The Choir Girl's Dilemma

The Choir Girl’s Dilemma

By neglecting artistic expression and diversity, the church risks driving away young talents eager to freely create for Jesus.

“Some may think I’m condemning the church,

but I intend to urge the church to adapt to the evolving needs of younger generations.

We yearn to grow, develop, explore, and express our creativity in unique ways while remaining deeply rooted in our faith.

The church should embrace and nurture us, building us up in knowledge and love for God, rather than condemning us.

This acceptance keeps our focus on God, shielding us from worldly temptations.”

The church often laments the loss of young, talented creatives who leave to pursue worldly gains and recognition.

Ironically, it also proudly claims credit for launching the careers of successful secular musicians who got their start in the church.

But shouldn’t these scenarios prompt serious self-reflection?

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Shouldn’t the church be concerned about its ability to discover, nurture, groom, and support its young talents, rather than simply watching them slip away?

The Choir Girl’s Dilemma

Hello, I’m Dinma, a representation of the numerous young, hidden talents within today’s churches.

As a multifaceted creative, I weave words into vibrant masterpieces with my pen and captivate audiences with my soulful voice, enchanting vocals, and charming presence.

But above all, I’m an unapologetic lover of God, passionate about harnessing my gifts to inspire millions globally through the beauty of language and art.

Today, by God’s grace, I’m living my dreams at 26.

My creative talents and voice have gained global recognition.

However, my work doesn’t fit the traditional Christian setting, as my lyrics don’t explicitly mention Jesus, God, or the Holy Spirit.

This makes them unsuitable for church gatherings or some devout listeners, despite their soul-lifting, inspirational lyrics.

“Ahhh! Dinma, you’ve joined the worldly people!” my mother exclaimed, disappointment etched on her face.

“You should be spreading Christ’s message through your songs, just as I taught you.”

I’d calm her down with the substantial income my music generated, and she’d soften, tucking the money into her wrapper.

But soon, she’d revert to her concerns.

“My lyrics aren’t dirty. Mother. They’re uplifting and joyful,’ I’d explain.

“But who’s dancing to your songs?’ she’d counter.

“Where are they played?

Bars, hotels, and everywhere else. Why can’t we dance to your songs in church, glorifying God?

Why can’t they be played among the saints?'”

“It doesn’t matter, Mother. As long as I’m not influencing anyone negatively,” I replied.

“It does matter!” Mother stressed. “God gifted you to glorify Him. Your lyrics should only speak of God.”

“But gospel songs don’t sell,” I countered.

“Are you prioritizing money and fame?

None of that will matter in Heaven,” Mother urged. “Use your gifts for God, regardless of sales.”

“So, you’re enjoying the comfortable life my music provides, yet you question my path?” I asked, slightly sarcastic.

Mother paused, collecting her thoughts. “Even though… Use your gift to preach the gospel.”

“I still love God, Mother. Singing my way doesn’t make me less of a minister,” I assured.

“It has!” Mother countered.

“You’re no longer invited to sing for the congregation as often. How many times has the pastor called you lately?'”

The Choir Girl’s Dilemma

Truly, since I ventured into secular music, the church doors closed for me.

People saw me as a ‘worldly’ artist, no longer fit for the altar.

But deep down, my love for God remains unshaken. Music is my passion, my career, and my reward.

I yearned for more than the church’s limited spotlight.

The world offered opportunities: art exhibitions, competitions, and record labels eager to promote young talent.

Unlike the church, which rarely nurtures and promotes artistic growth, the world embraced me.

Why confine myself to Sunday and mid-week services, singing only praises and worship?

I wanted to soar globally, sharing my message with a broader audience. The church’s constraints couldn’t hold me back.

At 15, I joined my local church’s adult choir, and my sonorous voice captivated the congregation.

They couldn’t get enough of me singing every day.

I felt like one of the blessed angels, praised for my heavenly voice.

My church, one of the largest in the country with over 700,000 attendees across its branches, offered a vast platform.

During headquarters events, crowds swelled to 70,000, with millions streaming online worldwide.

“I could showcase my gift here,” I thought, tempted by the spotlight.

But I’d been taught to use my voice to serve God, not seek showmanship.

Yet, a part of me craved recognition. “Who will appreciate God’s gift in me if I don’t show it?” I wondered.

I then proceeded to join the general choir, comprising members from all states, hoping to gain recognition and connect with influential mentors.

However, the experience was underwhelming—rehearsals, group singing, and the same regular choir rendition.

The Choir Girl’s Dilemma

The church consistently invited renowned gospel musicians as guest ministers, seemingly prioritizing their ‘anointing’ and talent over nurturing in-house talent.

These guests were paid millions for brief performances, while dedicated choir members like myself felt undervalued.

I know my words may sound bitter, but they reflect the honest sentiments of many young, talented church musicians seeking encouragement and growth.

