Are Ethiopian gospel songs still influential? Evangelical christianity in Ethiopia.

Christianity came to Ethiopia in the 4th century. After the then king, king Ezana, was converted to Christianity Coptic orthodox became the religion of the state. Religion and state were interrelated in most part of the country’s history that it was very difficult to introduce Catholicism and Protestantism in earlier times. Missionaries were subject to strong opposition from the leaders of the Coptic Church but things changed and the effort bear fruit. Now from the country’s 61% Christian population 10% are Protestants or better known by evangelical Christians and another 10% Catholics.

In the evangelical church circles contemporary gospel songs are the main ingredients of worship. It differs much from that of the Coptic Church songs that some say evangelical gospel songs are so modern in the music composition that it is difficult to distinguish it from any secular music in the entertainment industry. Currently evangelical gospel singers have gone for crisp VCD and DVD productions, obviously making money out of it, which offended some. It is not that they don’t have to make money from their spiritual services but it is rather the shift from the main focus, spreading the gospel, to speed up productions just to make money that is seen as a flaw.

Ethiopian evangelical churches’ worship programs goes in a sequence of, first a prayer to start the program, singing time for the whole congregation, gospel songs by choir or solo singer, time for offerings, preaching or teaching from the bible and a call to new believers followed by last prayer to end the program. Many unbelievers come to these churches just to listen to the songs. The music and the spirit filled worship leaders will just take you to the next level in spiritual ecstasy.

I can say music and singing is part of my life now. Ethiopian gospel songs have evolved through time and reached the level where even those who oppose the evangelical church teachings listen to the songs. VCD and DVD Productions are ever increasing and a lot of singers and producers have flourished which indicates there is a big demand out there to Ethiopian gospel songs.