Ghanaian gospel musician Gifty Adorye, popularly known as Empress Gifty, has hit back at social media users who criticised her after a video of her dancing during a church service at the UPSA Auditorium went viral.

The singer, who appeared unbothered by the criticism, questioned why people who were absent during the difficult stages of her life were now attempting to dictate how she should express herself in church.

“When I was selling cassava at Site 1 and Site 2, where were you? Now that God has blessed me, you are here trying to tell me how to behave in church. This should be your first and last time telling me how I should behave in church. Aren’t you even ashamed of yourselves? I was in the house of God, not at a nightclub or a funeral ground. May God forgive you people, but be careful so that His wrath does not come upon you. Be mindful of how you speak about me, or the spirit around me may turn against you, especially on Sundays,” she said.

Empress Gifty further revealed that her journey to success was marked by severe hardship, including periods when she had nowhere to sleep and had to spend nights in churches.

“I know where I came from, even now that I am a CEO. Sometimes, when I drive home and get to my house, I ask myself if I am really the same person. Where were you when I was sleeping in churches? You will never understand the grace upon my life. Just because there is a pastor present, I should not dance? If that is your problem, then don’t dance when you go to church,” she added.

The gospel star maintained that her energetic expression of worship should not be interpreted outside the context of her faith. Her response has since reignited debate online over appropriate behaviour during church services and whether gospel musicians should be subjected to different standards when expressing their worship.

Watch the video here:

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Source: Yvonne Nyarko Agyemang