Making money or spreading the gospel? An analysis of the mission of gospel musicians in contemporary Zimbabwe

Abstract

Statistics show that at present there are more gospel musicians in Zimbabwe than secular musicians. Consequently this paradigm shift has not gone unquestioned. People have asked what the mission of these gospel musicians is. Are they true ministers of the Word, or lovers of money clothed in ministerial garments? This article attempts to analyse the mission of gospel musicians. Since the gospel musicians we are discussing and those who criticise them are mainly Christians whose views are shaped by their understanding of the Bible, my analysis will be from a biblical (i.e. Christian) perspective. Data from informal interviews with some Zimbabwean gospel musicians and fans, as well as songs from CDs and video cassettes were used in the analysis. The article is divided into four sections: The first defines and gives a brief history of gospel music in Zimbabwe. It is followed by a presentation of the criticisms brought against gospel musicians. The third section is a critical review of the mission of the musicians: Are they making money or spreading the gospel, or they are making money and spreading the gospel? The fourth section attempts a theology of gospel music before a conclusion wraps up the article.