Nigerian singer Ric Hassani has weighed in on the ongoing conversation about why many gospel musicians eventually leave the church scene and move into the secular music industry.
Contrary to popular opinion, Hassani believes that these shifts are rarely motivated by financial gain. Instead, he says, they stem from a deeper need for creative and spiritual fulfilment.
In a recent interview with Hip TV, Hassani opened up about his own musical journey and how he came to understand his true calling. Though he began as a gospel singer in church, he realised early on that his path lay elsewhere.
“Gospel is a calling, not a career”
Hassani explained that gospel music is more than just singing inspirational songs; it’s a spiritual responsibility that not everyone is meant to carry.
“Gospel is beyond singing,” he said. “You have to be blessed to interpret God’s word through music. That’s not something everyone can do just because they love God or music.”
He used pop star Katy Perry and gospel legend CeCe Winans as examples to make his point. While both are gifted vocalists, he believes only someone truly called to the gospel space, like CeCe Winans, can effectively communicate God’s message through music.
“There’s no way Katy Perry could deliver gospel the way CeCe Winans does,” he said. “CeCe is clearly blessed to carry that message. It’s a divine gift.”
From church choirs to concert stages
Reflecting on his own journey, Hassani said he started out in church but later understood that he was called to impact the world in a different way.
“I’m a strong Christian,” he said. “In every one of my albums, I include at least one gospel song. But I don’t think I was made for church music. That’s not my gift.”
He admitted that if he tried to become a full-time gospel artist today, he might not succeed because he doesn’t have the spiritual grace required to thrive in that space.
“If I enter church music now, I fit no bang,” he added in Pidgin English. “It’s not my thing.”
Creativity beyond the church walls
Hassani was clear in dismissing the assumption that gospel artists leave the church purely for money. He believes the driving force behind such moves is a need to create music that aligns with one’s authentic voice.
“People think it’s about money. It’s not,” he said. “Creatives just want to express themselves fully. Everyone likes money, sure, but true fulfilment comes from creating something that matters.”
He pointed out that even mainstream stars like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido, who are already financially secure, continue to make music, not for money, but because it feeds their passion and sense of purpose.
“If it was really about money, then Davido should have no business doing anything,” he said. “He already has all the money he needs. But he still creates, because it’s about more than that.”
A different kind of impact
Hassani concluded by saying that each artist must find where their gift fits. For some, that may be in the church. For others, like himself, it could be on the global stage, making music that speaks to a different audience but still carries meaningful messages.
“I’m not Frank Edwards. I’m not Mercy Chinwo. They are doing great in their lane, but I have a different kind of assignment,” he said. “I was made to touch the world with another kind of music.”
Final thoughts
Ric Hassani’s comments shed light on a topic that often stirs debate in the Nigerian music industry and church community. His message is simple but powerful: Not all who leave gospel music are chasing money; some are simply answering a different kind of call.
