Gospel artist and songwriter Boss MOG has opened up about his approach to music, explaining why he chooses to remain rooted in gospel despite also writing songs for secular artistes.
Speaking during an interview on Radio Maisha’s morning show, Boss MOG said he does not view himself as part of the general entertainment industry but rather as someone serving within gospel ministry.
“Mimi ni gospel artist, lakini pia naandikia secular artists nyimbo,” he said.
The artist explained that his focus is not just about making music but about understanding the purpose behind what he does.
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“Kuna kukuwa kwa industry na kustay true to the calling. Mimi siko kwa industry, niko kwa gospel music industry ama ministry.”
Understanding calling versus talent
Boss MOG said many artistes often move between different spaces in music, with some shifting from gospel to secular music and others moving in the opposite direction.
He noted that the decision should be based on understanding one’s purpose and motivation.
“Kuna watu wengi ambao wanashift talent, camps. Unaweza pata kama ulikuwa unaimba gospel unaanza kuimba secular, na kama ulikuwa unaimba secular unaturn unaimba gospel. Ni kuhusu hii kitu unafanya ni kwa nini unaifanya ama motivation ni gani.”
Talent and calling are two different things. He explained that a person can have a gift but still needs to understand where that gift is meant to serve.
“Gifting: one can decide how to use his gift, but you cannot confuse your gift with your calling.”
Boss MOG gave an example from his own career, saying he believes his calling is gospel music, while his songwriting ability is a gift that he can use in different ways.
“Mimi nimeitwa kuimba gospel music, lakini naweza kutumia gift yangu kutengeneza pesa.”
Writing songs beyond gospel music
“Mimi ni writer, naandikia watu. Naandika love songs, nimeandika hit songs mingi sana.”Am songwriter who has written songs for other artistes. He explained that his writing ability allows him to create different types of music, including love songs.
He mentioned songs such as Chum Chum by Vivian and Charm as examples of projects he has been involved with.
However, he maintained that writing for secular artistes does not mean changing his own musical direction.
“I cannot confuse my gift and my calling.”
Boss MOG also referenced the biblical parable of talents, where different people were given different amounts and later asked what they did with what they received.
He said his ability to write and create music is a gift, but he does not want to use that as a reason to abandon what he believes is his calling.
“Siwezi confuse gift yangu na calling yangu.”
The gospel artiste added that he has received calls from secular music managers encouraging him to venture into secular music, but he has chosen to stay aligned with his gospel mission.
“Ninapokea calls kutoka kwa secular managers wakiniambia nianze kuimba secular.”
