Award-winning singer Timi Dakolo has responded to comments by Femi Lazarus, lead pastor of Light Nation Church in Abuja, on the commercialisation of gospel music.
In a widely shared social media video, Lazarus criticised the high fees some gospel musicians charge for church performances.
“Many worship meetings in Nigeria have become performances. Someone charged N5 million to sing here. You’d be shocked at how ruthlessly ministers demand payment,” the pastor said.
Reacting via Instagram, Dakolo defended gospel musicians, arguing they shouldn’t be expected to perform for free, especially when many choir members struggle financially.
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He also accused churches of underpaying local gospel artists while offering significantly higher fees to international acts.
“First off, I am not a gospel musician. I am a Christian who makes music. I spent years in the choir and saw it all—singing my heart out and trekking home,” Dakolo wrote.
“You invite foreign artists, pay them in dollars, fly in their entire crew, book them the best hotels, and cover their logistics. But when Nigerian gospel musicians demand fair pay, you start gaslighting.
“Many choir members can’t even afford decent meals, let alone choir uniforms. Yet churches build schools and charge fees their members can’t pay. Gospel musicians are not the problem.”
He also questioned why Nigerian churches undervalue local artists. “If you invite Don Moen, you wouldn’t dare offer him N5 million. But you want to underpay Nigerian artists? Why do we celebrate others but limit our own?
“Music and worship are spiritual, but they’re also an art. Chord progressions, harmony, synchronisation—it takes years of practice. That’s what you’re paying for. Value matters.
“The music ministry isn’t lesser than others. Even in churches, not everyone earns the same salary. If you paid choir members instead of splurging on guests, they would sing their hearts out,” Dakolo added.
Dakolo, known for his rich vocals and deeply emotive lyrics, has built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most talented artists. His hit songs include Iyawo Mi, a soulful love ballad; Great Nation, an anthem of hope and unity; Wish Me Well, a powerful ode to perseverance; and Everything (Amen), a song of gratitude and affirmation. His music blends soul, R&B, and inspirational themes, resonating with a broad audience.
