Bassey, relishing his own blessings, urges clerics to support Gospel artistes

Gospel musician, Nathaniel Bassey, implored the clerics to support existing Gospel artistes and create the environment for the discovery of new ones.
Bassey traced his success to his sister, Mercy Fiderikumo, and mentors in the faith.
He disclosed how Fiderikumo travailed in prayer for a year on his behalf and how his Pastor, Eskor Mfon, bought him musical instruments and encouraged him to practise daily.
Bassey wrote an open letter on his Facebook page advising church leaders not to hinder the growth of Gospel musicians but to be their mentors and helpers.
He wrote: “Dear pastors, my dear and wonderful pastors, I celebrate you all. Please support and mentor your musicians ….
“By the grace of God, I’m here today because, in addition to other people’s support (especially my elder sister, Mercy Fiderikumo, who prayed with her friends for one full year after God revealed my path to them), and I had a pastor who believed in me.
“He believed in me so much he virtually forced me to practise daily. He bought musical instruments and materials for me to do so. Above all, he was a mentor and father, who didn’t just see me as an ‘instrumentalist’, but a minister in the making.
“He was a man sent from God to me. He later went to be with the Lord. Then God compensated me with another father, Pastor Ben Akabueze. His approach is different, nevertheless not less effective.
“God has used him to take me and my ministry to the very next level. He has since helped to bring out other gifts I never knew I had. I think one of my greatest blessings is to have men like this in my life. And I never take this for granted.
“I do not worship them, but I honour them. Now, there are many other Nathaniel Basseys out there. There are lots of diamonds, though in the rough. But it takes greatness to identify greatness.”
Bassey counselled Gospel artistes to appreciate whomever God has raised and will raise to help them, as despising them can mean despising God.