On this edition of #Exclusive Interview with people, Micheal Emmanuel, a prolific writer and poet shares his opinions about the Afro-Gospel Music industry in Nigeria and why he believes Afro-gospel singers are legit.
AGM: Kindly please introduce yourself.
Micheal: I’m Michael Emmanuel, and I’m a writer.
AGM: What do you think about Afro-gospel culture in Nigeria?
Micheal: It’s blooming. I think the genre is gaining acceptance within the right spaces. And not just acceptance but a form of celebration. Five years ago, only a handful of people could connect with the songs and the artists. Now? The work is moving, and the ministry enlarging.
AGM: Do you consider Afro-Gospel scriptural enough? Also do you think it is really great that churches invite Afro-Gospel artists to minister in their church?
Micheal: I think it’s a case of the artiste, not the song. The music is a reflection of the individual, not the genre. If the artiste is deliberate about creating scriptural Afro-gospel songs, then there it’ll be. For instance, Gaise Baba and Elijah Level. Directly inspired by scriptures. Is it great that churches are inviting them? Yes, yes, yes.
AGM: There has also been another debate that Afrogospel songs are not so godly because they mostly use ampiano beat, which has been majorly used by secular artists. What is your opinion about this?
Micheal: Well, there are no spiritual papers to print spiritual books, no spiritual drumsets or microphones for ministers and preachers. A beat is a beat. This conversation exists only because a number of believers, especially young folks, are only open to songs because of their beats. The beat is only an element. The melody is only the presentation. The substance is in the lyrics. Can we focus on the substance rather than argue constantly about minor elements?
AGM: As a Christian, do you consider Afro-gospel as a means to preach the gospel? Please state your reason for your answer.
Micheal: Yes. Everything we have received as believers is a tool to preach.
AGM: Who is one Afro-gospel artist you would like to meet in Nigeria?
Micheal: Hmm. Off the top of my head, AnEndlessOcean, or Limoblaze.
AGM: Do you have any Afrogospel go-to playlist? If yes, please mention your 5 favourite songs. Why do you love them?
Micheal: I don’t have a playlist o 🥹. But fav songs include ‘Alakori’ and ‘Nazarene’ by AEO, ‘Elijah Level’ by Gaise Baba, and ‘Who Goes That Man’ by Prinx Emmanuel.
About Micheal Emmanuel
Michael is a content writer, poet and fiction writer. He identifies himself as a Christian, and was an executive during his undergraduate education at Four Square Gospel Church, FUTA chapter, where he studied chemical engineering. When Michael is not writing a piece of B2B or SaaS content, he is surfing the internet and reading brilliant threads on Twitter. He is a people person and he likes spending time at home. You can check him on social media as Micheal Emmanuel.
