In an exclusive interview with Graphic Showbiz, veteran gospel musician Josh Laryea expressed concern over what he sees as a decline in the spiritual purpose of gospel music.
Known for his powerful messages and soulful delivery, Laryea has been a pivotal figure in Ghana’s gospel scene.
However, his recent comments reveal a desire to bring the genre back to its core mission: inspiring faith and spiritual growth rather than emphasizing prosperity and worldly success.
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“We’ve lost sight of the true purpose of gospel music. It’s time to shift focus,” Laryea said passionately, underscoring his belief that the genre’s original mission has been diluted.
Laryea partly attributes this shift to pastors, suggesting that some church leaders may be influencing the focus of gospel music in ways that prioritize financial gain over faith.
“I will partly blame pastors for the shift in focus of gospel music. It is said that ‘you are what you hear,’ and the outcome of what the church is doing is what is happening with gospel music now,” he explained.
Having been in the industry for years, Laryea’s reflections come from personal experience. The musician admitted to being swept up in this trend, only to realize later that he was losing touch with his original purpose.
“I’ve been a victim myself, and it took a while for me to realize I was going off course,” he admitted, adding that he noticed a change in the lyrics of his songs.
Reflecting on this period, he now regrets having followed the trend, though he understands the pressure to conform. “Looking back now, I have some regrets, but I accept that at the time, I probably didn’t want to be a lone wolf, so I followed the trend.”
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Laryea emphasized the importance of maintaining relevance in gospel music without compromising on the spiritual mandate it carries. For him, the message should transcend material desires and speak to deeper faith values.
“Yes, we need to be relevant, but not at the expense of our spiritual mandate,” he noted. “It’s time to refocus on the message, as we are gradually creating a culture where people believe God’s primary concern should be the state of their bank accounts.”
Josh Laryea has not released new music in recent years, leading some fans to wonder about his absence from the industry. He explained that he had dedicated himself to establishing his ministry and church, a commitment that required his full attention.
“I have been absent because I was building my ministry and church, and we all know that the beginning of everything needs lots of time,” he shared.
For Laryea, this break was essential to ensure his focus was undivided. “Music demands a lot, and I didn’t want divided attention; that’s why I took a back seat. But I am back.”
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