Timi Dakolo, the singer, has reacted to comments by Femi Lazarus, lead pastor of Light Nation Church in Abuja, regarding the commercialisation of gospel music.
In a video circulating on social media, Lazarus criticised
the high fees some gospel musicians charge to perform in church.
“Many of the worship meetings in Nigeria have become
performances. Somebody has charged N5 million to come here to sing. You will be
amazed at the ruthlessness at which ministers charge,” the clergyman said.
Reacting via Instagram, Dakolo argued that musicians should
not be expected to perform for free, adding that many choir members struggle
financially.
The singer also called out churches for “underpaying” gospel
artistes but are “willing to pay international acts much more”.
“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 and trekking home,” Dakolo said.
“Everybody tasking each other to go home. Yet you people
invite foreign artiste and pay them in dollars and fly them and their whole
crew down. Best hotels and logistics.
“Now that the people have learn and understood their value,
gaslighting has started. Many choir members struggle to feed and have a decent
place to sleep. Many can’t afford choir uniforms.
“Gospel musicians are definitely not the problem. They are
not one’s building schools and charging fees their members can’t pay.
“If you invite Don Moen, you can’t even think of giving him
N5 million. We like to undervalue our own. Treat them small. What’s with the
mentality of fly but not so high? You people should stop.
“As much as music and worship is spiritual. It is art too, the
chord progression, the synchronization, harmony and sweet melody is art. Took
years of practice to learn and that is what you are paying for. Value.
“The music ministry is not a lesser ministry than another.
Value people and their craft, even inside church no be everybody dey collect
the same salary. If you divide money for choir members instead of guest, dem go
sing their heart out.”