Gospel star Terence Gurirab, popularly known as Brother Terence, or Br Terence, is celebrating 30 years in the music industry.
To mark the milestone, Br Terence has invited 19 of his colleagues in the gospel field to celebrate the occasion with him at the Multi-Purpose Hall at Swakopmund tomorrow night.
“We are planning a carnival affair at the Multi-Purpose Hall at Swakopmund on Saturday night. It has not been a smooth ride for me always in the music business,” Br Terence says.
“People who only hear the end product of my songs think it is easy to be a gospel singer in this country. We are a very marginalised group and it is not even easy to attract sponsorship in this country.”
Huge gospel artists like elder Lucky //Gaseb, Br Clerence, Br Moritz, and sisters Claretha, Tuti Tsuses, and Lentina will add their voices to the show tomorrow.
The singer says he sometimes cannot believe how he has managed to last three decades in the industry.
“Sometimes I ask myself how I have managed to stay relevant in this business. It is a blessing to be able to preach the gospel through song, but it is very demanding,” Br Terence says.
“Of course, there have been moments I have been doubting myself if I could continue but whenever I hit a moment of dispiritedness I go down on my knees and ask for guidance and strength from my Maker.”
Born at Uis, a small village in the Erongo region, Br Terence started to sing at the young age of seven.
Inspired by renowned gospel singers like the late pastor Jerro Tsamaseb and pastor Benjamin Dube of South Africa, Br Terence has so far released 20 albums of his own.
“I am mostly singing about God’s grace and His mercy in my songs. People think that when we look so nice standing on the stage and singing that it is all glamorous. It requires a lot of hard work to stay relevant,” he says.
“It’s not easy doing the same thing over and over again for such an extended period of time. I am one of the most listened to gospel artists, but the people don’t want to buy our music, they only want to copy for free.”
Br Terence, who had his first big gig in 2015, says he has no intention of quitting music no matter the challenges he faces in the industry.
“I receive the calling or gift from God to sing and praise his name. The fact that it is very difficult and challenging does not mean I must give up. I motivate myself to push on no matter how tough it is,” he says.
“Every time I release an album, I make sure that it is special and unique. My fans should always look forward to my new music, and I always make sure never to sound the same on my songs. So far, I am on the right path.”
Apart from doing music on a full-time basis, Br Terence runs a funeral undertaker business. He says it is impossible to make a living from music alone in Namibia.
The musician says the gospel field is ranked low in the country.
“The corporate world is not a willing partner,” he says.
“Life for a gospel artist in Namibia is not a bed of roses. Unless you work hard, make good music, and persevere, you will not make it. You are completely on your own with no sponsor.”
Despite being a popular musician, Br Terence says he does not have have any music awards to show off because he has never been nominated.
He adds that he has no regrets about being a musician or a gospel singer because he was chosen for the task.
Being one of the most listened to musicians in the country, Br Terence, who wrote a few songs for the Lutheran Hymn Book, decries the difficulties gospel artists go through.
The single father is one of the fortunate singers capable of writing and performing his songs.
While he maintains that Benjamin Dube remains his musical influence, Br Terence believes that Namibia has many talented artists, but without the support of the people and corporate Namibia the future remains bleak for Namibian artists.
“For our industry to grow we need all the stakeholders in the entertainment industry to join hands and collectively create awareness as to why it is important that our people proudly buy and support our artists,” he says. “Namibian musicians will only grow with the support of our people. Be proud of your artists and refrain from copying music. Buy the original stuff from the musicians. The government should take the lead in the war against piracy.”
Br Terence advises young musicians to never lose hope or harbour the thought of giving up.
“If it’s your calling, continue pushing because one day things will get better. Always stay humble if you are an upcoming artist, don’t praise yourself, and do what God has entrusted you to do,” the star says.
Early bird tickets for the Swakopmund show cost N$70, while it is N$100 at the gate. VIP tickets are N$500, and include entry to a gala dinner and the new album on a USB. Children’s tickets are available for N$50.
