People say gospel music has become commercial – Bola Are

Veteran gospel singer, Dr Bola Are has bared her mind on the state of the Nigerian gospel music industry.

The anointed singer said a lot of things have changed about gospel music in Nigeria. She noted that some people just sing funny songs, adding that you cannot even recognize some gospel singers when you meet them outside.

Speaking in a chat with Punch, she said:”A lot of things have changed about gospel music of my time, compared to the present day. Some people just sing funny songs these days but some are actually singing well. It was not like this when we started in the 70s. These days, one wouldn’t even recognize some gospel singers when one meets them outside.

“When we started, a lot of us were not after the money. Sometimes, when we went to perform, we were given just food and drinks; no money. But these days, some are after money. However, some of these artistes really don’t have other means of livelihood except music. Music has changed. Sometimes, people even say that gospel singers are commercial but we have to pay the people going around with us and settle other logistics. These days, one has to take professional singers to the studio or the stage.”.