There is nothing wrong with gospel artistes seeking awards - Ola Michael

Entertainment pundit Ola Michael has defended gospel musicians who show interest in award schemes, stating that there is nothing wrong with seeking recognition for their work.

Speaking during UTV’s United Showbiz on March 29, 2026, Ola Michael dismissed claims that gospel artistes should not pursue awards because of the spiritual nature of their craft.

According to him, it is not a crime for individuals doing God’s work to desire acknowledgment for their efforts, especially since award schemes are decided by humans and not divine intervention.

“It’s not a crime that someone who does God’s work wants to be acknowledged. Moreover, it’s humans who vote for the awards to be given to certain people, not God,” he said.

He further explained that people vote for artistes based on their impact or personal admiration, making it reasonable for gospel musicians to also aspire to be recognized.

Women face more challenges in the music industry than men – Ola Michael

“Some people vote due to either the impact the artistes have on them, or they love the artistes. So if it’s humans who are acknowledging the efforts you put in the work, I don’t see the wrong in that,” he stated.

Ola Michael argued that just as individuals expect to be rewarded for their labour, gospel artistes should not be excluded from recognition within their field.

“If I should be working here, I wouldn’t say I shouldn’t be rewarded here or paid and that I will take my reward in heaven, it doesn’t work that way,” he shared.

He emphasised that gospel musicians have every right to compete and fight for their place in award categories, and such actions should not be viewed as worldly or inappropriate.

“If a gospel musician is fighting for his or her stay in an awards category, we shouldn’t think they’re just worldly things because they have the right to,” he added.

FG/EB

Accra Newton Experimental School collapses, dozens remain trapped