often caught up in personal rivalries that prevent collaboration and hinder the progress of the industry as a whole. Ike’s revelation struck a nerve, especially with Piesie Esther, a seasoned artist who, while shocked by the extent of Ike’s experiences, wasn’t surprised by the underlying issue.
“I can’t believe they would go that far, but honestly, it doesn’t surprise me,” Piesie Esther responded. “There’s so much jealousy and competition in the industry. People forget that we are here to spread the word of God, not our egos.”