Singer Ric Hassani has offered his thoughts on why some gospel artists transition to secular music.
In an interview on HipTV’s Trending, Hassani explained that the move isn’t necessarily driven by money, but by a desire for personal fulfillment and artistic expression.
He noted that gospel music demands a unique calling for spiritual ministration—something he believes not every musician is naturally equipped with.
Hassani recounted his experience of starting out in church music, only to realise it wasn’t his true calling.
He emphasised that creatives are driven by a desire for artistic expression and fulfillment, rather than just financial reward.
He added that even successful artists like Wizkid and Davido who have amassed wealth continue to create music because of the satisfaction it brings them.
Hassani notes that everyone has their unique talents and callings, and it’s essential for artists to pursue their genuine passions.
Hassani identifies as a strong Christian, but feels his purpose is to impact the world through a different kind of music.
Ultimately, he encourages artists to follow their true callings and find fulfillment in their creative work.
He said: “Gospel is beyond singing. You have to be blessed to be able to interpret God’s words through music. For example, there is no way a Katty Perry would communicate God’s words through music the way CeCe Winans does. I feel like CeCe is blessed with being able to communicate the Holy Spirit through music. Whitney Houston is blessed in a different way.
“So, I don’t feel this idea of everybody must be in church. Some of us were made for the world. I also have Christian songs. I’m a very strong Christian. In all my albums, there is at least one gospel song. But that’s not really my calling. I meant to impact the world in a different way, with a different kind of music. I’m not going to do it the way Frank Edwards or Mercy Chinwo is going to do it. If I enter church music now, I fit no bang. It’s not my thing.
“People leaving gospel music for secular music is not about money. Creatives or people who blessed with these gifts like money, everybody likes money. But the real fulfilment is being able to do it and exist doing it. Even the Wizkids, the Burnas that have all the money in the world… If it was really about money, then Davido has no business doing anything because he has all the money he would ever need.
“So, it’s not really about money. The kind of satisfaction that comes from being able to think of an idea of thing and put it on the record and create music is beyond money. It’s bigger than any satisfaction money can give you”.
