Buzz
Enough of the thank you – Celestine Donkor tells churches
Gospel musician Celestine Donkor has voiced her dislike for the practice where churches and other organisations say only ‘thank you’ and fail to pay Gospel musicians for performing at their events.
According to her, that practice has to stop because music is capital-intensive and Gospel artistes are not exempted from spending big on their works.
“The sad part is that the secular artistes are not treated the same, so why does it happen to Gospel musicians? I have been on several shows with secular musicians who were paid so well but I got nothing. This thing has to stop,” she told Graphic Showbiz recently.
Celestine said it was about time corporate bodies and churches saw their work as a business and not just singing for God.
“A lot of people have the perception that once you do Gospel, it is God’s work and you shouldn’t take money for a performance. How do we record or shoot music videos if we don’t make money from our hard work?
“Gospel musicians should come together and with one voice fight this problem which is gradually killing the gospel industry,” she said.
Moving on to other matters, Celestine, who is still promoting her latest singles Agbebolo (Bread Of Life) and Bigger, said combining music, marriage and motherhood had been tough.
“I have three children and doing music and being a wife is not easy. I have to manage my time to be able to combine these three and I thank God I have a supportive husband who understands me and the work I do,” she said.
According to her, it is also good to be managed by your husband, else there will be trouble all the time.
“I think what is keeping my husband and I together is that he is my manager and understands the work I do. He knows all my movements so he is not worried if I stay out very late,” she explained.
Known for other songs such as Okronkron Hene, Turning Around and Adekye Mu Nsem, Celestine said her annual Celestial Praise concert, which comes off at the end of September, will feature most of the A-list Gospel musicians and will be a powerful event.
When Graphic Showbiz spoke to an Elder of the Taifa English Assembly of the Church of Pentecost, Raphael Asante, about Celestine’s concerns, he said he did not think Gospel musicians should charge for their performances at churches.
“I don’t believe in Gospel musicians charging churches for performing. The church cannot say thank you without giving fuel money, but to say a Gospel musician is taking GH¢15,000 for an appearance is a no-no.
“Can you imagine Bishop Agyin Asare demanding huge sums of money before preaching at a different church? It’s not done. We are all doing the work of God and I don’t think it is right for Gospel musicians to charge.
“Rather, if organisers of events bill gospel artistes for a performance where patrons have to pay for attendance, then they can demand to be paid,” he said.
Buzz
Davido Inks Partnership with UnitedMasters For His Nine+ Records Venture
Making yet another major power move, three-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated Nigerian global superstar and Afrobeats pioneer Davido has inked a deal with UnitedMasters for his recently launched label Nine+ Records.
In this groundbreaking collaboration, Davido will spearhead artist development, A&R, and behind-the-scenes curation, nurturing a pioneering lineup of artists across the continent under Nine+ Records. United by a shared vision, the teams will work together to introduce and foster talent, amplifying Davido’s influence and extending his reach even further. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in shaping the future of African and world music.
Together, the teams will collaborate closely in order to not only introduce, but cultivate career talent. It only expands Davido’s influence and reach.
Read Also: Davido gifts fan $50k to payoff student loans
Of today’s announcement Davido said, “I couldn’t be more proud to partner with Steve and the team at United Masters, this announcement represents an exciting new chapter for developing and established artists around the world.”
Steve Stoute, Founder and CEO of UnitedMasters states, “Over the last 2 years, we’ve proven our commitment to Africa investing in artists, education, and technology. Today, we are doubling down. With this new venture with Davido & the launch of Nine Plus Records, we reinforce our mission in becoming a bridge for artists on the continent. Together we’ll identify & develop new artists while supporting them with brand and synch opportunities.”
Nine+ Records will be announcing more artists and partners in the future.
Last night, Davido just sold out one of the most iconic venues in the world, headlining Madison Square Garden in New York City. He ignited the stage with what will be remembered as a historic set, bringing Afrobeats to the Big Apple in the biggest way possible. In advance of the show, he extensively spoke to Billboard who praised how “Performing in New York has also become a special ritual” for him.
This news also arrives on the heels of various major company announcements for UnitedMasters. The company locked down a high-profile alliance with SymphonyOS and Groover. Plus, it hosted its annual “A Celebration of Independence” GRAMMY® Concert at the Palladium in Hollywood, CA. The show boasted an all-star lineup, including headliner Davido, Uncle Waffles, Tokischa, Donavan’s Yard, and NLE Choppa. Of the latter, The Source wrote, “This marked the first time UnitedMasters featured international acts, solidifying its impact and representation within the global independent artist movement.”
Stay tuned for a whole lot more soon
Buzz
Court Orders Service Of Notice For DNA Test To Mohbad’s Wife
The Chief Magistrate Court in Ikorodu has granted approval to serve a notice for a DNA test to the wife of late singer Ileriouluwa Oladimeji Aloba, known as Mohbad, at her last known address. (more…)
Buzz
Ghana’s New Train from Poland Crashes During Test Run
Reports reaching Ameyaw Debrah Media indicate that the recently imported train from Poland, designated for the Tema-Mpakadan railway route, has encountered an accident. (more…)
Buzz
I got into music because my crush always associated with musicians – Tiwa Savage
Nigerian songstress turned filmmaker, Tiwatope Savage has disclosed that she became a musician because she had a crush on a “guy” who was always around musicians.
Buzz
Mr. Drew Addresses Allegations in JAMROCK EVENT CENTRE’s Lawsuit
Renowned Ghanaian singer and dancer, Andrew Nii Commey Otoo, known by the stage name Mr. Drew has vehemently denied accusations of failing to perform at the Easter Dance Party organized by JamRock Event Centre. (more…)
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