THE NIGERIAN CHRISTIAN MUSIC AWARDS (NCMA)

Over the years and in recent past, not much seems to have been done in terms of encouraging gospel music artistes in Nigeria. The gospel has not been well 'marketed' through music.
Gospel ministers (or artistes as perceived in some quarters) in Nigeria are barely accorded the kind of hype and recognition like the kind enjoyed by their counterparts in the secular music industry.

Career rewards such as fantastic record deals, advert endorsements, media hype, international tours and suchlike appear exclusive to their counterparts while they seem forbidden to gospel acts.

There is the concern about the exodus of music-savvy youths out of the church into the world, owing to reasons such as lack of talent appreciation/encouragement and support from the church. These young minds blessed and bubbling with anticipation for the expression of their talents get discouraged and are easily lured away by the warped lure the world lavishes on them. Sad reality!

Of course, there is also the strong opinion that a major reason why gospel music barely thrives is the poor production quality of many gospel songs even when the message content may be of value.
This sentiment is somehow validated by the sharp contrast in the ready acceptance of a lot of secular songs compared to how gospel music seem 'customised for church walls only'.

Given the situation, the following questions then arise:
1. Does the church in Nigeria realise the great potential in music as a strong tool to win the world for God? If yes, what is being done to harness this great potential?
2. Does Nigeria gospel music have the potential for global acceptability?
3. How can gospel music in Nigeria be improved on to better propagate the good news in such an attractive way that it will be found very appealing and compelling in reach even without the value content getting compromised?
4. How can the value of gospel music in Nigeria increase to the point that fringe benefits like great record deals, endorsements, etc can begin to be enjoyed too by the artistes?
5. How can the creativity and production quality of gospel music in Nigeria be enhanced such that it will match (if not outclass) the chunk of value-empty music widely accepted around?

These and more are the questions to which NCMA hopes to find answers.

What is NCMA?

The Nigerian Christian Music Awards (NCMA) is a non-denominational award initiative inspired by God, with the mission of providing a veritable platform to celebrate gospel music as a strong instrument to propagate salvation.

This is meant to be achieved by the organization of an annual awards event to recognise and encourage creativity, hardwork, ingenuity, and excellence in the production of gospel music in Nigeria.

Though hardly recognised for it, gospel ministers have been doing their bit to contribute positively to the good of the world through the instrument of music.

In my opinion, it is high time the church rose up to sing 'her song' well, and celebrate her divine heritage as best.
It is my expectation that NCMA will beam its searchlight on such men and women who have remained steadfast to the divine mandate of 'Go Ye' with the grace of God on their lives. I really hope that the emergence of NCMA will be the birth of the much-awaited revolution the Nigeria gospel music needs.

Be a part of the vision. Lend your voice. Share your thoughts. And let's trade views and get this project going! Link up with NCMA on these platforms.

*Facebook page: The Nigerian Christian Music Awards.
*Twitter: @the NCMA

Also, be sociable. Tell someone about it today. God is counting on you!

Nice plans.