We crave opportunities to shine, not just blend into the background.

Interestingly, many popular gospel musicians do not own record labels to promote emerging artists like ourselves.

Only a few exceptions exist.

This scarcity forces us to seek opportunities elsewhere.

With numerous large churches and gospel artists worldwide, it’s surprising the gospel music industry lacks diversity.

Furthermore, church music often stifles creativity, sticking to traditional styles and genres.

Lyrics, the soul’s nourishment, take a backseat to intense worship experiences.

The focus on ‘falling under the anointing’ overshadows exploration and innovation.

Music’s potential extends beyond this narrow scope.

By neglecting artistic expression and diversity, the church risks driving away young talents eager to freely create for Jesus.

Gifted rappers and afro-beat composers are hesitant to share their talents in church, fearing judgment as ‘worldly.’

Should they stifle their creativity to conform to the church’s narrow definition of ‘sacred worship’ or ‘church music’?

Or should they explore secular platforms where their skills are valued?

This dilemma sparks a crucial question: Must artistic expression be suffocated to fit religious norms?

Or can we redefine what ‘sacred’ means, embracing diverse talents and genres to glorify God?

The Choir Girl’s Dilemma

“Dinma! Dinma!!” Ani screamed, her excitement radiating through her voice as she rushed towards me on campus.

I thought she had won the lottery or a scholarship, but her words revealed a different thrill.

“I saw a flyer for Nigeria Idol! Auditions are coming up. You have to try it out! You’ve got the voice, Dinma!”

Ani’s breathing was rapid, her eyes shining with conviction. “Is that why you’re so excited?” I asked, amused.

“Yes!” she exclaimed. “Your gift can’t go to waste. You’ve always wanted your voice to be heard. This is the perfect platform.”

I sighed, hesitant. “But this isn’t a gospel event, and my mother…”

Ani cut me off, her enthusiasm resolute.

‘Come on, Dinma!

How long will you wait for your church to organize events like this? Will they ever provide a platform for unique talents like yours?’

I countered, ‘Don’t say that.’

Ani pressed on, “Think about it.

The winner receives 100 million naira and a record deal. Can your church offer that? You need to prepare for the audition!”

Her words resonated, chipping away at my reservations.

Despite my attempts to cling to holy intentions, I knew she was right.

My talent was limited, yearning for growth and exploration while serving God. Fear of church condemnation lingered, but I knew I had to take the leap.

I secretly registered for the competition, knowing my mother’s response would be an unequivocal “no.” I successfully navigated the audition and subsequent stages.

It wasn’t until the show’s climax, with the nation and international audience abuzz, that my family and church members discovered my involvement.

The show’s massive popularity made it unavoidable; everyone was watching, and they saw me shine.

Church members witnessed a new facet of my creativity, and many were thrilled, rooting for my victory.

Although I ultimately claimed second place,

I won a substantial prize and a two-year record deal with a label that valued my unique style, ready to elevate my music to new heights.

That platform catapulted me to global recognition, surprisingly not from the church altar, but through secular music.

The Choir Girl’s Dilemma

My 700,000 fellow church members, scattered across states and continents, discovered me anew, unaware that a future superstar lurked unnoticed in their choir.

Fulfilling my dream of being heard worldwide, I remain grateful for Ani’s persuasive encouragement.

Though my songs are labelled ‘secular’ due to the absence of explicit divine references, their inspirational essence remains. My love for God remains unwavering.

However, I now face an uncomfortable dichotomy.

Formerly welcomed in the choir, I’m viewed with suspicion, like a stranger who ventured into uncharted territory.

My ‘worldly’ tag makes it difficult to sing with the same freedom, my boldness silenced by judgmental stares.

My name has now become a cautionary tale in sermons, warning young ministers: “Beware, Dinma’s pursuit of fame and wealth led her to abandon God-centered music.”

Yet, the same church offers no supportive framework to nurture talents within.

Instead, they unconsciously push gifted individuals like me to seek opportunities outside, where our dreams can truly flourish.

The stigma is suffocating, driving many young talents away from the church, seeking acceptance in the world. But my love for God keeps me anchored.

I continue attending services, now relegated to the back corners, a humbling experience for the ‘secular’ artist I’ve been labelled.

This discrimination cuts deep, highlighting the church’s disconnect between faith and artistic expression.

The Choir Girl’s Dilemma

Reflection:

Exodus 35:35 KJV

[35] Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.
https://bible.com/bible/1/exo.35.35.KJV

Some may think I’m condemning the church, but I intend to urge the church to adapt to the evolving needs of younger generations.

We yearn to grow, develop, explore, and express our creativity in unique ways while remaining deeply rooted in our faith.

The church should embrace and nurture us, building us up in knowledge and love for God, rather than condemning us.

This acceptance keeps our focus on God, shielding us from worldly temptations.