Well-known singer Ikechukwu Eric Ahiauzu, better known by his stage name Ric Hassani, has asserted that the trend of gospel performers transitioning to secular music is driven by fulfillment rather than money.
Hassani reportedly stated in an interview with Hip TV that he started his musical career in the church but changed after realizing it wasn’t his calling.
Many singers are meant for the world, he added, adding that many musicians who began their careers in the gospel genre move to the secular music industry because they lack the gift of ministry.
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“Gospel is more than just singing,” he declared. The ability to use music to interpret God’s words is a blessing. For instance, a Katty Perry could never use music to convey God’s message the way CeCe Winans does. I believe CeCe is fortunate to be able to use music to convey the Holy Spirit. Whitney Houston has a unique blessing. Therefore, I disagree with the notion that everyone has to attend church. There are those of us who were created for the world. There are Christian tunes in my repertoire also. I’m a fervent Christian. I have at least one gospel song on each of my CDs. It’s not exactly my calling, though. I wanted to use a new genre of music to make a different kind of impact on the world. I will not do it the way Mercy Chinwo or Frank Edwards will. I wouldn’t fit in if I started playing Christian music right now. I’m not interested in it.
“It’s not about money when people switch from gospel to secular music. Everyone enjoys money, whether they are creatives or those who are fortunate enough to have it. However, the ability to do it and live while doing it is the true fulfillment. Even the Burnas, the Wizkids, who own all the money in the world… Davido has all the money he will ever need, therefore if it was truly about money, he has no reason to do anything.
Therefore, money isn’t the main factor. Beyond money, there is a sense of fulfillment that comes from coming up with a concept, recording it, and making music. It is greater than any sense of fulfillment that money can provide.
