Gone are the days when Christian music was done to traditional  tunes. In fact, most contemporary gospel acts record songs to uptempo dancehall  beats.

This leaves many to wonder where is the gospel in gospel music.  According to CEO of Glory Music Tommy Cowan, it all comes down to the content of  the lyrics.

“I have no problem once the lyrics are that of inspiration. Some  of the gospel artistes today use this method as a way to spread the word of  God,” Cowan told Splash.

He added: “For example Papa San, even though he waves and dances,  he gets out the Word of God in a fitting manner. Even if it is a comedian doing  gospel music, the message should be clear,” said Cowan.

The dreadlocked Cowan worked as a manager and producer for  artistes like Bob Marley, Dennis Brown and Israel Vibration, before entering the  gospel arena just over 20 years ago.

He is quick to point out that in the past he had to meet with  several artistes whose message did not portray the word.

“There are those who sounded too much like the hardcore secular  acts. Their words are not clear so it’s hard for a listener to understand what  they are saying,” he explained. “Some form of adjustment needs to be made.”

Cowan advises gospel acts to educate themselves on the word of God  by reading the scriptures in order to spread the gospel lyrically. Before  signing or recording acts with Glory Music, Cowan says he does thorough  background checks.

This process entails a visit to the church the artiste attends to  get their standing in the ministry.

Like secular acts, gospel artistes are heavily scrutinised by the  media. In recent times there have been stories of some being involved in  criminal or ‘ungodly’ acts.

In her book, From Brokenness to Victory, Joan Wright, (ex-wife of  Calvin Whilby, more popularly known as Prodigal Son) wrote that her marriage was  affected by physical and verbal abuse. In January 2009, another gospel act,  Moses, was found dead under questionable circumstances in the Gordon Town area  of St Andrew.

Cowan believes while it is good to be a role model, fans of gospel  performers must realise that the devil and temptation plays a big role in the  world in which they live.

“A lot of bad things are going to happen to Christians and  non-Christians alike,” he said. “It is inevitable. If the situations regarding  Prodigal Son and others are true we should be readily forgive them and move  on.”