Gospel star Mabel Okyere spoke out about the difficulties and challenges she has gone through in Ghana’s gospel industry.
Recently, Mabel Okyere shared with Dave Hammer of Hello FM that some pastors have tried to take advantage of her for their own benefit.
Mabel believes that, as a gospel musician in Ghana, you have to work closely with pastors since most gospel events and ministry chances take place through churches. But she explained that some pastors don’t see her as a colleague and instead ask her for sexual favors before letting her perform.
“Most of them tell me they want to have sex with me first before they will support me,” she said. “I’m not sure if it is because I’m not married or because I look beautiful.“
Even though Mabel Okyere has sometimes missed out on chances because of it, the singer openly admitted that she has refused those approaches. She made sure it was clear that single women in power should not be abused by those in charge.
She mentioned that mistreatment in the industry is normal for young and rising female gospel artists. Still, she underlined that each woman should consider for herself if she will accept such immoral offers.
“It’s a choice that each person makes for themselves to be ‘for the street,’” Mabel said. “It relies on whether a woman continues to resist or accepts the situation.”
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To that effect, many fans and observers inside the music industry are cheering on her honesty after she spoke out about sexual exploitation in Ghana’s religious spaces.
The story of Mabel Okyere is really asking for change, for an industry where people’s talents and faith are respected without any questions.
While serving through her music, Mabel continues to encourage others that there is hope for integrity, even in trials.
