Popular Nigerian singer Ric Hassani has offered insight into why many gospel musicians transition into secular music, stating that the decision is driven more by personal fulfilment than by financial gain.
In a recent interview with Hip TV, the “Thunder Fire You” crooner shared that he started his career in the church but later realized that gospel music was not his calling.
Ric Hassani said, “Gospel is beyond singing. You have to be blessed to be able to interpret God’s words through music. For example, there is no way a Katty Perry would communicate God’s words through music the way CeCe Winans does. I feel like CeCe is blessed with being able to communicate the Holy Spirit through music. Whitney Houston is blessed in a different way.
“So, I don’t feel this idea of everybody must be in church. Some of us were made for the world. I also have Christian songs. I’m a very strong Christian. In all my albums, there is at least one gospel song. But that’s not really my calling. I meant to impact the world in a different way, with a different kind of music. I’m not going to do it the way Frank Edwards or Mercy Chinwo is going to do it. If I enter church music now, I fit no bang. It’s not my thing.”
Addressing the widespread belief that artists switch genres for money, Ric Hassani debunked the notion.
“People leaving gospel music for secular music is not about money. Creatives or people who blessed with these gifts like money, everybody likes money. But the real fulfilment is being able to do it and exist doing it. Even the Wizkids, the Burnas that have all the money in the world… If it was really about money, then Davido has no business doing anything because he has all the money he would ever need.
“So, it’s not really about money. The kind of satisfaction that comes from being able to think of an idea of thing and put it on the record and create music is beyond money. It’s bigger than any satisfaction money can give you.”
Ric Hassani’s comments have since sparked conversations among fans and fellow musicians, especially those navigating the balance between personal calling and creative expression.
