Gospel artistes set to rock Byo

 The Financial Gazette (FG) spoke to Asaph (A) about the upcoming concert on Saturday evening at Bulawayo Academy of Music’s Robert Sibson Hall and the motivation behind it. Excerpts:

FG: So how did the show evolve as an idea?
A: The show is tagged “The Sound of Inspiration — United in Praise” and it arose out of an epiphany. We have a realisation that the ministry of Gospel musicians has the ability to energise a nation toward a divine vision, to create hope and galvanise community to walk humbly before the Creator.
A case in point is the work of legends like Bill Gaither and Andrae Crouch. Bob Marley is another one. He was not a gospel singer per se, but his influence is pervasive, his message timeless. So there is a sense in which we have under-estimated the latent energy of inspirational music and have neglected to tap into it to bring our peoples into the presence of God. So this idea transcends the four walls of the church and parochial religious constructs. Jesus Christ, the true King, calls us all to His throne!
FG: How do you achieve these grandiose schemes?
A: But it all starts with unity of purpose. The template is in the Bible. When the disciples were in one accord waiting for the promise of the Holy Spirit, that’s when the visitation took place! At the dedication of the temple of Solomon, the same thing took place — read 2 Chronicles 5.
So unity is a place of power and as a community, we must be able to straddle the ethnic and racial divides. We are musicians, psalmists and we understand our divine mandate. So the concert is inspirational in that sense.
FG: Are you not dealing with egoists when you have to bring together big hitters like Eric Moyo and company?
A: Of course, not. You have to realise that adulation from fans is very seductive. But it cannot be your raison d’être. You sing when you have a calling and then you give the glory to God. When you don’t do this, there are consequences. It corrupts your soul and you may die outside of grace.
No matter how good you think you are, you stay grounded and keep people around you who only want to see the Kingdom of God grow. You must discourage groupies and fawners if ever they exist in gospel music circles.