Nigerian singer, Timi Dakolo speaks out after Pastor Femi Lazarus criticized gospel artistes for charging high fees to perform in churches.
In a video, Pastor Lazarus, who leads Light Nation Church in Abuja, said many worship events in Nigeria have turned into performances. He claimed some gospel singers charge as much as N5 million to sing at church programs.
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“You will be amazed at the ruthlessness at which ministers charge,” the pastor said.
Reacting on Instagram, Dakolo disagreed, saying musicians should not be expected to sing for free, especially when many choir members struggle financially.
He pointed out that churches often pay international artistes huge fees but undervalue Nigerian gospel singers.
“First off, I am not a gospel musician. I am a Christian that does music. I have been in choir for years, seen it all. Singing your heart out and trekking home,” he wrote.
He also said many choir members can barely afford food or even their uniforms, yet churches spend heavily on bringing foreign artistes.
“If you invite Don Moen, you can’t even think of giving him N5 million. We like to undervalue our own,” he added.
Dakolo stressed that gospel musicians deserve to be paid for their craft, just like other professionals in the church.
“As much as music and worship is spiritual, it is art too. The chord progression, harmony, and sweet melody took years of practice to learn. That is what you are paying for. Value,” he wrote.
He concluded by saying that if churches invested more in their choir members instead of guest artistes, the music in church would be even better.
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