The long standing debate has to do with the acceptability or whatsoever regarding gospel artistes charging fees before performing at events. While some are of the view that gospel artistes are not supposed to charge fees before performing, others think otherwise.
Amidst the varied views expressed by the public, of Zylofon Music fame has stated categorically that she should be counted out when making the list of gospel musicians who perform for free.
Speaking on Shalom Fm’s ‘Lunch Hour’ show with host Ike De Farmer, Joyce Blessing said, gospel music is a business and should be treated as such. And there is no way her management will allow her to perform for free.
“Yes, it is ministry but you exchange money; so it’s business. You pay for the video to be shown on television and for your songs to be played on radio as well. If you argue that it is ministry so we should not charge, at the end of the day, how can we continue with the work?”, Joyce questioned.
She added that even if she will desire to perform for free, her management, Zylofon Media/Music, won’t allow because they’ve invested in her.
“We need money to push God’s work. You must charge for performing because everything about music is money. Even Churches take offerings. Aside everything I’m under Zylofon Media. NAM1 has invested into my music career so how do you expect him to make returns? There is no way I can perform for free because my management won’t allow me”, Joyce blessing said.
More importantly, Joyce Blessing advised her colleague gospel musicians to take their charges seriously because their chosen profession is business oriented not charity.