Pay us and stop the ‘God bless you’ statement – Francis Amo to church leaders

Minister Francis Amo is upset about the manner in which most Ghanaian gospel artistes are treated after their performances by some church leaders.

Signed onto Ohemaa Mercy’s Royalty Music Record Label, the gospel artiste in an interview with Joy News indicated how difficult and expensive it is to keep ones brand relevant for event organizers and church leaders to notice them and invite them for programmes but are given unfair reception after their energized performances.

Amoo said most church leaders in recent times have taken to defying simple payment agreement terms with gospel artistes after performing at their churches.

According to him, the popular ‘GOD BLESS YOU‘ compliment by most Men of God to several Ghanaian gospel artistes has always been the verbal payment for their over publicized gigs.

“As a gospel artiste you take a decision that you want to give your gift out but what are people who are interested in your gift doing to support the talent you have. Do you want me to go home and cry over what I will eat and wear. So why are you not remunerating us after performing for you.

“Everything is about money so give us what is due us and stop using God bless us as payment for performance. God bless you doesn’t buy fuel or put fuel in my car. It’s true God has already blessed me because the evidence of His blessings is the reason why you invited me to come over to your church to perform so just fulfill your side of the obligation as a form of support to my ministry.” Francis Amoo laments.

Gospel artistes, Erico of Tv3’s Mentor fame and Hannah Marfo have complained bitterly about this same treatment given to them making life unbearable for them as known gospel stars whose songs have positively change lives of their followers.

They have mostly attributed this unfair reception by church leaders and event organizers to the gradual loss of interest in gospel music by the general public.

It is obvious most church leaders see gospel music as service to God so are reluctant to remunerate gospel artistes who perform in their churches at their events.

Celebrated Ghanaian gospel musician, Hannah Marfo, has disclosed that music made her famous but has left her impoverished.

Hannah Marfo in a recent interview revealed that the gospel industry has not helped her in any way as music did not give her enough financial returns.

Crowned winner of Tv3’s Mentor 3 music reality show, Erico in an interview with Kojo Preko Dankwa said he’s disappointed in the industry he plies his trade.

He recounted how he has been treated unfairly by notable church leaders and event organizers who have refused to pay him for services he rendered to them.

He noted that most of his colleague gospel artistes suffer same fate in the hands of several men of God because their talents are not valued by them.