Soulful Nigerian singer and songwriter, Ric Hassani, has opened up about the often-debated transition many artists make from gospel to secular music. According to the “Thunder Fire You” crooner, the shift isn’t driven by financial gain, but rather a deeper quest for personal fulfillment and purpose.
In a recent interview with Hip TV, Hassani reflected on his own musical roots, revealing that he began his journey in the church before realizing that gospel music wasn’t his true calling.
“Gospel is beyond singing. You have to be blessed to be able to interpret God’s words through music. For example, there is no way a Katty Perry would communicate God’s words through music the way CeCe Winans does. I feel like CeCe is blessed with being able to communicate the Holy Spirit through music. Whitney Houston is blessed in a different way,” he said.
Drawing from personal experience, Ric acknowledged his strong Christian faith but emphasized that the ability to minister through gospel music is a distinct gift not everyone possesses.
“So, I don’t feel this idea of everybody must be in church. Some of us were made for the world. I also have Christian songs. I’m a very strong Christian. In all my albums, there is at least one gospel song. But that’s not really my calling. I’m meant to impact the world in a different way, with a different kind of music. I’m not going to do it the way Frank Edwards or Mercy Chinwo is going to do it. If I enter church music now, I fit no bang. It’s not my thing,” he admitted.
Ric Hassani further dismantled the common notion that gospel artists turn to secular music for financial reasons. Instead, he pointed to a deeper desire for artistic satisfaction and expression.
“People leaving gospel music for secular music is not about money. Creatives or people who are blessed with these gifts like money, everybody likes money. But the real fulfillment is being able to do it and exist doing it. Even the Wizkids, the Burnas that have all the money in the world… If it was really about money, then Davido has no business doing anything because he has all the money he would ever need,” he explained.
He concluded by highlighting the profound joy that comes from creating music, a joy that transcends material wealth.
“So, it’s not really about money. The kind of satisfaction that comes from being able to think of an idea of a thing and put it on the record and create music is beyond money. It’s bigger than any satisfaction money can give you,” Hassani stated.
Known for his poetic lyrics and soulful melodies, Ric Hassani continues to inspire fans with not only his sound but also his perspective on artistry and purpose.
