I’m a Devout Christian, But Gospel Music Isn’t My Calling – Ric Hassani

Nigerian singer Ric Hassani shares why gospel music isn’t his calling, despite being a devout Christian, and emphasizes that creating music is about purpose, not profit.

Nigerian singer and songwriter Ric Hassani has shared a thoughtful perspective on a common trend in the music scene — why many artists begin in gospel but later shift toward secular music.

In a recent interview with HipTV, Hassani explained that gospel music is not just about vocal ability, but about spiritual calling. He emphasized that conveying God’s message through music requires a special kind of grace that not everyone has.

“Gospel goes beyond just singing. You must be blessed to truly interpret God’s word through music,” he said. “For instance, Katy Perry can’t communicate God’s message in music the way CeCe Winans does.”

He praised gospel icon CeCe Winans and the late Whitney Houston, acknowledging their vocal strengths while highlighting the spiritual difference in their music. “CeCe carries a special grace to transmit the Holy Spirit through song,” Hassani noted. “Whitney Houston had a different blessing. Not everyone is meant to be in the church — some of us were made for the world.”

While affirming his deep Christian faith, Hassani clarified that his mission isn’t to become a traditional gospel musician. He includes a gospel-inspired track on each of his albums, but believes his influence lies in a different space.

“I’m a strong Christian,” he said, “but gospel music is not my calling. I’m meant to make an impact through another kind of music.”

He also shared that diving fully into the gospel might not align with his audience or personal style. “If I start doing gospel now, it may not connect. It’s not my thing, and I can’t do it the way Frank Edwards or Mercy Chinwo does.”

Addressing the notion that artists leave gospel for secular music because of money, Hassani rejected that view. For him, the true reward lies in the creative process.

“Switching from gospel to secular isn’t just about the money,” he added. “The joy of turning an idea into music is bigger than any money you can earn.”