The message of God can be shared regardless of language - Joseph Matthew In response to Nathaniel Bassey
Ghanaian Afro-Gospel performer Joseph Matthew, who is residing in the UK, claims that since music can communicate the message of God regardless of language, Ghanaian musicians shouldn't be required to sing in English.
Boakyewaa Lawrencia 
The musician, who is well-known for songs like Halleluyah, Nyame Ye, My Story, Not Alone, and The Name, clarified in a video that he uploaded on his Instagram page yesterday that the power of music transcends language barriers and racial backgrounds.
Joseph Matthew made the observation that musicians should make deliberate efforts to expand their songwriting internationally rather than only sing in English.
"Any Ghanaian who agrees with Nathaniel Bassey's remarks is illiterate. You need the proper plugs if you want to go global. We shouldn't support this narrative because there are other interrelated issues that go beyond language, the speaker said.
Joseph Matthew's remarks contribute to the expanding discourse surrounding the linguistic choices made by Ghanaian gospel artists in the wake of Nigeria's Nathaniel Bassey's impassioned plea for the latter to sing in English in order to expand their international fan base.
Insisting that the world should hear their songs, Bassey encouraged Ghanaian gospel musicians to write songs in English. She expressed great optimism that Ghanaians will eventually be able to perform in Nigeria.
Nathaniel Bassey recently said at the Jesus Christ Encounter event hosted at the Accra Sports Stadium, "Yes, I know you love your local dialect, Twi, but there is an anointing on you and the world needs to hear your songs."
