‘Even the Bible is sold,’ Diana Hopeson on why gospel ministers should be paid

Veteran gospel singer Diana Hopeson has made a case for why gospel musicians should receive financial support from the church, drawing parallels between their work and that of full-time clergy.

Speaking on Asaase Radio’s Artsy on Saturday (23 November), Hopeson emphasised that just as pastors are supported by their congregations for their spiritual leadership, gospel musicians who dedicate their lives to ministry deserve similar recognition and remuneration.

“Even the priest, the clergy—the church takes care of them as a livelihood. Everybody in life, you do something you’re passionate about, but you need to get money in your pocket, and you need to be recognised for what you’re doing, and then that gives you that being.”

Hopeson highlighted the multifaceted role of music in ministry, describing it as a powerful tool for evangelism, advocacy, and social change. 

Reflecting on her own journey, she revealed, “I was a missionary, and I felt music was the tool I can use to evangelise.”

“The preachers preach; they speak words, and I use sounds; I use dance. So, that was the platform.”

The former president of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) argued that gospel musicians should be compensated for their contributions, especially when they serve in full-time ministry. 

She stressed that music ministry operates both as a calling and a professional industry.

“As a musician, it’s an industry. Even the choir master, once they do the work two to three times, they’re now committed to it, so they must earn an income from it—if that’s what they’re doing as a livelihood,” she said.

She also pointed out the commercial realities of gospel music, especially for those who venture into recording. 

“If you go into recording, then you have entered the music industry (mainstream media). Because as for recording, it means the record label is investing in your art, and yes, you may even be evangelising, but because it’s an industry, you’ll still have to get income for it.”

Hopeson also defended the need for professional structures in gospel music. 

She described how essential it is for gospel artists to have management teams, branding strategies, and tour agents to navigate the complexities of the music industry.

“It is not wrong to say that you’re a gospel artist and you have a management team, branding team, and have a tour agent, because it’s a full industry work,” she said.

Reiterating her point about financial support, she noted, “Even the Bible is sold. So far as you’re giving your all to it, and that is what you’re doing and being recognised for it, you need to get some kind of income to sustain yourself in it.”

Reporting by Abigail Teye in Greater Accra

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