Ghanaian gospel musician Uncle Ato is unhappy about how some churches treat their instrumentalists and other musicians.
Speaking to TV3 on Showbiz 360, Uncle Ato premised his concern on Luke 10:7, which says “every labourer deserves their wages.”
He therefore admonished churches to pay particular attention to their musicians and those that need help.
“The scripture makes it clear. In 1st Corinthians chapter 9, the bible says that no soldier goes to war buying his own uniform and boots. He deserves to be taken care of.
In Matthew 10, it also says the labourer deserves his pay so when you go, they will give you where to sleep and it must be given and because that is assured, you don’t need to worry about charging them because it is something that must be made for you,” he said.
According to him, even if the churches do not have the financial muscle to pay their musicians every month, they need to show concern about their well-being.
“Probably if you don’t put them on salary, prove to them that you care,” Uncle Ato said.
He further noted that sometimes the church leaders do not even know where some of these musicians sleep, what they eat, you don’t even know how they come to church and we don’t even care.
“We need to do it; even we gather church monies and give out to orphanages and those on the street, what is the big deal if you have to support those who are contributing to the church, it’s not a problem at all,” he stated.
Uncle Ato is known for songs such as ‘Mensuro’, ‘Jesus’, ‘Aseda’, ‘Kronkron’, ‘Mewo Anyidado’, among others.