Gospel musician ACP Kofi Sarpong is urging his colleagues to actively collaborate with artistes who have transitioned from secular to gospel music.

He believes such partnerships can help reduce the stigma these artistes often face after publicly declaring their newfound faith.

In an interview with Graphic Showbiz on Monday, December 1, he pointed out that such partnerships should be natural, given that gospel artistes often feature secular artistes they see as colleagues.

“I’ve heard quite a number of these artistes complain about being discriminated against, which I think shouldn’t be the case. If we, gospel artistes, feature secular artistes, how unholy is it to embrace these secular artistes who turn to gospel music?

“We should rather learn from the story of the prodigal son and not act all pious, since we belong to the same industry as musicians,” he said.

His comments come as former secular artiste Yaw Siki, a notable secular-to-gospel convert, continues to share the challenges he has faced since switching genres.

Yaw Siki’s switch happened after surviving a near-fatal accident in 2013.

The Tema-based artiste, known for his hit song Wope Dodo, has since been preaching in commercial vehicles to win souls for Christ. He is now an ordained pastor.

Despite his ‘long service’ in ministry, Yaw Siki revealed in a previous interview with Graphic Showbiz that he’s struggled with acceptance and adequate patronage of his gospel songs.

Reacting to this, ACP Kofi Sarpong said, “Secular artistes who switch to gospel need our support, not criticism or scepticism. They're taking a big step, and we should encourage them to keep going.

“I think the scepticism might have even pushed Ofori Amponah back to Highlife. Let's not be too quick to judge, and this applies to the church too, not just gospel artistes,” he added.

He also referenced the transformation of former rap champion Lord Kenya, whose transition into ministry has been widely praised. 

Sarpong hopes Kenya’s story will inspire others to follow in his footsteps. “Even with his new status that everyone seems to be proud of, Lord Kenya keeps talking about discrimination, which shouldn’t be encouraged,” he said.

Kofi Sarpong's journey into music wasn't planned. As a deputy superintendent of police at the time, he told Graphic Showbiz he was content with his job and had no intention of pursuing a music career.

However, a friend who is now his manager, Kwesi Ernest, persisted, and eventually, he gave in.

“I declined outright, citing my police career. But Kwesi Ernest saw something in me and convinced me to give music a shot."

So with the approval of then-Acting IGP Elizabeth Mills Robertson, Sarpong began his music journey in 2009. His first song was rehearsed with Akwaboah Jnr, who wrote it and had accompanied Kwesi Ernest to his office.

Since then, he has been a strong force in the music industry, with songs such as Ayeyi Ndwom, Hour by Hour, Nkumimdii, Meto Ndwom, and Adom Bi, among others.

Last year, he released Yehowah, featuring Diana Hamilton, and he is back this year with Miracle, which dropped last month.

“Miracle is a song that celebrates the everyday wonders of life and the incredible ways faith shows up in our lives. I wanted to remind people that miracles are real, and they happen around us all the time, often when we least expect them,” he explained.