You have ever listened to one gospel song and were like; Oh my God! this song should be played across the country. But why is it not out there yet? It if has blessed, inspired and led you to Christ, imagine how many more it could bless as well.
I believe that there are lots of talented individuals and groups who have not been discovered in Uganda. Thankfully, they are committed to use their voices and/or instruments to spread the Gospel. Since the major labels cannot sign every artist, many talented singers and musicians preaching the good news are left out. Lack of talent or motivation is not the problem. The real culprit is lack of exposure. So, how can you and I rise up to support them.
One might say that good content promotes its self – I agree with you but, this only happens when someone has given the artist an opportunity to be heard.
Album promotion is an issue that every Gospel singer hustles to tackle. If not correctly, your project may have little success – keep around the 4 walls of the church. Even worse, your album may not even get noticed at all. Instead of reaching millions of people worldwide, your project ends up collecting dust on a shelf.
Here are the 4 ways you can support Uganda’s gospel music.
1. Pray for your gospel music ministers regularly.
Before we talk about the music, I believe focus should be on the minister. Any Christian would be encouraged knowing who to count on as a prayer partner or prayer warrior. Speaking head-on or writing quick notes via mail/facebook/twitter to your minister to tell them you’re praying them assures them that, no matter how isolated they might be, their ministry is being covered in prayer.
Being specific about your prayers will help them know you are looking over their requests carefully. In the busyness of life, it can be difficult to pray diligently and regularly – nothing is more discouraging to a minister than unanswered phone calls to supporting prayer partners or churches.
2. Commit to regular financial support.
One-time financial aid is welcome, but regular support shows gospel music ministers that you are committed to their ministry in the long haul. It also provides them with a more consistent source of income, so they do not have to be overly concerned about whether they will be able to maintain their support level year to year.
Crisis, actually forces some to draw out of full time ministry – rather than judge, where you can support them, the better.
Many gospel musicians have a lot that worries them – limited resources, resistance, rejection, persecution, harsh living environments, and more. In Philippians 4:15-19, Paul commends a church that supported him financially when he was overseas:
Financially supporting music ministers not only blesses them—it also blesses you.
3. Media: Play their music
Countless lives have been transformed when Gospel music is being played across the nation. But, is media not helping gospel music? Artists often ask media to put in effort in supporting their music to not only enable them bless lives, but help them get the needed support from corporate bodies when hosting their shows.
To some ministers, the media over the years have painted an invisible image about the gospel genre, making people believe that, gospel musicians in Uganda are doing nothing much to attract sponsorship and this has kept corporate bodies and organizations away which in reality is affecting the gospel music industry.
Media should forego the saying ‘gospel musicians lack proper branding’ for many of the gospel musicians are well branded – vocally and production wise – than the secular musicians and, all they need is the help and support of the media and not to be pulling and discouraging them always.
Blog Sites
I believe that music itself is a Ministry. I am sure any artist would be very excited and eager to promote their latest project.
Unfortunately, there are very few websites for Gospel musicians to expand and promote their Ministry. If available, it comes with more costs than they can afford as starters. I have discovered several websites that cater to independent artists, but they all have one thing in common – Gospel music is always left out! Imagine that, the most beautiful music in world – excluded!
4. Buy their music
Rather than freely download or search for pirated versions of an artist’s album – how about you go to the store and purchase it. Sometimes, little acts of support and commitment can go a long way.
Ask the artist to bring copies of their album to your Church and together, display them out and tell believers to support the minister.
These are the same people who attend church, gospel concerts, and sing in the Church Choir. These are the people who will support your Ministry. These are the people who will spread the word. This is where you need to be!
This is just a drop in the ocean, I know you have more thoughts on the subject. Feel free to share your opinion in the comment section.
By Paul Dennis.
