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 based 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 in need of support.
“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—no. 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 a place to sleep, and it must be provided. And because that is assured, you don’t need to worry about charging them; it’s something that must be made available for you,” he said.
According to him, even if churches do not have the financial muscle to pay their musicians every month, they should show concern for 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 church leaders do not even know where some of these musicians sleep, what they eat, or how they come to church. “We don’t even care,” he added.
“We need to do it. Even if we gather church money and give it to orphanages and those on the street, what’s the big deal if you 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.