AWARD-winning Gospel artist Ohemaa Mercy has called attention to the serious situation facing the nation’s gospel events and is pleading with Ghana’s corporate sector to step in and help.

She compares the hopeless state to that of a sick person on a life support system, saying that the only choice left may be to cut the plug, which would be the end of gospel activities, unless corporate Ghana steps in.

During the official opening of this year’s Tehillah Experience, Ohemaa Mercy spoke with Graphic Showbiz and blamed their difficulties on inadequate corporate support.

She revealed that the very existence of gospel events—which she believes are essential to fostering moral principles and spiritual development—was under jeopardy due to a lack of funding from corporate entities.

The singer, who is well-known for songs like “Ote Me Mu,” “Edin Jesus,” and “Wobeye Kese,” claimed that gospel musicians had trouble getting corporate support for their performances because businesses tended to view religion differently.

“In my opinion, corporate organizations don’t fully comprehend the gospel music industry. They frequently hold the opinion that they shouldn’t interfere in religion affairs. Therefore, it doesn’t even matter if it’s a Christian event.

“But, things are really bad here because it takes a lot to have a good production for an event, and we are primarily having trouble getting corporate sponsorship.”

Meanwhile, because some brands cannot be connected to God’s company, the few who are most likely wanting to join may not be able to do so.

“There are limitations, and they’re all working against us. Because of the severe financial strain, most gospel concerts are now on “life support.” Even though we occasionally put on superior shows, our secular counterparts are getting all the major sponsorships, the Fefeefe singer remarked.

Ohemaa Mercy’s worries are not unique to her. Several well-known gospel performers, such as Joe Mettle, have also bemoaned the lack of sufficient funding for gospel performances.

Joe Mettle revealed that he had repeatedly drained his bank account to finance the event prior to his Praiz Reloaded in June of this year.

Ohemaa Mercy acknowledges that despite effectively and reliably hosting her Tehillah Experience event for the previous 11 years, it has not always been possible to do so without sufficient financial assistance, particularly from the nation’s corporate sector.

She made the point that many gospel event organizers are having difficulty making ends meet due to budgetary constraints; some have even been forced to postpone or cancel events.

Nonetheless, she acknowledged the challenges up-and-coming artists faced while hosting concerts and gave them words of support.

Accepting your vocation is essential for aspiring artists. Challenging times are a normal part of the road when you know your mission and God’s plan for you. These difficulties encourage development and maturity.

Rather than opposing them, see them as chances for personal growth, financial or otherwise. She remarked, “Remember that God wants to refine and elevate you, not to hinder or embarrass you, so keep going even in the absence of sponsorship.”

Ohemaa Mercy also expressed her sincere gratitude to everyone who has continuously contributed to the Tehillah concert since its beginning.

“We’re overjoyed to have Telecel and Frytol as sponsors this year, in addition to a number of kind people who are also lending their support,” Ohemaa continued.

The “Tehillah The Bethel Experience,” this year’s Tehillah Experience concert, will take place at the Oil Dome, Royal House Chapel International in Accra on Saturday, September 8, 2024.