“Gospel music needs more recognition beyond contemporary category” – Sokoohemaa Kukua

Gospel musician Sokoohemaa Kukua has called for the expansion of award categories dedicated to gospel music, stressing that the current structure does not fully represent the depth and diversity of the genre.

Speaking during a panel discussion on United Showbiz, the singer expressed concern that gospel music continues to be underrepresented at major award schemes, despite its significant impact on the music industry and society at large.

According to Sokoohemaa Kukua, the introduction of the “Contemporary Gospel” category by some award schemes, though a step in the right direction, falls short of addressing the broader needs of gospel artistes.

"The contemporary category alone is not enough. Gospel music has evolved over the years and deserves more categories to showcase the different styles and messages,” she stated.

She explained that gospel music in Ghana has expanded beyond traditional worship to include various sub-genres such as urban gospel, praise, worship, gospel highlife, and gospel rap. Limiting recognition to just one or two categories, she argued, undermines the creativity and effort of many artistes working within these diverse styles.

Sokoohemaa Kukua noted that gospel musicians have consistently contributed to the moral and spiritual fabric of society, using their craft to inspire, educate, and uplift audiences.

She further urged award organizers to create more inclusive platforms that reflect the true scope of gospel music, emphasizing that additional categories would not only reward excellence but also encourage upcoming artistes to explore the genre more deeply.