AWARD-WINNING Gospel musician Joe Mettle has rebuffed criticisms surrounding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in gospel music production, insisting technology does not diminish spirituality in worship music.

Mettle admits to personally incorporating AI tools to polish and refine his songs after completing his lyrics and production work.

Speaking at the recent press launch of this year’s Praise Reloaded, dubbed The Rivers, he said some of his colleagues speak against AI because they feel it is unspiritual.

“But that is not the case. I use AI to polish and upgrade my songs, but only after I am done with the writing and production process. It helps shape the final sound and enhances what has already been spiritually and creatively put together.”

“In this situation, AI is not creating the words or doing everything; you are still in charge. It only refines what you have put together.  And I don’t think it is ungodly or unspiritual to do that,” he stated.  

The Kadosh hitmaker’s comments weigh in on ongoing debates within gospel circles about modern technology. Joe Mettle noted it wasn’t out of place in gospel ministry.

“Times are changing, and as gospel artistes, we must be open enough to use the tools available to us rather than see them as ungodly. What is important is to guide its usage and not depend solely on it.

“We are still the ones writing, composing, and receiving inspiration. AI only helps us refine what we have already done. It is not taking away the Spirit in the music,” he added.

Credited with songs such as My Everything, Onwanwani, Mehia Wo Yesu, Bo Noo Ni, Yesu Mo, among others, Joe Mettle made history in 2017 as the first gospel artiste to win Artiste of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards.

The win was a good enabler for his career, propelling him to greater heights, expanding his global reach, and firmly establishing him as a leading figure in Ghana’s gospel music industry, having won Gospel Artiste of the Year a number of times.

And his annual Praise Reloaded has since grown into one of Ghana’s most anticipated gospel gatherings, drawing thousands of worshippers each year and reinforcing his influence on the contemporary worship scene.

This year’s event comes off at Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, June 28.

The upcoming event is the 14th edition, and according to the 2025 TGMA Best Gospel Artiste, he is hopeful it will be an equally impactful spiritual exercise on the day.

Billed to share the stage with Mettle are Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Bethel Revival, Eugene Zuta, among a host of others to be announced soon.