Veteran Ghanaian gospel musician Esther Smith has shared a deep reflection on her humble beginnings and offered strong advice to young artists who are now more focused on money than ministry.

Speaking on Accra FM’s Morning Show with Chief Jerry Forson, the award-winning singer recounted how her only passion in the early days was to sing and touch lives, not to chase fame or financial gain.

Esther Smith described one of her most emotional memories — hearing her first album being played at Kejetia market after closing from work.

“My mind was not on money. All I wanted was to sing. I remember when my first album came out, and they were playing it at Kejetia. I had closed from work, and I stood there watching.

I said to myself, So someone is actually listening to my song.”

According to her, God desires humble people, not those who show off or see ministry as a competition.

She reminded musicians that Jesus himself came as a humble servant, so anyone called by God must walk the same path.

“If God has called you, learn the Word. Be humble under the people who started before you, so they can show you the way. You may think your voice is sweet, but there are many things you haven’t learned.”

Esther Smith expressed concern about the quality of some modern gospel songs, noting that many lack a biblical foundation and spiritual depth.

“Some of the songs today don’t stand on anything. If you write a song, it must be grounded. When it reaches the heart of a person, it doesn’t fade — it holds them.”

She used her timeless hit “Nyame Wo Ho”, which is approaching 20 years old, as an example of music that endures because it is rooted in scripture.

The host asked whether the rising trend of prioritising money over ministry is affecting gospel music.

Esther Smith agreed, stressing that focusing solely on money weakens the spiritual essence of the craft.

She concluded with a message to young musicians:

“Those coming up must learn the Word well. Humility and spiritual grounding are what keep your music alive.”