Salvation Press News (SPN), HARARE. – You can’t live like a demon and sing like an angel. In reverse. You can’t sing a like an angel and harbour demonic characteristics. Music is a powerful tool, which if not properly managed can ignite a spiritual flame.
It’s now official, Obey Makamure aka Tocky Vibes has graced the stage at church gatherings. He has established a longing crowd, probably more than his host’s praise and worship ensemble. And his influence is not limited to the church. Harare adore him. In fact, some worship his dancehall genre. But his beat is nowhere near the gospel. Except when he denotes God in his verses, albeit in a passing mode.
So, if a gospel musician can liberally perform in a public domain, who can forbid Tocky Vibes from gracing a church platform? After all, we are living in a liberated space. Probably the foremost question is: what is the meaning of music in church? The immediate response is: it is twofold, to praise and worship God. Then where does Tocky and his dancehall genre fit?
In America, TD Jakes has gone with the flow inviting circular musicians to the podium. How has this act assisted in boosting attendance? And can it be qualified as another marketing gizmo or evangelism in disguise. As you recite this instalment, Tocky has just inked a yearlong deal with a Harare cigarette manufacturer. This is his first certified ambassadorial post which he will share with other chosen musicians.
His main role, definitely is to promote the cigarette brand within the country, and probably appear on adverts pulling on a cigarette and pretending to appear cool about it. So, is the church comfortable to invite a smoking preacher to convert people to Christ? Isn’t that pure smoking hypocrisy? Many know the adverse effects of smoking including that it is a cancer provoking and addictive habit. Have we become so addicted to Tocky that we cannot resist his seemingly growing influence on the musical front?
Cancer is responsible for millions of deaths worldwide. And the same singer, after a cigarette advert will appear on stage to convince worshipers there is an almighty Lord in heaven. Sunday is usually reserved for singers like Tocky. This is after a weeklong schedule performing live in bars and similar outlets. On this day we witness Tocky in church to lead in worship, or is it confusion of the worshipers. Though there is nothing wrong with him joining other worshipers.
Statistics claim that, at least four out of five musicians began singing in churches. Later on, many diverted their attention and concentrated on circular music to garner more attention. Arguably, circular music is more popular the gospel, hence the irrefutable allure. Musicians who come into the fold are: Beyoncé, whose father was also a pastor and John Legend.
Back in Harare, Jah Prayzer, a name that is meant to mean ‘Praising the Creator’, is nowhere near that intention, just yet. Is he probably praising the real Lord in a different manner or unknowingly. Somehow, he understands how God operates. He actually has an informed background of the Lord, but his performances cannot be classified to fulfil these noble goals.
Years back, Hosea Chipanga was a heat marker. During his peak, he generated a lot of debate with his penetrating social commentary. He was known for stating that there is no problem in singing in bars or related venues, as long as one’s intention is to win souls to Christ. But if he was correct, then what is Tocky and his cliques doing to worshipers in church who we supposedly were converted to Christ already?
For we cannot afford to preach the same gospel inside and outside the church and expect a similar outcome and remain relevant. Music is a powerful format of preaching even during the biblical era. Satan was recorded as an eloquent singer. If circular music has indeed invaded our sanctified pulpits, then where can we go for true salvation and inspiration? Maybe Tocky Vibes and his syndicate will deliver solutions? – Salvation Press News (SPN).
It’s now official, Obey Makamure aka Tocky Vibes has graced the stage at church gatherings. He has established a longing crowd, probably more than his host’s praise and worship ensemble. And his influence is not limited to the church. Harare adore him. In fact, some worship his dancehall genre. But his beat is nowhere near the gospel. Except when he denotes God in his verses, albeit in a passing mode.
So, if a gospel musician can liberally perform in a public domain, who can forbid Tocky Vibes from gracing a church platform? After all, we are living in a liberated space. Probably the foremost question is: what is the meaning of music in church? The immediate response is: it is twofold, to praise and worship God. Then where does Tocky and his dancehall genre fit?
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| Tocky Vibes in church: are circular musicians hijacking the church? |
His main role, definitely is to promote the cigarette brand within the country, and probably appear on adverts pulling on a cigarette and pretending to appear cool about it. So, is the church comfortable to invite a smoking preacher to convert people to Christ? Isn’t that pure smoking hypocrisy? Many know the adverse effects of smoking including that it is a cancer provoking and addictive habit. Have we become so addicted to Tocky that we cannot resist his seemingly growing influence on the musical front?
Cancer is responsible for millions of deaths worldwide. And the same singer, after a cigarette advert will appear on stage to convince worshipers there is an almighty Lord in heaven. Sunday is usually reserved for singers like Tocky. This is after a weeklong schedule performing live in bars and similar outlets. On this day we witness Tocky in church to lead in worship, or is it confusion of the worshipers. Though there is nothing wrong with him joining other worshipers.
Statistics claim that, at least four out of five musicians began singing in churches. Later on, many diverted their attention and concentrated on circular music to garner more attention. Arguably, circular music is more popular the gospel, hence the irrefutable allure. Musicians who come into the fold are: Beyoncé, whose father was also a pastor and John Legend.
Back in Harare, Jah Prayzer, a name that is meant to mean ‘Praising the Creator’, is nowhere near that intention, just yet. Is he probably praising the real Lord in a different manner or unknowingly. Somehow, he understands how God operates. He actually has an informed background of the Lord, but his performances cannot be classified to fulfil these noble goals.
Years back, Hosea Chipanga was a heat marker. During his peak, he generated a lot of debate with his penetrating social commentary. He was known for stating that there is no problem in singing in bars or related venues, as long as one’s intention is to win souls to Christ. But if he was correct, then what is Tocky and his cliques doing to worshipers in church who we supposedly were converted to Christ already?
For we cannot afford to preach the same gospel inside and outside the church and expect a similar outcome and remain relevant. Music is a powerful format of preaching even during the biblical era. Satan was recorded as an eloquent singer. If circular music has indeed invaded our sanctified pulpits, then where can we go for true salvation and inspiration? Maybe Tocky Vibes and his syndicate will deliver solutions? – Salvation Press News (SPN).
