Ric Hassani Talks Gospel Artists’ Shift To Secular Music

According to well-known singer Ikechukwu Eric Ahiauzu, better known by his stage name Ric Hassani, the trend of gospel performers transitioning to secular music is driven more by fulfillment than by financial gain.
In an interview with Hip TV, Hassani reportedly stated that he started his musical career in the church but changed after realizing it wasn’t his calling.
“Many singers are made for the world,” he said, adding that many musicians who began their careers in the gospel genre move to the secular music industry because they lack the gift of ministration.

“Gospel is more than just singing,” he remarked. To be able to use music to interpret God’s words is a blessing. A Katty Perry, for instance, could never use music to convey God’s message the way CeCe Winans does. It seems to me that CeCe is fortunate to be able to use music to convey the Holy Spirit. Whitney Houston has a unique kind of blessing. Therefore, I disagree with the notion that everyone ought to attend church. For some of us, the world was meant to be. I have Christian tunes, too. I’m a devout Christian. There is at least one gospel song on each of my CDs. However, I’m not really meant for it. I intended to use a different genre of music to make a different kind of impact on the world. I will not approach it in the same manner as Mercy Chinwo or Frank Edwards. I wouldn’t fit in well if I started playing church music now. I’m not into it.

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It’s not financial gain when people switch from gospel to secular music. Everyone wants money, including creatives and those who are fortunate enough to have it. However, being able to do it and living while doing it is the true fulfillment. Even the wealthiest people in the world, the Burnas and the Wizkids… Davido has all the money he could ever need, therefore if it was truly about money, he has no reason to do anything.

So, money isn’t the main factor. Money cannot buy the kind of satisfaction that comes from coming up with an idea, recording it, and making music. It surpasses the satisfaction that money can provide.