Africa-Press – Gambia. Francis Lans is reshaping gospel music in The Gambia by combining faith, youthful style, and distinct Gambian rhythms to reach a new generation.
For Lans, music is more than performance; it is testimony, reflecting his spiritual journey and connecting with listeners through authentic experiences.
Before entering the national spotlight, Lans was a high school student who rapped for fun. Music began as a casual hobby with friends, but in 2016, he and his group, The Light, started producing songs inspired by their experiences as young Christians. At the time, it was largely experimental.
Lans gained national attention in 2019 with the release of the single “Blessings Rain”, which went viral unexpectedly. The success marked his transition from informal performances to recognition as a leading gospel artist in the country. Despite his rising profile, he maintains that music must reflect his personal faith and lived experience.
“I can’t sing about drugs or things I haven’t lived,” Lans said. “Once you become a believer, your identity revolves around Christ. Every experience you have, God has a perspective on it.” Tracks such as “Captain Give Me Order” are rooted in worship and personal encounters rather than commercial strategy.
Lans also challenges traditional expectations of gospel artists, rejecting the idea that Christian musicians must adhere to a specific dress code or image. “Christians can dress well. We can trend. We are part of the world, just here for a different purpose,” he said. His music and fashion aim to engage young audiences by blending culture, style, and faith.
Despite his growing popularity, Lans prioritizes spiritual authenticity over commercial success. He is among the most streamed Gambian gospel artists on Spotify, creating a distinctive Afro Gospel sound that reflects the country’s rhythm and spirit.
As he prepares for Big Motion 2.0, marking a decade of ministry through music, Lans expressed optimism for the country’s gospel scene, envisioning greater unity and worship among young believers.
“Music is part of God’s plan for this country,” he said. “Fans should expect impactful songs of praise in the coming year.”
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