Gospel Ministers Are Not Beggars – Timi Dakolo Replies Apostle Lazarus on Performance Fees
Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has reacted to comments made by Apostle Femi Lazarus, who criticised gospel artists for demanding payment to perform at church events.
The pastor had questioned the commercialisation of ministry, citing an instance where a gospel singer requested ₦5 million to sing at his church.
His remarks stirred debates within the Christian and gospel music community.
In response, Dakolo defended gospel musicians, emphasising the financial investments involved in their work.
He argued that, beyond the spiritual aspect, music is a profession that requires compensation.
“My dear Christians, a quote/conversation can sound intelligent and deep yet untrue. Just like everyone else. You deserve the very best things life has to offer. You should be paid what you deserve. Studio session, production and promotion cost a lot.
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“You have a family to feed, you have rent to pay. You have more songs to put out. We should stop all these attacks on people’s work. As much as it is spiritual, music is an art. If you can’t pay people, use your choir members and pay the amount you could have given the guest artist. I doubt the second part.”
He also pointed out that churches allocate significant funds for infrastructure, event promotions, and pastoral engagements, yet expect musicians to perform for free.
“This gaslighting has to stop. Gospel ministers want good things too, they are not beggars. The best of architects are called upon to build big churches, large sums of money are disbursed for promoting big programs and all. No one should diminish another person’s ministry. Ministry needs music, and music needs ministry.
“It takes at least 10 years and chains of hours to be an elite musician. Develop your musicians and singers in your church and pay them well. Leave all these belittling alone. None of these people saying these will fly economy and travel alone to save money for the ministry that invites them to preach. All this was said in love.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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