Many female gospel artistes especially today, are more focused on appearances and style than on touching hearts and souls through their music.

In an interview with the Daily Graphic on Friday, November 7, Amy Newman expressed deep concern about the direction gospel music is taking.

“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.

The celebrated gospel musician, however, clarified that dressing well is not wrong, but the motivation behind it is what truly matters.

“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.

According to her, in a time when glamour often overshadows purpose, her reminder stands as a call to return to the heart of true worship — one rooted in humility, sincerity and the fear of God. (Read Gospel is ministry, not showbiz — Amy Newman speaks out)

Respecting the voice of experience

Amy added that it has become increasingly difficult for veteran artistes to advise or guide the younger ones, as their genuine intentions are often misinterpreted.

“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.

Soul-winning is the real goal

For Amy Newman, gospel music is not a stage for self-display but a sacred calling to minister to souls. 

Thus, gospel music’s true measure of success lies not in popularity or showmanship but in winning souls for Christ.

“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.

She emphasised that gospel music is a spiritual calling with the power to heal and transform lives, not merely entertainment. (Read Raise your own stars —Amy Newman to churches)

“Someone might be sick or going through something difficult and come hoping to be comforted or healed by the songs.

Our ministry is unique — preachers speak, but we sing. Songs go further than sermons because music reaches every corner. Sadly, we no longer see it that way. We’ve allowed too many distractions into the ministry,” she said passionately.