Renowned Ghanaian gospel musician Brother Sammy has sparked controversy with bold claims about the unfair treatment of local gospel artists by pastors in Ghana.
In a candid interview on Hitz FM’s Daybreak Hitz with host Andy Dosty, the Kumasi-based singer accused pastors of favoring foreign musicians with lavish accommodations and hefty payments while dismissing local talent with the excuse that they “shouldn’t eat” because they are from Kumasi.
Brother Sammy, a prominent gospel musician known for hits like Aduro Biaa Nka Dem, made the remarks during a live radio interview. The artist, whose real name is Samuel Opoku, has been a vocal figure in Ghana’s gospel music scene, often addressing industry challenges.
During the interview, Brother Sammy criticized pastors for their discriminatory practices, alleging they pay foreign or white musicians generously, including renting entire hotel floors and providing meals, while undervaluing local musicians for similar performances
“Once you are labeled as a gospel musician, you are only doing the work of God, so don’t eat or dress,” he said, highlighting the expectation that local artists should perform for free or minimal compensation.
Brother Sammy expressed frustration with what he described as a “black mentality” among Ghanaian pastors, who he claims prioritize foreign artists over local ones due to perceived prestige.
“Pastors pay white or foreign musicians big money to perform in their church, rent a whole floor for them and their entourage, feed them, and then pay them well. But if you ask for money from these same pastors for the same service, they claim you are from Kumasi here, so you shouldn’t eat,” he stated, according to sources familiar with the interview.
The remarks have ignited discussions on social media and within the gospel music community, with some praising Brother Sammy for exposing inequities, while others debate the role of financial compensation in gospel ministry.
In a 2021 interview with GNA Entertainment, Brother Sammy emphasized that gospel music is not about material gain but about praising God, yet stressed the need for fair treatment, noting the high costs musicians incur for promotion.
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