Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr Paul Enenche, has criticised the Afrobeats genre, arguing that many of its songs lack meaningful content and have a negative influence on young people.
Speaking during the church’s Mid-year Worship Concert, Enenche urged gospel musicians to produce more youth-oriented songs that combine energetic sounds with messages capable of guiding and discipling listeners.
Announcing plans for a Youth Fire Night scheduled for September 25, the cleric called on gospel artistes, including Prinx Emmanuel, to make themselves available for the programme.
According to Enenche, young people need music that promotes positive values rather than what he described as harmful messages.
“It is better to have music that is saying something that youth is hearing than the garbage that worldly musicians sing,” he told the congregation.
The pastor went on to criticise what he described as the lyrical content and lifestyle portrayed by some Afrobeats artistes.
“Most of those Afrobeats are just saying rubbish. Smoking Indian hemp while they are singing and influencing the youths in negative ways,” he said.
Enenche maintained that offering young people compelling gospel music with practical life lessons would provide a healthier alternative.
He expressed hope that more contemporary gospel songs would not only appeal to younger audiences but also contain messages that teach good decision-making, encourage positive relationships and help listeners avoid destructive influences.
The remarks have added to ongoing conversations about the role of music in shaping youth culture, with debates over the lyrical themes and social impact of Afrobeats continuing to generate mixed reactions among audiences and industry stakeholders.
