Popular Nigerian US-based writer and social media influencer, Solomon Buchi has criticised the organisers of the BET Awards for giving this year’s gospel/inspirational award to Nigerian singer, Tems, News About Nigeria reports.
According to him, it is disrespectful to give a gospel award to someone who does not sing gospel songs.
Speaking in a post on Instagram, Buchi noted that mentioning God in a song does not mean it is a gospel song as gospel music is meant to be believer-edifying, Jesus-glorifying and God-praising.
His post reads, “It’s worrying that Tems won the BET Gospel/Inspirational Category of the year. She edged out Maverick City Music, Cece Winas, Kirk Franklin and others. Gospel music is not inspirational music. Gospel music is believer edifying, Jesus glorifying and God praising. Mentioning God in a song doesn’t make it gospel. The metrics for gospel music should be stringent. Categorizing gospel music and inspirational music together wasn’t a mishap; it’s an intentional attempt to undermine the power of the gospel.
“Any skilled musician can write inspirational, but that isn’t the gospel. Stop liberalizing the gospel. This explains why I’m skeptical about award shows for gospel ministers. The system is flawed and spiritual impact cannot be measured by human systems. Write songs, sing to the glory of God and God will reward you. Human award systems are corrupt. It’s mostly a popularity contest. Trying to prove that the word of God is inspirational instead of edifying and spiritual. Perilous times indeed. Praying everyday that my heart and mind is constantly been renewed in Christ is such a valuable prayer.”
