Kuami Eugene blames gospel industry structure for his shift to secular music

Highlife and Afrobeats star Kuami Eugene, popularly known as "the Rockstar," has provided insight into his decision to move away from the gospel music genre that marked the beginning of his career. Speaking during an interview on Joy Prime’s Changes show, the award-winning musician revealed that the prevailing structure of the Ghanaian gospel industry creates significant hurdles for emerging talent. He explained that these systemic challenges ultimately influenced his transition into the secular music space, where he found a more navigable path to stardom.

According to Eugene, the gospel sector is often characterized by rigid expectations and harsh judgment that extend beyond the music itself. He noted that audiences and industry stakeholders frequently attach a stigma to gospel performers, often evaluating them based on their physical appearance and lifestyle rather than their vocal ability or the spiritual content of their work. This environment, he suggested, makes it difficult for new artists to gain the necessary recognition and support to thrive, whereas the secular genre offered fewer such barriers during his rise to prominence.

Despite his pivot to mainstream secular music, the artist maintains a strong connection to his gospel roots. He disclosed that he continues to be an active participant in the gospel scene by writing and producing songs for other established artists within the genre. Furthermore, Eugene expressed his intention to incorporate gospel-themed tracks into his future musical projects, ensuring his spiritual foundation remains a part of his discography. He recently released a new single titled ‘Ajei’ as he continues to balance his commercial success with his artistic versatility.