Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has responded to Pastor Femi Lazarus after the cleric criticized gospel artists for charging fees to perform in churches.
The controversy started when Pastor Lazarus, the founder of Light Nation Church, expressed concern that worship meetings in Nigeria had turned into performances. He claimed that some gospel artists demand as much as N5 million to minister in churches.
The debate intensified after a Christian influencer on X shared an invoice allegedly sent by a gospel singer to a church. The invoice listed a $10,000 honorarium, with a $5,000 non-refundable deposit, hotel accommodation, and flight tickets for 40 staff members, among other conditions.
Dakolo, who has faced criticism for defending gospel singers, took to social media again to address Pastor Lazarus.
He wrote: “All this was said in love and with respect, sir. I am not a gospel artist but a Christian raised in church. Let’s not shift the goal post. By your definition, if anyone charges to minister, they are not gospel artists, they are performers. And by that definition, if any preacher charges to teach and minister, they are merchants of hope and motivational speakers and performers too. Sir, you are charging as low as $150 per person for your school of ministry, teaching and preaching Jesus, probably having as much as 1,000 students. Let’s do the maths. You even have premium and standard for God’s house. Are you not selling the gift and revelation freely given to you? Again, let’s not keep shifting the goal post.”
Dakolo had earlier criticized Pastor Lazarus, saying: “My dear Christians, a quote can sound intelligent and deep yet untrue. Just like everyone else, you deserve the very best things in life. You should be paid what you deserve. Studio sessions, production, and promotion cost a lot. You have a family to feed, rent to pay, and more songs to put out.”
He also pointed out that churches invest heavily in building projects and event promotions but expect musicians to work for free.
“If you can’t pay people, use your choir members and pay them what you would have given the guest artist,” he added. “Gospel ministers want good things too; they are not beggars.”
Dakolo further criticized those who shame gospel artists for charging fees, saying: “This gaslighting has to stop. It takes at least 10 years and countless hours to become an elite musician. Develop your musicians and singers in your church and pay them well.”
The debate continues, with many Nigerians expressing different views on whether gospel artists should charge for ministering in churches.
