THE move by Superior Sounds and Visuals (SSV) to go all gospel has been recieved with mixed feelings among the Zambian music circles. THE move by Superior Sounds and Visuals (SSV) to go all gospel has been recieved with mixed feelings among the Zambian music circles.
SSV has worked with John Chiti on his gospel album as well as Karen on her latest project 'Another Level'. SSV has also worked with the Peace Preachers as well as Ephraim on various projects.
Superior Sounds and Visuals music producer Victor Nyalazi also known as V.I.K says he will be producing gospel music only.
V.I.K says he now wants to use his talent to the development of the kingdom of God and to glorify God who gave him the talent.
And gospel artist Regina Mwanza is in support of SSV’s move to go gospel.
However, she laments that not all secular songs are immoral as some may be very educative.
“Zambia is a Christian nation and as such it is the duty of citizens and especially singers and musicians to spread the word of God through any means possible including their God given talents”, Mwanza explains.
Mwanza adds, “the authenticity of the church is now being put to the test because some artists only do gospel music because it sells."
Meanwhile, actor, director and Girl child activist Titus Sinyangwe notes that gospel music can be used to pace down the bad behaviour that has engulfed the Zambian gospel music industry.
He explaines that most artists use secular music which is sexually explicit to make money because it is what is accepted and appreciated by today’s generation.
“Gospel music is what can transform this generation from uselessness to usefulness,” Sinyangwe says.
He further adds, “light and darkness cannot go together, therefore I don’t expect the same studio, producer and instrumentation to record secular and gospel music. It is hypocrisy and having double standards."
Meanwhile, Game On studio producer and secular artist Kennedy Sakala also known as Ken D says SSV ought to be careful because it may lose customers.
He adds that when a studio becomes popular both circular and gospel artists flock to it but if some are turned away it creates bad publicity.
“Personally I wouldn’t do what SSV has done because I make money through producing and singing circular music,” Ken D says.
Ken D further says that the producer at Lota House studio is a Christian but still produces circular music.
He sees nothing wrong with what Lota House studio does as it makes a studio to be known even among the secular community.
And circular artist Steven Wilombe said the move by SSV is unfair as it denies artists like him the chance to record freely.
“Not all circular artists do bad songs and that whether secular or not good music will always be good music. SSV should have first consulted the public before making such a drastic move”, explaines Wilombe.