Gospel artists advise youths on godly living
NAN-ELS-6
Artist
By Justina Auta
Abuja, Feb. 23, 2017 (NAN) Some gospel artists on Thursday advised youths to shun negative social vices and work towards transforming the nation positively.
The artists gave the advice, while speaking in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
Mr Emmanuel Tabat, popularly called “Tabat”, called on artists in the gospel or secular world to use their works toward transforming the society positively, and not only for monetary gains.
“ Music is defined as a universal language and as such it cuts across far more barriers than means will.
“ So artists, particularly the gospel artists should not only preach it, but live it so that they mentor other people in the society towards living right.
“ Our work should play a vital role towards transforming the society by using the music vehicle to preach messages that further promotes peace, unity and good morals in the society,’’ he said.
He decried the increase in moral decadence and criminal activities in the country, while urging the citizens not to blame it on recession, unemployment or poverty.
“ No matter how we will want to explain all these vices, they are still bad. Whether we engaged in them to survive or we were pressured into them, it still doesn’t make it good.
“ So, no matter how bad life seems for you now, there are people who are in worse situations and still maintained their integrity and also there are a lot of other people who have desist from doing such things.
“ Instead of contributing ills to the society, pray that God uses you to make the world more beautiful, no matter how far you think you have gone in such acts, you can never be too far enough for God.’’
Tabat, who is also a medical practitioner, called on the youths not to relent or allow challenges to affect their zeal in achieving successes, but to continue to strive towards successes.
“ Let’s try to work on ourselves with God’s help and make our country better. Go to school; engage in business or any vocational skilled job that will generate money for you.’’
Similarly, Mrs Ruth Aaron, popularly referred to as `Pst. Ruth’, emphasised on the role music can play towards achieving change and transforming the society positively.
Aaron said gospel artists can pass their messages effectively via music as it has always served as tool towards social change, passing across messages and raising awareness on issues affecting the society.
She therefore urged the public to continue to pray for the nation, as well as contribute their quota towards positive change in mindsets and behaviour.
On his own part, Mr Jacob Yemi, an instrumentalist advised artists to set good examples and be agents of change, in view of their follower-ship, particularly the youths, who see them as role models.
“ Artists serve as role model for the society, especially the youths, who look up to them and imitate their behaviours, way of life, dressing and even language.
“So there is a need for artists to propagate change and promote good morals instead of doing things that would further contribute towards moral decadence in the society,’’ he said.
Yemi, therefore emphasised that every art work had its own use, and when properly utilised, can propel the nation morally, economically and socially through its messages. (NAN)
JAD/EAL
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi