- Pastor Emmanuel Iren speaks on Tems emerging as the winner in the Gospel/Inspirational category at the BET Awards.
- In a recent interview, he categorically stated that the church has no right to complain about Tems’ win.
Pastor Emmanuel Iren, the founder of Celebration Church International shared his thoughts on the controversial win of secular artist Tems in the Gospel/Inspirational category at the BET Awards.
In a recent interview, he emphasized that the church has no right to complain, as some gospel singers distance themselves from the label, preferring to be called inspirational artists instead.
Pastor Iren noted that while some gospel singers may have popular sounds, they may not necessarily fit the category. He encouraged gospel singers not to worry about secular awards, suggesting that they could organize their own awards instead.
The pastor also addressed the trend of gospel singers collaborating with secular artists, stating that it blurs the lines between the two genres. He believes that those who collaborate with secular musicians should not complain when they are marginalized or categorized alongside them.
Watch the video below:
The BET Awards, held in Los Angeles on June 30, saw Tems win the Gospel/Inspirational category amidst other nominees like Cece Winans, Naomi Raine, Kirk Franklin, and Maverick City Music.
Pastor Iren’s statement undoubtedly sparked a conversation about the boundaries between gospel and secular music.
One @akiti99 wrote: “Any gospel artist who’s upset about a secular award show is not in he’s or her right senses. You should be focused on your impact and your service to the body of Christ not human validations 😒😒😒.”
delsublog200 wrote: “Why should Christians be worried about circular award?”
david_favrite wrote: “He didn’t say the church doesn’t have right he said the church shouldn’t be bothered.”
zendittech wrote: “The church should create their own award shows and focus on building it cause if not this will keep happening.”
thefoodnetworknig2 wrote: “If BET get fear of God, they need to separate the categories next year, cos how Nathaniel Bassey and Awilo Logomba go dey same category….”