OPINION: Do people see God through you music–Open Letter to Gospel artists

Gospel artists in Kenya have been on the receiving end of serious backlash from critics who claim that most of them are actually singing for money, fame and women contrary to what they are supposed to be doing, which is spreading the good news and winning souls to Christ through their music.

While on the internet I stumbled on this open letter written by a famous Kenyan poet ‘Number 8’ which is a message to all the gospel artists out there and i have to say it hit the nail on the head and couldn't have been put any better and i hope you will agree.

“All I want, and all I need, is found in Jesus. Nothing else can satisfy my heart’s desire. If an artist writes
music according to what the fans want, who’s dancing to whose music? Who is god here? God? I doubt,
Stick to the call.

Why do some hit songs get boring, outdated, unappealing and even non-edifying? Where do they differ
from hymns? Are we (Gospel Artists) so industry-driven that we display it more than the risen Christ?
How much Life is in our music?

Are we, Christians, quicker to condemn gospel artists we feel are off track or praying for them, and
seeking ways to reach out? Am I relying on my style/flow/genre/skill to change lives? Do they save or
just influence how people receive the content?

Strip-off the skill, dumb-out the beat and kill the melodies, what’s left? A song’s memory or a life
saving message? Are you after an excellent piece of art more than an artistic piece of heart? Would you
rather be artless or heartless?

‘Hip hop is dead’, some say. Well, even if this is true, it didn’t die for you. Christ did. Jesus over hip hop;
heart over art. Music that leaves the fans wowed VS music that leaves hearts bowed (to God). Which is
yours, artist?

Artist: a lens. Look through one and get a better view of what/who they magnify. Do people see God
through you and your music?"