Nigerians wrongly believe entertainers are rich –Dare Melody

Gospel singer, Dare Melody, has said the ban placed on public gatherings as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has made things tough for entertainers. He told Sunday Scoop, “Since a ban was placed on public gatherings, things have been very rough and tough for entertainers. Despite that, I have been rendering assistance to underprivileged people with the funds I have been getting from helpers. People are really going through a lot and it breaks my heart.”

Melody also stated that entertainers were under immense pressure because people believed they had so much money at their disposal. He added, “One of the biggest challenges we are facing now is that most people believe that we have a lot of money. I constantly get a lot of calls and messages from people, asking for one assistance or the other. I try the best I can but I also want them to understand that we are humans too and are not having it easy amidst the pandemic.”

Reacting to the claims in some quarters that gospel songs no longer have as much depth as they used to, he said, “Yes, it is true. That was not how things were when I released my first album. Back then, we used to think deeply and ask the Holy Spirit to direct us. We also listened to the voice of God. But now, people believe that if one does not sing alujo music, one is not doing well. I just pray that we wouldn’t miss heaven.”

Speaking on the inspiration behind his latest singles, Melody said, “I believe that this pandemic will soon be over and we will dance and praise God. That is what inspired Ijo Ope.

“For Adaba, I used the song to call down the Holy Spirit because it is a source of power for Christians.

“Meanwhile, in Unstoppable, I told God that my head and those of everybody that listen to the song should lead us to the right path.”

On the changes he would like to see in the gospel music industry, he said, “I pray for unity and love among us, especially Yoruba gospel artistes. I also want the government to support us because we sing to change people, by telling them to repent and return to their saviour. That is very important, especially at a time like this.”

The singer also noted that tenacity, tolerance and positive thinking are the qualities that have brought him this far in the gospel music industry.

(PUNCH)