Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr Paul Enenche, has criticised the lyrical content of many Afrobeats songs, alleging that the genre promotes negative values and exerts a harmful influence on young people.

Speaking during the church’s Mid-year Worship Concert, Enenche urged gospel musicians to produce more youth-focused songs that would offer positive guidance and counter what he described as the growing influence of secular music.

Announcing plans for a Youth Fire Night scheduled for September 25, the cleric called on gospel artistes, including music minister Prinx Emmanuel, to participate in the event.

“We will organise a Youth Fire Night on the 25th of September. Prinx Emmanuel and other young music ministers here, clean your calendar for that date,” he said.

Enenche stressed the need for music with meaningful messages that could shape the values and decisions of young people.

“It is better to have music that is saying something that youth is hearing than the garbage that worldly musicians sing.”

The preacher went on to criticise Afrobeats, claiming that many artistes promote harmful behaviour through their songs.

“Most of those Afrobeats are just saying rubbish. Smoking Indian hemp while they are singing and influencing the youths in negative ways,” he stated.

According to him, exposing young people to spiritually uplifting music would help steer them away from destructive lifestyles and unhealthy influences.

“By the time you have this positive replacement for such garbage, then your life cannot follow such a direction.”

Enenche expressed hope that gospel music would continue to evolve with messages capable of mentoring young people and helping them make better life choices.

“I trust that in time to come, more of this music will be very word-loaded to disciple you, show you steps to take, how to stay away from negative friends, how to make the right decisions and so on,” he added. (The Sun)