Songs produced in English not enough to go international – gospel singer Gina Idan

Ghanaian gospel musician Gina Idan, now based in the US, advises her fellow artists to prioritize English alongside their local dialects for broader international appeal.

Her comments follow a recent suggestion by award-winning Nigerian gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey, who urged Ghanaian musicians to embrace English in their music during a concert in Ghana.

“I understand appreciating your local Twi dialect,” Bassey acknowledged, “but there’s an anointing on you, and the world needs to hear your songs.”

Idan, who recently released her own English single, emphasizes the practical impact of this advice. “Those who misinterpret his point haven’t considered the broader context,” she explains. “Nathaniel, a globally renowned artist, owes some of his success to using English, or blending it with his local dialect.”

Beyond personal anecdotes, Idan cites statistics: English boasts over 1.4 billion speakers worldwide, according to Statista, offering musicians a significantly wider audience compared to local dialects. While acknowledging the international success of some African songs in local languages, she underscores the power of English’s cultural and geographical reach.

“We’re seeing more and more musicians translating their local-dialect songs into English for music videos,” Idan observes. “This recognizes the far-reaching impact English offers, attracting and influencing people beyond local settings.”

However, Idan warns against relying solely on English. “Quality music and good promotion are still crucial,” she stresses. “Singing in English won’t guarantee global success without those fundamentals.”

Idan, currently promoting her single “Wo So” (meaning “You’re Great”), hosts the annual Thanksgiving Worship concert in Georgia, USA. Produced by the talented Ghanaian sound engineer Morris Babyface, “Wo So” features an upbeat reggae rhythm praising God’s supremacy. The song is available on all major digital platforms.