Renowned Christian musician and pastor, Dudu Manhenga addressed common misconceptions surrounding Christian and secular music during an insightful episode on ImeTheFinest podcast.
In an interview, Pastor Dudu Manhenga clarified that the style or genre of a song does not determine its spiritual value, but rather the message it conveys. “It’s not about the instrumental, it’s about the content. You can sing about Jesus on a reggae rhythm, and it will still be a Christian song” she said.
Music genres such as reggae, salsa, or country are simply stylistic categories and should not be used as the basis to judge whether a song is Christian or secular.
In Zimbabwe if a song has salsa or country styles it will be considered gospel with the majority.
Christian music is not limited to genres; you can sing it on a Reggae rhythm or mbira instrumental as long as it glorifies God and upholds Christian values.
She also offered a spiritual guideline for believers looking for music to listen to. “Christians must avoid listening to music that contaminates their spirit” she said
Music that contaminates our spirits, is the music which contains bad content such as dirty lyrics, immoral agenda and other things which are wrong in a Christian life.
Christians must focus on the message behind the music, rather than judging songs based solely on their rhythm or style.