Gospel Legend Marvin Sapp Reacts to Maverick City Music Exec’s Remarks on the Genre
Marvin Sapp Responds to Maverick City Music’s Norman Gyamfi Over Gospel Music Criticism
Legendary gospel artist Marvin Sapp has responded to recent comments made by Norman Gyamfi, co-founder of Maverick City Music, who criticized the gospel music industry for being slow to adapt to the digital era.
Gyamfi argued that traditional gospel music is struggling to connect with today’s generation of Black Christian youth, citing outdated methods and a lack of digital innovation. He pointed to Maverick City Music’s massive success—multiple No. 1 Billboard albums and five Grammy Awards—as evidence that the genre needs to evolve.
“The gospel norms weren’t working anymore. Y’all sing too hard, y’all over sing,” Gyamfi said.
“Nobody wants to hear runs. People say we want choir music, but choir music would’ve never died if people really wanted to listen to it.”
In response, Marvin Sapp acknowledged the truth in Gyamfi’s observations about traditional gatekeeping and slow digital adoption but emphasized the importance of honoring gospel music’s roots while innovating.
“Norman raised valid concerns about how slowly the gospel industry has embraced the digital age. He called out outdated infrastructures, traditional gatekeeping, and the need to prioritize data, streaming, and digital innovation,” Sapp shared.
“But here’s where I offer a perspective rooted in both personal success and historical context. I’ve been a gospel artist for nearly four decades. I’ve witnessed and contributed to every major shift in our genre—from vinyl to cassette, from CDs to streaming.”
Sapp, known for his iconic hit “Never Would Have Made It,” continued:
“By the grace of God, I’ve experienced billions of streams on platforms that didn’t even exist when I released my first album. But let me be clear—I didn’t get here by rejecting tradition. I got here by respecting it, learning from it, and evolving beyond it without erasing it.”
Sapp’s thoughtful response highlights the balance between innovation and legacy, offering a perspective that bridges generational gaps in gospel music.
