The intersection of faith and finance has always been a topic that stirs emotions. In Nigeria’s vibrant religious and musical landscape, a heated conversation has reignited about whether gospel singers should charge fees for performances at church events. This debate escalated after Pastor Femi Lazarus criticized the practice, claiming that some gospel artistes prioritize money over ministry. This comment sparked a significant reaction from gospel singer Timi Dakolo, who defended the right of artistes to charge fees for their work.
Pastor Lazarus, in a viral video, lamented how commercialized gospel music has become, citing an example where a singer charged ₦5 million to minister. He emphasized that gospel artistes are also ministers of God and should rely on their faith rather than fees. This perspective resonated with some believers who see gospel music as a spiritual calling rather than a profession.
However, Timi Dakolo countered this view, highlighting the financial realities of being a gospel artiste. From studio production costs to promotion, not to mention personal responsibilities like rent and family expenses, Dakolo argued that gospel singers deserve to be compensated for their work. In his response, he called for fairness, urging critics to stop “gaslighting” gospel artistes and instead support their efforts to balance ministry and livelihood.
This debate touches on broader issues: the value of creativity, the balance between spiritual service and financial sustainability, and the expectations placed on gospel artistes. While some argue that ministry should be free, others believe that a worker, even in the vineyard of God, is worthy of their wages. The conversation has also highlighted a potential solution: churches could rely on their choirs for events if they cannot afford external artistes, as suggested by Dakolo.
As this discourse continues to trend, it sheds light on the evolving dynamics of faith, culture, and commerce in Nigeria. Ultimately, finding a balance between spiritual authenticity and economic reality is crucial for all stakeholders involved.
