Urban gospel more vibrant than dancehall – JSmart

The recent reforms in the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) have sparked conversations, particularly with the introduction of a new category for urban and contemporary gospel.

The new TGMA category dubbed Urban/Contemporary Song of the Year, has been largely embraced by musicians within the urban gospel community.

However, some industry personalities such as Caleb Nii Boye, Roland Amartey (on Sammy Flex TV), and Ezekiel Tetteh, have expressed their disapproval about the new category, arguing that the Board should have rather focused on the Reggae/Dancehall Song category, by separating the two genres so ‘Dancehall’ and ‘Reggae’ would stand independently.

In the meantime, the curator of Urban Gospel Rave, Joseph Smart Amenuveve Kwodwo, popularly known as JSmart, believes the arguments against the introduction of the new gospel category are baseless.

Taking to his social media platforms, JSmart highlighted the significant progress and contributions of Urban Gospel artistes in Ghana over the past year.

“Within the period of 2024, Urban Gospel recognized over fifty artistes churning out songs, not just releasing them but following up with proper promotions. Among these fifty individuals were others who produced more than two songs and even full albums,” he said.

He provided specific examples, citing songs like Kobby Psalms’ ‘Never Forget,’ H. Hardy’s ‘Alive,’ Scott Evans’ ‘Grateful,’ Raf Able’s collaboration with Cwesi Oteng on ‘You No Dey See,’ Quabena Asare’s ‘Radical For Christ,’ and Team Eternity’s ‘Defe Defe.’

He further mentioned Seth Diamond and Joseph Matthew as part of the movement creating impactful music.

While comparing Urban Gospel to Dancehall, JSmart asked which dancehall songs readily come to mind as releases in 2024.

He argued that Urban Gospel artistes have not only been consistent but have also heavily invested in their craft.

“Look at the investments these guys are making — the quality of songs and visuals they put out. We have Scott Evans traveling overseas just to record. Jonn Winner is traveling to Dubai and South Africa to shoot visuals. Apart from Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale, and maybe Samini, which other Dancehall artiste even knows where our local airport is? These are what we call investments and competition,” he noted.

JSmart also pointed out the prominence of Urban Gospel artistes on major event platforms.

“Event-wise, these Urban Gospel artistes are headlining their own events and mounting other big stages that Dancehall artistes can’t go near to,” he stated.

JSmart has, therefore, commended the TGMA Board for creating the new gospel category.