Wherever you go, gospel music, be it in buses or even in the municipal beer gardens, has now taken centre stage. But the situation begs the question: Are people getting the message and repenting or they are just listening and dancing to the music for the mere sake of it?

The past three years have seen gospel music achieve unprecedented popularity and, along with the fame, some artists have made a little fortune.

There appears to be a general consensus that some artists are into gospel music only to make a fast buck. Several people recently spoken to by Standard Plus gave possible reasons behind the mushrooming of gospel singers.

Renowned gospel songbird, Ivy Kombo said: "I personally think people are getting the music's message. Many people have turned to the Lord through gospel music. When we do crusades, we get great responses from the people. As the Bible says, when you travel with the Holy Spirit you will not fail."

Mechanic Manyeruke, one of the first gospel artists to really achieve fame through the music, urged caution: "The challenge that now exists is for people to realise which musicians are genuine. They must take into account whether the person behind that music is saved or not. We now have a problem with the new type of musician who, upon discovering that gospel music is now marketable, starts singing gospel music. To compound the problem, our radio personalities no longer play old gospel music as they now favour these new artists, whose music lacks the ability to turn people to the Lord."

Chipo Phiri, a Christian, said more people were turning to gospel music due to its ability to comfort them in these times of hardships. "Many people have repented due to messages brought by these musicians. Take for instance Charles Charamba, his music has got strong message based on the Holy Bible itself, and the way he has interpreted it is just wonderful."

Pastor Admire Kasi , a producer with several gospel artists, emphasised the need for people to get the message carried by gospel music. "People these days realise the need to lament their wrong doings and turn to the Lord, hence they now seek Christ through gospel music."

However, Obert Matahwa, a media student, castigated some gospel musicians for only turning to religious music as a means of earning a living. "True, some artists have turned people to Christ. There is need to check on some of the musicians who, upon discovering how financially rewarding singing gospel music, become gospel artists overnight," he said.