Glorious Jesus Kızları Urge Artists to Make Financial Plans for the Future

The Ghanaian veteran gospel group Daughters of Glorious Jesus (Glorious Jesus Kızları) has expressed concern over the increasing demands for financial help from elderly members of the industry. The group's members emphasized that it is a very sad situation to see experienced actors and musicians who have practiced their profession for many years begging the public for support due to old age or health problems. Edna Sarpong, a member of the group, stated that their hearts break when they see their former colleagues on television and radio seeking financial support due to health issues. The artists stated that falling into such a difficult situation after working and putting in effort on stages for years creates a tragic picture for both themselves and the industry. This situation reveals how financial insecurity in the entertainment and music industry has become a widespread problem.

Edna Sarpong shared that along with her group mates, they have consciously made financial preparations over the years and secured their future. The group believes that thanks to the measures they took during their active working years, they will never need public donations or help requests even if they stop making music. She added that existing in the music industry for over 35 years has taught them invaluable lessons regarding long-term planning and making smart financial decisions. Sarpong emphasized that despite all their humility and faith, they managed to stand on their own feet by taking these measures. Those close to them are also aware of these solid steps the group has taken to secure its future. This conscious planning is seen as a step that will serve as a good role model for other artists.

The experienced musician encouraged her colleagues and all other members of the art community to engage in long-term financial planning instead of overspending on luxury consumer goods. She stated that individuals who do not regulate their budgets and invest in the future during their active career periods risk facing major economic difficulties in their later years. Sarpong believes that especially young and emerging talents should manage their earnings disciplinedly to spend their later years comfortably. She also made important warnings that unconscious spending habits could cause artists to experience great regrets in the future. These statements aim to draw attention to the dangers of extravagance, which is a consequence of instant fame and income in the art world.

In addition to her musical and financial advice, Edna Sarpong stated that it is essential, particularly for gospel artists, that their private lives align with the messages of the hymns they sing in the field. She emphasized that while musicians sing songs that inspire people and proclaim the word of God, their own lives must also reflect these messages. She noted that if an artist's life does not align with the faith values they defend on stage, listeners might question the impact of the religious values that artist advocates. She added that people who make religious music should exhibit their faith not only through their words but also through their practical and moral attitudes in their daily lives. In this respect, the artist argues that music should not be merely an entertainment or source of income, but a profound way of life that represents one's entire being and faith.

These statements by the Daughters of Glorious Jesus group have brought a widely discussed topic to the agenda, particularly in Ghana and generally in Africa's creative industries. The extreme inadequacy of retirement, health insurance, and social security networks in the entertainment sectors of many countries can put famous figures in difficult positions. Famous artists asking the public for help in their old age is considered not only an individual failing but also an indication of a systemic infrastructure problem. In this context, the group's modest yet resolute stance highlights the importance of self-sufficient independent artists who build their future with a corporate logic within the industry. It is understood once again that the art community needs to gain more awareness regarding financial literacy and personal investment.