Flamboyance and Fashion Gradually Taking Over Gospel Music – Amy Newman

Ghanaian gospel music legend Amy Newman has raised alarm over what she describes as a worrying shift in the industry, where glamour, fashion, and showmanship increasingly overshadow the core purpose of ministry. Her concerns come at a time when conversations about authenticity in gospel music continue to grow.

Speaking to the Daily Graphic on Friday, November 7, the renowned singer said she has observed that many contemporary female gospel artistes seem to prioritise outward appearance over spiritual impact. According to her, the genre is gradually drifting away from its foundation of humility, sincerity and soul-winning.

“It’s become more about appearances — the dressing, the fashion, the flamboyance. For instance, I don’t mind wearing the same dress I wore years ago. Just this past Sunday, I was invited to minister at the Church of Pentecost, and I wore the same dress I wore in 2018 when I performed Siesie Me. How many years now? Five years, and I still wore it,” she said.

Amy Newman stressed that looking good is not the issue; rather, the intention behind it is what she finds troubling.

“I’m not saying we shouldn’t dress well or look beautiful. However, the mindset behind what we do is crucial. We call it ministry, we call it worship, we call it a programme for God. Yet, it has become something else. It’s very disheartening and it breaks my heart,” she lamented.

She further noted that many experienced gospel musicians hesitate to speak up or offer guidance because their advice is often misinterpreted by the younger generation.

“As a ‘grown-up’ in the ministry, we see many things happening, but can’t even speak about them. When we do, people misunderstand us and say we’re jealous or bitter. That’s why many of us keep quiet. We wish we could advise the younger ones, but now they have fame, they travel everywhere, they’re paid well, so when we speak, it looks like we’re against them. But that’s not the case,” she explained.

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For Amy Newman, gospel music must remain anchored in its true mission—ministering to souls and transforming lives. She believes the industry’s growing emphasis on spectacle and performance is diluting its spiritual essence.

“It’s about soul-winning and nothing else. The gimmicks and unnecessary things that have been added these days are killing gospel music and destroying the ministry.”

“Now, we hardly see the ministry; it’s all about the show, the performance. The show is overdone. We need to focus on the spirit of the people who attend our programs,” she said.

Her message serves as a call for gospel artistes to re-align their priorities, placing ministry above aesthetics and ensuring that the heart of worship remains at the centre of their work.