Gospel Singer Asu Ekiye who is famous for his Niger delta song Woekelemo, has spoken out against plagiarism by other gospel artistes.
While some gospel artiste performed other singer’s original song at the just concluded Experience concert in Lagos, Ekiye says they lack originality and professionalism. Thus, Ekiye has some words for them.
Although the singer did not mention any names, it was alleged that he was referring to his age long competitor, Sammie Okposo.
Taking to his social media page to pen down his opinion, Asu Ekiye wrote;
MY TAKE ON SOME GOSPEL ARTISTE AT THE EXPERIENCE 2019
When you are invited to a global platform like The Experience to minister in music and all you can do is to sing other people’s original songs except yours. Then I think you are either passing through a fraudulent public appeal syndrome or you lack originality and professionalism.
After twenty years of full time music ministry and with at least 4 album projects to your credit , you have problems singing your own songs in big events, then you need counseling.You should be pitied rather than being celebrated.
Any gospel musician who has been in ministry for more than ten years and rely on popular songs rather than his own songs to appeal to a crowd is a mediocre brand.
However, I must commend the visioners of the Experience . It is a very powerful global showcase of our gospel music culture. I have been there twice and it remains the biggest stage in Africa .
ASU Ekiye
The age long competition between Akiye and Sammie Okposo
However, there has been an age long competition between Asu Ekiye and popular gospel singer Sammie Okposo. The age long competition dates back to when the two wrestled to lead the association of gospel artistes in Nigeria. Ekiye had called Okposo unfit to lead him.
“Yes! He cannot lead me. I cannot be a part of anything led by Sammie Okposo because he does not have the spiritual Okposo because he does not have the spiritual pedigree to lead me.”
Ekiye who is the current National and International President of FOGMMON, the fellowship of Gospel Music Ministers of Nigeria has released four musical projects.
In spite of Ekiye‘s comment about Okposo, he says the latter remains his good friend and brother.
