World Music Day 2020: Gospel music in Cameroon makes a steady progress

Cameroonian gospel music has steadily progressed over the years , with an increased number of gospel artists , making a name for themselves.

Around the early 2000s, some of the household names in gospel music were Elisabeth Tekeh, Olivier Sheuwa, Mary Mandi, Evan. Ben Awabi and many others.

But today’s stars are budding gospel artists like Sentman, Prosper Germoh, Guy Michel Kingue, Meggy Jones, Augustin Njie, Super Super, Loveline Azah and many others .

Super

Gospel concerts have now become a yearly project with renowned events like the Worship and Healing Concert, The Light Conference, Night of Ambassadors, and Jubilee Praise.

Jubilee praise choir

In spite of this progress, many say the absence of well -equipped music studios, and sponsors remains a setback.

What is gospel music ?

Beyond the number of youths  passionate about gospel music , some men of God say they  need to understand what gospel music is.

Pastor Fokam Tebo is of this  opinion.

Pastor Fokam Tebo

“Gospel music is primarily a service in the body of Christ not really an industry. But it’s being turned into a “gospeltainment”. But I now they are always remnants”.

The question of identity

Cameroonian gospel artists are known for imitating the Nigerian gospel musical style.

But many say Cameroonian gospel will only make a name if artists  focus on developing a unique identity.

Dr. Rokis Petou, PhD
Research officer, at the Ministry of Scientific Research shares this opinion.

Dr. Rokis Petou

“Our gospel should further improve its identity and the uniqueness of its style. It is this detail that we are missing. Our gospel music today is advancing at the speed of modernity, but regressing in its uniqueness. When I listen to a gospel song from Nigeria, for example, I know it’s from Nigeria, the same for Ghana and other countries in Africa. It’s often difficult for me to distinguish ours”.

Pastor Fokam Tebo further argues that the attempt to duplicate  the Nigerian gospel musical style is derailing many gospel artists from the values of spirituality.

“In my opinion, the sector has always   been trying to catch up with Nigeria but the gap is too wide seeing that it Nigerians have caught up with the Americans. So this makes many in the domain to concentrate more on fans and followers, and judging themselves by performance, attendance and popularity , instead of getting their rating from God; the one they are to be serving. Spirituality  is low while carnality and self is projected”.

Kathy Neba Sina

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