Popular Nigerian singer Ric Hassani has shared insights on why gospel musicians often transition to secular music, stating that the shift is more about personal fulfillment than financial gain.
In a recent interview with Hip TV, Hassani explained that many artists who begin their careers in gospel music later switch to secular music because they discover they don't possess the specific gift of ministration required for gospel music.
"Gospel is beyond singing. You have to be blessed to be able to interpret God's words through music," Hassani stated. "For example, there is no way a Katty Perry would communicate God's words through music the way CeCe Winans does. I feel like CeCe is blessed with being able to communicate the Holy Spirit through music. Whitney Houston is blessed in a different way."
Personal Journey and Calling
Hassani revealed that his own musical journey began in church, but he eventually switched paths after realizing secular music was more aligned with his calling.
"I don't feel this idea of everybody must be in church. Some of us were made for the world," he explained. "I also have Christian songs. I'm a very strong Christian. In all my albums, there is at least one gospel song. But that's not really my calling. I'm meant to impact the world in a different way, with a different kind of music."
The singer emphasized that attempting to pursue gospel music when it's not one's true calling could lead to unfulfilling results: "I'm not going to do it the way Frank Edwards or Mercy Chinwo is going to do it. If I enter church music now, I fit no bang. It's not my thing."
Beyond Financial Motivation
Contrary to popular belief, Hassani insisted that financial gain is rarely the primary motivation for artists making the transition from gospel to secular music.
"People leaving gospel music for secular music is not about money. Creatives or people who are blessed with these gifts like money, everybody likes money. But the real fulfillment is being able to do it and exist doing it," he said.
To illustrate his point, Hassani referenced some of Nigeria's biggest music stars: "Even the Wizkids, the Burnas that have all the money in the world... If it was really about money, then Davido has no business doing anything because he has all the money he would ever need."
He concluded by highlighting the unique satisfaction that comes from creative expression: "The kind of satisfaction that comes from being able to think of an idea of thing and put it on the record and create music is beyond money. It's bigger than any satisfaction money can give you."
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