Ric Hassani: Gospel-to-Secular Music Switch More About Fulfilment Than Money

Nigerian singer Ric Hassani has weighed in on the ongoing conversation about gospel artists transitioning to secular music, stating that the shift is often driven by a deeper sense of purpose and fulfilment, rather than financial gain.

In a recent interview with Hip TV, the Thunder Fire You crooner revealed that although he started his career in the church, he eventually realized that gospel music was not his true calling.

“Gospel is beyond just singing,” Hassani explained. “You have to be blessed to interpret God’s word through music. Not everyone has that gift. For instance, Katy Perry can’t communicate God’s message through music the same way CeCe Winans does. CeCe is blessed for that. Whitney Houston had her own kind of blessing.”

He noted that while he still considers himself a devout Christian — even including at least one gospel track on each of his albums — his mission lies elsewhere. “I’m meant to impact the world in a different way. I can’t do what Frank Edwards or Mercy Chinwo are doing. If I go into church music now, I fit no bang. It’s not my thing.”

Hassani also pushed back against the popular notion that artists leave gospel music for secular fame because of money. “Creatives, even the most successful ones like Wizkid, Burna Boy, or Davido — who already has generational wealth — continue to make music because it fulfils something deeper. It’s not just about the money,” he said.

According to the singer, the real satisfaction comes from expressing ideas and turning them into music, a process that goes far beyond any financial reward.