Renowned gospel artist and pastor, Josh Laryea, has voiced concerns over what he describes as a drift in gospel music’s focus, with many songs today emphasizing material success over spiritual growth. In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, Laryea, who also leads Kharis Centre International in La, Accra, called for a “shift in focus” back to the true purpose of gospel music.
Reflecting on his own career, Josh Laryea admitted he too was once influenced by the trend of prosperity-centered messages in music. “I’ve been a victim myself,” he shared, adding that it took a while for him to realize his lyrics had begun veering away from a spiritual focus. “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.”
Josh Laryea attributes much of this shift to the influence of prosperity-focused messages in church sermons, which, he believes, have had a considerable impact on gospel music. “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.
He noted that because prosperity-themed songs often resonate with listeners, many gospel musicians have been drawn to this approach. Yet, he cautioned that while relevance is important, it should not overshadow gospel music’s spiritual purpose. “It’s time to refocus on the message since we are gradually creating a culture where people believe God’s primary concern should be the state of their bank accounts,” he warned.
Entering the gospel music scene in 1992 with his debut song His Resurrection Power, Josh Laryea has released several other well-known tracks, including Emmre, Ajoomi, Ngboo, Kane, and Bisa. Now, as both a pastor and artist, he hopes to inspire a re-centering of gospel music on spiritual transformation and a message that brings people closer to God.
