Timi Dakolo Claps Back at Pastor Femi Lazarus Over Gospel Singers’ Fees

A recent statement by Pastor Femi Lazarus of Light Nation Church has reignited the debate on Nigerian gospel artistes charging fees for performances at churches and Christian events.

In a viral video, Pastor Lazarus criticized gospel singers who prioritize financial gain over ministry.

“It has become a performance; someone has come here to charge N5 million just to sing,” he said.

Timi Dakolo, a Nigerian R&B singer, has responded to Pastor Lazarus’ comments, defending gospel artistes’ right to earn a living from their craft.

“You should be paid what you deserve. Studio session, production and promotion cost a lot. You have a family to feed, you have rent to pay, you have more songs to put out. We should stop all these attack on people’s work, As much as it is spiritual, music is art,” Dakolo wrote.

He also condemned religious leaders who attempt to guilt-trip gospel artistes, emphasizing that they deserve a comfortable life.

Dakolo encouraged Lazarus to work on enhancing his church choir and to feature them in events if he was not in a position to pay for popular gospel singers.

“This gaslighting has to stop. If you can’t pay people, use your choir members and pay them what you would have given the guest artist,”Timi Dakolo said.