Nigerian singer Ric Hassani has offered his perspective on a topic that continues to stir conversation in the music industry, why some gospel musicians eventually shift to secular music. Speaking in a recent interview with HipTV Trending, Hassani addressed the common belief that such transitions are solely motivated by financial gain, stating instead that the journey is often about personal purpose and fulfillment.

According to Hassani, gospel music requires more than just vocal talent it demands a spiritual calling and a unique ability to minister through song.

“Gospel is beyond singing. You have to be blessed to be able to interpret God’s words through music,” he explained. He cited artists like CeCe Winans and Whitney Houston as examples of individuals specially gifted to carry spiritual messages through their art.

Reflecting on his own musical beginnings in the church, Hassani said he soon realised gospel music wasn’t his true path. Despite being a strong Christian and including at least one gospel-inspired track on each of his albums, he believes his purpose lies in a broader musical mission. “I’m not going to do it the way Frank Edwards or Mercy Chinwo is going to do it. If I enter church music now, I fit no bang. It’s not my thing,” he said candidly.

Hassani stressed that for many artists, transitioning to secular music is not about abandoning faith or chasing money. Instead, it’s about expressing their creativity authentically. “Even the Wizkids and Burna Boys that have all the money in the world… If it was really about money, Davido has no business doing anything because he has all the money he would ever need,” he pointed out.

In his view, the drive to create music is rooted in a deeper sense of purpose, one that goes beyond material success. “The kind of satisfaction that comes from being able to think of an idea and put it on a record is beyond money. It’s bigger than any satisfaction money can give you.”

He concluded by encouraging artists to follow their true calling, emphasizing that not everyone is meant to minister through gospel music. “Some of us were made for the world,” he said, adding that making an impact through music comes in different forms.