Panam Percy Paul Rejects N7bn Offer To Reduce ‘Jesus’ in Songs
Gospel singer Dr. Panam Percy Paul has revealed that he turned down a ยฃ24 million (N7 billion) record deal in 1995 because it required him to reduce the mention of “Jesus” in his songs.
Speaking in an interview with Pastor Emmanuel Iren, Paul stated that the deal was for three years, but the record label requested that he substitute “Jesus” with alternative names like “Righteous One” or “Greatest Lover.”
“I was at the peak of my ministry and success in the industry when I was offered ยฃ24 million. The catch was, ‘Can you reduce the number of times you call the name Jesus in your songs?’ They even suggested other names. I was shocked. I told them, ‘You can keep the money, while I keep the name.'”
He lamented how the gospel music industry has become commercialised, with marketers and record labels dictating how gospel artists should sing.
“Today, music ministry has become music industry. The industry now dictates to ministers what to do, how to sing, and when to sing. For example, marketers in Alaba encouraged musicians to add tongues to their songs,” he added.
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.
