Timi Dakolo has responded to comments made by Femi Lazarus, lead pastor of Light Nation Church in Abuja, regarding the commercialization of gospel music.
Lazarus had criticized gospel musicians for charging high fees to perform in church, with some allegedly charging up to N5 million.
The clergyman said “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.”
Dakolo, who describes himself as a Christian who does music rather than a gospel musician, argued that musicians should not be expected to perform for free.
He noted that many choir members struggle financially and are often underpaid by churches.
Dakolo said “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.
“Everybody tasking each other to go home. Yet, you people invite foreign artistes] and pay them in dollars and fly them and their whole crew down.
“Now that the people have learnt 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 the ones 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.”
