Baba Harare Exposes Hypocrisy Of Gospel Industry, Reveals How Artists Are Exploited In The Name Of Christ
Baba Harare has opened up about what he calls deep-rooted hypocrisy in the gospel music industry, saying artists are being exploited in the name of Christ. The singer, who paused secular shows for a year to focus on gospel performances, revealed his frustrations in a lengthy Facebook post on 9 September 2025. His remarks sparked heated debate online, with hundreds of followers weighing in.
“This is not Kingdom behaviour”
In his Facebook post, Baba Harare reflected on his experiences in both secular and gospel performances.
“This might sound controversial, but it comes from my heart and from my own experience. For the past year, I’ve been on hiatus from secular shows and performing exclusively at gospel events. As a Christian, as someone who is part of this community, I feel I have every right to speak on this,” he wrote.
He praised the ministry side of gospel music but said the business side was “a different story.”
“Often, people hide under the idea that because you’re ministering for the Kingdom, payment ‘shouldn’t matter.’ But let’s be honest: I am not only a Christian, I am also a human being and an artist. This is my work, my livelihood, and I need to survive beyond the stage.”
The artist highlighted the difference between secular promoters and gospel organisers.
“In the secular industry, I’ve never once had an issue with payment. In the gospel industry, it happens far too often. If we really want the gospel genre to grow, to travel, and to stand strong, we need to treat gospel artists with dignity and fairness.”
He said one recent incident exposed the problem clearly.
“On Friday, I went to minister at a church. I didn’t charge them a performance fee. All I asked for was a token of US$200 (R3,700) to cover my fuel and expenses. Instead of being met with understanding, I was met with rudeness. Suddenly, I was no longer a ‘brother in Christ,’ but mocked and called a ‘comrade.’”
Calling for accountability, he concluded:
“This is not Kingdom behaviour. This is not how we build each other. And it’s one of the reasons the gospel industry struggles to move forward — lack of respect, lack of accountability, and non-payment of artists.”
P.S. ma artist eku gospel mazhinji vanofira yekunzi mukristu haadaro. But kuno tinodaro manje…”
(Many gospel artists die silently under the excuse that “a Christian does not complain,” but here we speak out).
“Ministry does not mean martyrdom”
The post triggered a wave of responses from followers. Many supported his stand, while others urged diplomacy.
Michael Hart praised him for speaking out:
“Too many churches expect artists to pour out without pouring back in. Ministry does not mean martyrdom. Honour, respect, and accountability should be the bare minimum, especially in the House of God. You are not just a vessel; you are a professional.”
Echoing this, Jeffrey Mudzikati added:
“It’s concerning to hear that gospel music promoters often treat musicians poorly. At the end of the day, these musicians are human beings, simply trying to make a living. Promoters must understand that gospel music is more than just entertainment — it uplifts our spirits, heals broken hearts, renews our minds, and gives hope to the hopeless.”
Others expressed frustration with the church culture. Ethias wrote:
“MaKristu ndisu vanhu vasingararami zvatinoparidza manje” (We Christians are the ones who don’t live what we preach nowadays).
Judge Wutete agreed:
“Very correct, most don’t practise what they preach. Hypocrisy at its highest.”
Another follower, Fufue Deketeke, said:
“Reason why I stopped going to church. I decided better to pray at home.”
Mixed reactions from fans
Not everyone agreed with Baba Harare’s decision to make the issue public. Tracey Makoni suggested caution:
“Don’t burn the bridges. Diplomacy wins each time. No need to post screenshots; you could have addressed this generally if it indeed is a pattern you have seen in the sector.”
Some fans encouraged him to balance gospel and secular performances. Innocent Mtonga said:
“You can do both Christian and secular music — just like the great Oliver Mtukudzi, who gave us songs like Pfugama Unamate and even a full gospel album. Shifting completely was almost career suicide. Remember, as a Christian, you also need to put food on the table.”
Others shared personal experiences. Prewagody Muparadzi commented:
“Most Christians, when it comes to debts, don’t pay. Never do business with church people. I’m not saying all are like that, but most don’t honour agreements.”
Women of Worth Zw weighed in:
“Artists are expected to sing for free when pastors charge one-to-one fees to pray for church members.”
Another fan, Owen N Magunje, said the issue was long overdue.
“Churches have to begin doing things right. This thing of ‘God bless you’ on everything should be stopped! Pay where payment is needed, pray where prayer is required, feed where people are hungry! Don’t spiritualise everything!”
Meanwhile, Lerato Avanti said the exploitation was one of the reasons people stayed away from church.
“Artists who do gospel music must be paid. They have backup singers and rehearsals to fund. Most churches are full of hypocrites, hence some people end up choosing to pray at home.”
Baba Harare’s call has stirred debate in the gospel industry, with many saying the uncomfortable conversation is long overdue.
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The post Baba Harare Exposes Gospel Industry For Exploiting Artists In The Name Of Christ appeared first on iHarare News.
