Zambian gospel artiste Deborah Mambo has urged an end to the long-standing belief that gospel music should be offered free of charge, while secular music is sold without similar expectations.
Mambo described this practice as an unfair double standard that devalues gospel music and threatens the livelihoods of musicians who dedicate their time, talent, and resources to creating it.
“In Zambia, gospel artistes face a difficult predicament. We are committed to sharing our faith through music, but this often comes at the cost of our financial well-being,” she said, noting the high expenses involved in recording, marketing, and performing.
She stressed that many gospel musicians face intense pressure to uphold their religious mission while struggling to meet basic expenses, with some barely breaking even.
“Despite the significant effort put in by gospel musicians, the prevailing public attitude remains that our music should be free. This mindset is holding back the growth of the gospel music industry,” Mambo added.
She called on the public to value the time, energy, and creativity that go into producing high-quality gospel music, and to support the industry for its growth and sustainability.
Mambo also highlighted the growing recognition of Zambian gospel music internationally, attributing this to improved production quality and better recordings. With increased public appreciation and support, she believes the gospel music scene could flourish, enriching Zambia’s cultural heritage.
