Renowned gospel singer, Timi Dakolo, has fired back at Pastor Femi Lazarus after the cleric criticized gospel artists for requesting payment to perform in churches.
Pastor Lazarus, founder of Light Nation Church, sparked the debate when he lamented that worship gatherings in Nigeria had turned into mere performances.
He alleged that some gospel musicians charge up to N5 million to minister in churches.
The controversy gained momentum when a Christian influencer on X shared an invoice purportedly from a gospel singer to a church.
The document detailed a $10,000 honorarium, a non-refundable $5,000 deposit, hotel accommodations, and flight arrangements for a 40-member team, among other requests.
Responding to the criticism, Dakolo, who has been vocal in defending gospel musicians, addressed Pastor Lazarus directly on social media.
“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,” he wrote.
“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.”
Previously, Dakolo had criticized Lazarus’ stance, stating, “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 further highlighted the financial investments churches make in infrastructure and events while expecting musicians to offer their services for free.
“If you can’t pay people, use your choir members and pay them what you would have given the guest artist,” he suggested. “Gospel ministers want good things too; they are not beggars.”
Dakolo also condemned the practice of shaming gospel artists for charging fees, stressing, “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 to stir mixed reactions among religious and entertainment circles.
